Flutamide

What is Flutamide?

Flutamide is a prescription medicine used to treat prostate cancer. It belongs to a drug class called nonsteroidal antiandrogens, a type of hormone (endocrine) therapy. It was first sold under the brand name Eulexin, and generic versions have been available. Flutamide is an older medicine, and newer options are now more commonly used, so availability may vary.

Approved uses: In the United States, flutamide is approved for use together with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist (a medicine that lowers testosterone, such as leuprolide) for:

• Locally confined prostate cancer (Stage B2 to C): Used together with radiation therapy and an LHRH agonist
• Metastatic prostate cancer (Stage D2): Used together with an LHRH agonist to treat cancer that has spread

Formulation and strength: Flutamide is taken by mouth as a 125 mg capsule. Other uses should be discussed only with your oncologist.

What is the Recommended Dosage of Flutamide?

Your dose is set by your oncologist and should always follow their instructions and your pharmacy label. Flutamide capsules are taken by mouth several times a day, evenly spaced, with the dose and timing given by your specialist. Your care team will tell you exactly how many capsules to take and when.

Your care team may adjust the dose or schedule based on:

• Your condition and tolerance: Treatment may be stopped if side effects occur, especially liver problems.
• Liver function: Liver blood tests guide whether treatment can continue.
• Other medicines: Some drugs, such as blood thinners, may need closer monitoring.
• Overall health: Age and other conditions can matter.

Flutamide is taken together with an LHRH agonist, which is usually a separate injection or implant given on a set schedule. Do not stop either medicine without talking to your care team. Do not change, skip, or stop doses on your own.

How Flutamide Works

Prostate cancer cells often depend on male hormones called androgens, such as testosterone, to grow. Androgens attach to proteins called androgen receptors on the cancer cells and signal them to multiply.

Flutamide blocks these receptors so that androgens cannot attach as easily. An LHRH agonist lowers the amount of testosterone made by the body. Using the two together reduces androgen signals in two ways. Flutamide is used to control the disease and is not considered a cure. Regular exams, blood tests (including PSA), and imaging help your care team see how treatment is working.

Is a Prescription Required to Buy Flutamide Online?

Yes. Flutamide is prescription-only. It should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed medical oncologist (a cancer specialist) or a urologist (a specialist in the urinary tract and male reproductive system).

• Buy only from a licensed pharmacy that requires a valid prescription.
• Counterfeit or substandard medicines exist. Be cautious of websites that sell without a prescription or ship from unclear sources.
• Check that the capsules match what your pharmacist describes, and ask your pharmacist if packaging or appearance looks different.

Side Effects of Flutamide

Not everyone gets every side effect. Many can be managed with help from your care team.

Common Side Effects

• Hot flashes
• Decreased interest in sex or trouble with erections
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breast tenderness or breast enlargement
• Tiredness
• Bruising
• Urine that looks amber or yellow-green (this color change is expected and not harmful on its own)
• Changes in liver blood tests

Serious Side Effects

These are uncommon but need prompt attention:

• Liver problems (a boxed warning applies): yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine that is different from the usual color change, severe stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, or unusual tiredness. Serious liver injury, including liver failure, has been reported.
• Blood problems: unusual tiredness, pale skin, or shortness of breath from low red blood cells, or bluish skin or lips from a condition called methemoglobinemia
• Lung problems: new or worsening cough or shortness of breath
• Severe skin reactions: rash, blistering, or skin that burns easily in the sun
• Severe diarrhea that leads to dehydration

Seek immediate medical care if you have signs of liver injury, trouble breathing, or severe skin reactions. Contact your oncology team promptly for any new yellowing of the skin or eyes, ongoing nausea, or severe diarrhea.

Drug Interactions

Tell your oncologist and pharmacist about everything you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Major categories include:

• Warfarin and other blood thinners: Flutamide may increase blood thinning, so closer monitoring of blood tests may be needed.
• LHRH agonists: These are taken together with flutamide as part of treatment, and your team will manage this combination.
• Medicines that can affect the liver: Combining them may raise the risk of liver injury. This includes some pain relievers, antibiotics, and cholesterol medicines, so ask your pharmacist.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can add stress to the liver. Ask your care team whether it is safe for you.
• Herbal products and supplements: Some can harm the liver or interact with cancer medicines. Ask your pharmacist before using any herbal or dietary supplement.

Bring a complete, updated medication list to every appointment.

Safety & Important Considerations

• Liver monitoring: Liver blood tests are done before treatment, regularly during the first months, and then periodically. Treatment is stopped if liver tests rise or if signs of liver injury appear.
• Liver disease: Flutamide is generally not used in people with severe liver impairment.
• Kidney disease: Discuss any kidney problems with your specialist.
• Heart health: Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can affect heart health and cholesterol. Tell your team about any heart disease.
• Bone health: Hormone treatments that lower testosterone can reduce bone density over time. Your team may recommend bone scans, calcium, or vitamin D.
• Sun protection: Flutamide can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Fertility and contraception: Flutamide may affect fertility. Talk with your specialist about family planning and contraception.
• Use in women and children: Flutamide is not intended for use in women or children. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should ask the care team about safe handling of the capsules.
• Older adults: Older adults are monitored in the same way, with attention to liver function and overall health.
• Monitoring: Expect regular visits, PSA blood tests, imaging, and liver blood tests.

Who This Medication Is For

Flutamide is intended for adult men with prostate cancer, in combination with an LHRH agonist, as decided by their oncology or urology team. Treatment plans differ from person to person.

Who Should Not Take Flutamide

Flutamide should not be used by people with:

• Severe liver impairment
• A known severe allergic reaction to flutamide or any ingredient in the capsule

Discuss with your oncologist before starting if you:

• Have liver disease or have had unexplained liver test changes
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Have lung disease or breathing problems
• Have anemia or a blood disorder
• Have heart disease
• Take warfarin or other medicines that interact with flutamide

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
• Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.
• If you are unsure what to do, or you miss several doses, contact your oncology team or pharmacist.

Related medications to Flutamide

Other medicines are used for prostate cancer, depending on the cancer’s stage and features and your health:

• Other antiandrogens: bicalutamide and nilutamide
• Newer androgen receptor inhibitors: enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide
• Androgen synthesis inhibitors: abiraterone
• Testosterone-lowering therapy: LHRH agonists and antagonists, or surgical removal of the testicles (orchiectomy)
• Other approaches: chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other targeted or radioligand treatments

These medicines differ in side effects, interactions, and approved uses. Switching or combining treatments must be decided together with your oncologist.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C), and ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Keep capsules in the original container with the lid tightly closed, away from moisture (not in the bathroom) and light.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use capsules past the expiration date. Ask your pharmacist about safe disposal of unused medicine.
• Caregivers handling the capsules should wash their hands afterward, and pregnant caregivers should ask the care team about handling precautions.

Disclaimer:

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must consult a licensed medical oncologist or urologist before starting, changing, or stopping treatment. Treatment decisions must be based on a full clinical evaluation by a qualified specialist.