Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite that resembles pyrimidine to suppress the synthesis of DNA and thus cell growth. Therefore, it can be used in the treatment of colorectal, pancreatic, gastric and breast cancer and actinic keratoses.
Fluorouracil is to be injected into the veins or combined with 10% Salicylic acid and used on skin. For the dose of the intravenous injection, your body surface area will be estimated by the physician to calculate the appropriate dose. Fluorouracil is usually accompanied by the use of Leucovorin to reduce side effects.
Breast cancer
Adult and elderly
CEF or FEC regimen: Inject 500 mg/m2 into the veins on days 1 and 8 every 28 days in combination with Cyclophosphamide and Epirubicin for 6 cycles.
CMF regimen: Inject 600 mg/m2 into the veins on days 1 and 8 every 28 days in combination with Cyclophosphamide and Epirubicin for 6 cycles.
Colorectal cancer
Adult and elderly
Inject 400 mg/m2 as intravenous bolus on day 1, followed by 2400-3000 mg/m2 over 46 hours as a continuous infusion every 2 weeks in combination with Leucovorin and a possible addition of either Oxaliplatin or Irinotecan.
Gastric cancer
Adult and elderly
Inject 200-1000 mg/m2 into the veins daily as a continuous infusion over 24 hours as part of a platinum-containing regimen. The duration and frequency of each cycle varies based on the dose and regimen.
Potentially curable pancreatic cancer
Adult and elderly
mFOLFIRINOX regimen: Inject 2400 mg/m2 into the veins as a continuous infusion over 46 hours every 14 days in combination with Leucovorin, Irinotecan, and Oxaliplatin for 24 weeks.
Advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer
Adult and elderly
FOLFIRINOX regimen: Inject 400 mg/m2 as intravenous bolus on day 1, followed by 2400 mg/m2 as a continuous infusion over 46 hours every 14 days in combination with Leucovorin, Irinotecan, and Oxaliplatin until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs for a recommended 12 cycles.
OFF regimen: Inject 2000 mg/m2 into the veins daily as continuous infusion over 24 hours on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 every 6 weeks in combination with Oxaliplatin and Leucovorin until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis
Adult and elderly
Apply once daily until lesions have cleared or a maximum duration of 12 weeks.
Common side effects of Fluorouracil include, but not limited to, angina pectoris, cerebellar syndrome, hair loss, agranulocytosis, excessive tear and an increased risk of infection.
For topical Fluorouracil:
For intravenous Fluorouracil:
Common dosing schedule:
Fluorouracil injections are prescribed in institutions by the physicians.
Topical Fluorouracil is to be applied daily, preferably after shower at night.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Fluorouracil may interact with:
Fluorouracil may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Fluorouracil is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Fluorouracil in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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