Description

Compound Fluorouracil Oral Solution

Fluorouracil (also written as 5-FU) is a chemotherapy medicine widely used in the treatment of several types of cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs called antimetabolites, which interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis, thereby stopping cancer cells from growing and dividing.

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How Fluorouracil Works

Fluorouracil mimics a natural substance in the body called uracil, which is used to build RNA. When cancer cells absorb fluorouracil instead of uracil:

• It disrupts DNA synthesis
• It blocks RNA production
• It prevents cells from multiplying

Because cancer cells divide faster than normal cells, they are more affected by this drug.

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Medical Uses

Fluorouracil is used to treat many cancers, including:

• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Stomach (gastric) cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Skin cancer (topical form)

It can be given in different forms:

• Intravenous (IV) injection for internal cancers
• Topical cream for skin conditions like actinic keratosis and some skin cancers

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Side Effects

Because it also affects healthy fast-growing cells, fluorouracil can cause side effects such as:

Common effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Mouth sores (stomatitis)
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

Blood-related effects:

• Lower white blood cells (increased infection risk)
• Anemia
• Low platelets (bleeding risk)

Skin (topical use):

• Redness, burning, peeling of treated skin

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Important Safety Information

• Some people have a genetic condition (DPD deficiency) that makes fluorouracil very toxic for them.
• Regular blood tests are needed during treatment.
• It must be used only under strict medical supervision.

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Summary

Fluorouracil is a powerful chemotherapy drug that works by blocking cancer cell growth. It is effective against several cancers but requires careful monitoring due to its strong effects on both cancer and healthy cells.

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