Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer of the breast, rectum, colon, stomach and pancreas. According to Drugs.com, fluorouracil is an antimetabolite that interferes with the multiplication and spread of cancer cells. A medical care professional will give you fluorouracil as an intravenous (through the vein) injection. The National Library of Medicine indicates that you will receive 12mg/kg (of your body weight) of fluorouracil once a day for four days in a row. On days six, eight, 10 and 12, your doctor will give you 6mg/kg (of your body weight) of fluorouracil.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, fluorouracil typically causes thinning of your hair, photosensitivity, a poor appetite and changes in your weight. Photosensitivity refers to a medical condition in which your sun is very sensitive to sunlight and artificial ultraviolet light. Your skin can burn and blister easily. Avoid staying out in the sun between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, liberally apply sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to your skin. You should also avoid tanning beds, as the ultraviolet light is just as potent as the sun. Drugs.com indicates that this chemotherapy drug can also cause diarrhea, heartburn and mouth or lip sores. Frequent cycles of diarrhea can amount to dehydration and low potassium levels. Infrequent urination and dry skin characterize dehydration. Constipation and muscle pain characterize low potassium levels. Heartburn occurs when the acid from your stomach moves up your esophagus. You can purchase an over-the-counter antacid to neutralize this acidity.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine indicates that fluorouracil can cause such serious effects as low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low red blood cells (anemia), chest pain, gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer formations and confusion. Platelets play a major role in clotting your blood. Profuse bleeding and bruising can result if you have low platelet counts. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the rest of your body. Decreased red blood cells lead to such physical manifestations as shortness of breath, fatigue and paleness. Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers include stomach pain. Bloody or black stools characterize gastrointestinal bleeding.
Additional Concerns
Avoid fluorouracil if you are hypersensitive to it or any other antimetabolite drugs. A hypersensitivity response to fluorouracil includes difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of your throat. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant, as it can cause birth defects. Prior to taking fluorouracil, tell your doctor if you have chicken pox, kidney or liver disease or any type of infection. These medical conditions may decrease fluorouracil's effectiveness.
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