Adrucil IV

In Depth

Generic Name: FLUOROURACIL - INJECTION
Pronounced: (flewr-oh-YOUR-uh-sill)

Adrucil IV Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry/itchy skin, skin darkening, and sun sensitivity/sunburn may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Mild diarrhea is also a common side effect. However, diarrhea can infrequently become persistent or severe, causing very serious problems due to a loss of too much body water (dehydration). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent/severe diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.

Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Hand and foot problems sometimes occur with fluorouracil use. You can prevent or reduce these problems by protecting your hands and feet from a great deal of heat or pressure. For example, avoid taking hot baths/showers, handwashing dishes with hot water, taking long walks, and rubbing your hands/feet. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop the following symptoms on your hands/feet: redness, peeling skin, blisters, pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling. If you develop these symptoms, consult your doctor for treatment options (e.g., reducing your dose or stopping fluorouracil therapy, applying ice packs to the hands/feet).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: