Flurotor 25 mg/ml (IV Injection or Infusion)

Indications

• Indicated for carcinoma of the colon or rectum
• Indicated for carcinoma of the stomach and exocrine pancreas
• Indicated for carcinoma of the liver
• Indicated for carcinoma of the breast
• Indicated for carcinoma of the bladder
• Indicated for carcinoma of the lung
• Indicated for epithelial ovarian carcinoma
• Indicated for cervical carcinoma

Pharmacology

• Works by inhibiting the enzyme thymidylate kinase
• Forms a stable complex with the folate cofactor N-5, 10-methylene tetrahydrofolate
• Inactive as such in mammalian cells but is converted into the active 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP)

Dosage & Administration

• Intravenous delivery by rapid bolus injection or slow infusion
• Dosage of 12-13.5 mg/Kg (500 mg/m2) daily for 5 days at 4-weekly intervals
• Slow intravenous infusion requires the drug to be diluted in 500 ml of dextrose 5% solution
• Dosage for palliative management of cancer
• Dosage for poor risk patients and those who are not in an adequate nutritional state
• Maintenance therapy dosage
• Usual adult dose for cervical cancer
• Usual pediatric dose for malignant disease
• Intra-arterial infusion dosage
• Combination with radiation dosage
• Combination with other anticancer drugs dosage

Interaction

• Pre-treatment with cimetidine led to increased plasma concentrations
• Increased plasma concentrations following intravenous and oral administration

Contraindications

• Contraindicated in severely debilitated patients
• Contraindicated in patients with bone marrow suppression
• Contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Avoided in patients without malignant illnesses

Side Effects

• Potentially life-threatening effects
• Cardiac effects
• Hematological effects
• Neurological effects
• Allergic reactions
• Decreased bone marrow function and blood problems
• Hand-foot syndrome
• Severe vomiting and diarrhea
• Balance problems and confusion
• Rash and itching
• Temporary hair loss
• Conjunctivitis
• Ectropion following prolonged administration

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Contraindicated throughout pregnancy
• Teratogenic in the first trimester
• Mothers should not nurse while receiving this drug

Precautions & Warnings

• Highly toxic drug with a narrow margin of safety
• Therapeutic response unlikely to occur without evidence of toxicity
• Daily dose should not exceed 1 gram
• Treatment should be discontinued promptly when signs of toxicity appear

Use in Special Populations

• No dosage recommendations are made for neonates
• Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established
• No special precautions required for the elderly

Overdose Effects

• No specific antidote to toxicity
• Treatment consists of supportive care

Reconstitution

• Caution should be exercised in handling
• Preparation requires a room reserved for this purpose
• Special trained personnel should reconstitute the drug
• Prohibited activities in the reconstitution room
• Handling staff must have appropriate equipment
• Skin and mucous membrane contact precautions
• Pregnant women must avoid handling cytotoxic agents
• Contaminated waste disposal

Storage Conditions

• Store in original carton not exceeding 25℃
• Do not refrigerate
• Protect from light

Related Brands

• R-FU 25 mg/ml (IV Injection or Infusion) - renata-limited