flutamide
flutamide
Pronunciation:
FLUTE-am-eyed
Other Name(s):
Appearance:
This handout gives general information about this cancer medication.
You will learn:
-
who to contact for help
-
what the medication is
-
how it is given
-
what to expect while on medication
This handout was created by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) together with patients and their caregivers who have also gone through cancer treatment. It is meant to help support you through your cancer treatment and answer some of your questions.
This information does not replace the advice of your health care team. Always talk to your health care team about your treatment.
My cancer health care provider is: _____________________________________________
During the day I should contact: _______________________________________________
Evenings, weekends and holidays: _____________________________________________
This page gives general information about this cancer medication.
You will learn:
-
who to contact for help
-
what the medication is
-
how it is given
-
what to expect while on this medication
This information was created by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) together with patients and their caregivers who have also gone through cancer treatment. It is meant to help support you through your cancer treatment and answer some of your questions.
This information does not replace the advice of your health care team. Always talk to your health care team about your treatment.
- For treating prostate cancer, usually used with another family of drugs that reduce testosterone production
-
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have/had significant medical condition(s), especially if you have / had liver or heart problems (including irregular heartbeat), diabetes, bone loss/osteoporosis or any allergies.
-
This drug contains a small amount of lactose. If you cannot tolerate lactose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
-
People who have cancer or leukemia are at a higher risk of developing other cancers/leukemias (usually some years later) or blood clots. Some cancer medications may increase these risks, especially if used for a prolonged period of time. You should discuss any concerns with your doctor.
-
This medication is usually taken three times a day (every 8 hours) by mouth.
-
Take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Make sure you understand the instructions.
-
Take the dose at about the same time(s) each day.
-
Swallow whole with a glass of water, with or without food.
-
If a dose is missed, skip this and take the next dose as scheduled. Never double the dose to make up for the missed one.
-
Drinking alcohol while taking flutamide may produce excessive facial flushing. Avoid drinking alcohol if this becomes bothersome.
This medication can interact with other medications and can result in the treatment not working as well or cause severe side effects.
Make sure your health care team knows about all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbals and supplements). Check with your health care team before starting or stopping any of them.
-
Flutamide is only used to treat prostate cancer.
-
In the laboratory, this drug may harm or affect the embryos/offspring of animals exposed to it.
-
While this may not be directly applicable to you, if there is ANY chance that your partner may become pregnant, you and your partner together must: ► Use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time while taking this drug: Keep using birth control until at least 6 months (general recommendation) after the last dose. Discuss with your healthcare team.
-
Effects on Fertility: Probable
Keep this medication in the original packaging at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and light. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.
Do not throw out any unused medications at home. Bring them to your pharmacy to be thrown away safely.
The following side effects are common or severe. You may not have all of the side effects listed, while others not on this list may also occur. Discuss with your doctor if you have any unusual or bothersome symptoms.
| Most Common Side Effects | |
| Side effects and what to do | When to contact health care team |
|
Diarrhea
|
Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe |
|
Increased sweating, feelings of warmth (hot flashes)
Other symptoms of having low testosterone levels
|
Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe |
|
Nausea and vomiting (generally mild)
|
Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe |
| Less Common Side Effects, but may be Severe | |
| Side effects and what to do | When to contact health care team |
|
Abnormal liver lab tests
|
Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe |
|
Blockage of an artery (blood vessel) in your heart, brain, chest, belly, or limbs; this may result in stroke (sudden loss of vision, speech, or the use of your limb(s)) or heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath), or pain in chest, belly or limb Blood clot (limb pain or swelling, hardened vein in limb), may occur in lungs (sudden start of coughing, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood) |
Get emergency medical help right away |
|
Lupus-like syndrome (an immune disorder with skin rash, may also affect joints (swelling/tenderness) and other organs such as kidneys |
Contact your health care team as soon as possible (office hours) |
|
Heart problems |
Get emergency medical help right away |
|
Rapid breakdown of red blood cells |
Get emergency medical help right away |
|
Bone pain; Bone loss |
Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe |
|
Lung problems |
Get emergency medical help right away |
|
Severe rash, may occur on the body/limbs with blistering or peeling of skin |
Get emergency medical help right away |
For more information on how to manage your symptoms ask your health care provider, or visit: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/symptoms.
August 2025 Updated/revised information sheet
The information set out in the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets, and symptom management information (for patients) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended to be used by health professionals and patients for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or side effects of a certain drug, nor should it be used to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition.
A patient should always consult a healthcare provider if he/she has any questions regarding the information set out in the Formulary. The information in the Formulary is not intended to act as or replace medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.