TEGAFUR,URACIL
Background and Date of Approval
Tegafur + Uracil is an anticancer medication belonging to the class of pyrimidine analogues. It is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Uses
Tegafur + uracil is used to treat colon and rectal cancer.
How is it administered?
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Take the Tegafur + Uracil as prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Take the capsules with or without food at the same time each day.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Tegafur + Uracil are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, risk of infection, fever, bruising and bleeding, anemia, and changes in skin and nails. Other serious side effects are facial and body swelling, severe skin rashes, severe diarrhea, and liver injury.
Warnings
This medicine may increase your risk of developing a blood clot. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling in a leg or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious, so itâs important to tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Avoid getting pregnant and breastfeeding during the treatment with this medicine.
Precautions
Do not take Tegafur + Uracil if you are allergic to Tegafur + Uracil or any other ingredients of this medicine. Inform your healthcare professional if you have liver diseases, kidney disorders, or other noncancerous conditions before initiating the treatment. This medicine may reduce fertility in men and women; discuss this with your doctor before starting the therapy. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with the effects of Tegafur + uracil and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
Word of Advice
Store at temperatures not exceeding 25°C. Keep the capsule away from the reach of children and pets. If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Tegafur + Uracil. Your doctor will perform regular blood tests during treatment to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the therapy. Your heart and lung function will also be checked regularly. This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury.
References
Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1695-1697. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 864. Bristol-Myers Squibb (Pty) Ltd, Published on 2001; Accessed on 05/05/2023; http://www.thethaicancer.com/PDF/Drug/Drug_information/CMT/UFT.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tegafur + Uracil cause hair loss?
Hair loss is a less common side effect of Tegafur + Uracil. Hair loss can happen due to the cancer itself. Consult your doctor if you have excessive hair loss.
How long does it take Tegafur + Uracil to work?
Tegafur + Uracil is a long-term treatment. Most people who benefit from this treatment will notice an improvement in the first 12 weeks of starting treatment.
What will happen if I stop taking Tegafur + Uracil suddenly?
Stopping your treatment suddenly may cause your condition to become worse. Do not stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor.
Is it safe to give Tegafur + Uracil to patients with kidney problems?
There is limited information available on the use of Tegafur + Uracil in patients with kidney problems. Inform your physician if you have any kidney diseases before initating the treatment.
Can Tegafur + Uracil cause fertility problems?
Treatment with Tegafur + Uracil may cause fertility issues in men and women. Discussing fertility issues with your doctor before starting the treatment is important.