Generic name: flutamide (oral) [ FLOO-ta-mide ]
Brand name: Eulexin
Dosage form: oral capsule (125 mg)
Drug classes: Antiandrogens, Hormones / antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 14, 2024.

What is flutamide?

Flutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen (testosterone blocker) medicine.

Flutamide capsules are used to treat prostate cancer.

Flutamide is given in combination with another medicine called a luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. LHRH helps prevent the testicles from producing testosterone.

Warnings

Flutamide can cause serious liver problems. Call your doctor at once if you have upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use flutamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have severe liver problems.

Flutamide should never be taken by a woman or a child.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• hemoglobin M disease;

• if you smoke; or

• if you also take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

Although flutamide is not for use by women, this medicine can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

How should I take flutamide?

Take flutamide capsules exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Flutamide is usually taken every 8 hours.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Drink plenty of liquids. Your doctor may recommend a special diet to help prevent diarrhea.

You will need frequent medical tests.

It is recommended you get blood tests: before starting treatment with flutamide, every month for the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically after the first 4 months.

Call your doctor if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea. Your doctor may recommend an anti-diarrhea medicine.

You should not stop using flutamide suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

250 mg orally every 8 hours

Comments:
-This drug may be taken with or without food.
-Stage B2-C Prostatic Carcinoma: Treatment with this drug and the goserelin acetate implant starting 8 weeks prior to initiating radiation therapy and continue during radiation therapy.
-Stage D2 Metastatic Carcinoma: This drug should be initiated with the LHRH-agonist and continued until progression.

Use: Locally confined Stage B2-C and Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your LHRH injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking flutamide?

To help prevent diarrhea, avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Do not use laxatives while taking flutamide.

Flutamide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to flutamide: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Flutamide can cause serious liver problems. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• itching, tiredness, flu-like symptoms;

• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common flutamide side effects may include:

• breast swelling or tenderness;

• hot flashes;

• vomiting, nausea, diarrhea; or

• impotence, loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may interact with flutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use flutamide only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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