When you are diagnosed with cancer, it is very normal to feel a little scared and nervous about the treatment. Many people are especially worried when they hear the word 'chemotherapy'. But if you are fully informed about this treatment, you will understand that that fear is unnecessary. Today we are going to talk about a drug called Floxuridine, which is used for such cancer treatment and is given as an injection. Let's see what happens with this and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Floxuridine?
Simply put, Floxuridine is a chemotherapy drug . Its main function is to slow down the growth of cancer cells. This drug is especially used to treat gastrointestinal cancer . For example, if colon cancer has spread to the liver, this treatment is given in such cases.
Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions, so if you have any questions, talk to your doctor about them openly.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start treatment with Floxuridine, it is important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about the following:
| Health condition or problem | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Blood disorders | If you have any blood-related problems, such as blood clotting problems. |
| Current infections | Especially if you have viral infections like chickenpox or herpes. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If you have problems with your kidney or liver function. |
| Malnourished | If your body is not getting the proper nutrition it needs or if you are suffering from malnutrition. |
| Radiation therapy | If you have recently received or are currently receiving radiation treatment. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to floxuridine, other chemotherapy drugs, other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This medicine is not something you can take at home. It is given by a specially trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic . It is given as an infusion, like saline, into an artery that goes directly to the liver.
If you are giving this medicine to your child, it may require special care, so talk to your pediatrician about it.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think you have taken an unexpected overdose of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a day of medication?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, do not hold it in your mind and call your doctor immediately to let them know . It is very important to receive this treatment on time and in the correct manner.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking can affect the way Floxuridine works. So, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, supplements, and even herbal remedies . Especially if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Allopurinol
- Cimetidine
- Digoxin
- Dipyridamole
- Hydroxyurea
- Leucovorin
- Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., ethotoin, fosphenytoin, phenytoin)
- Medicines to increase blood cell count (e.g. filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim)
- Methotrexate
- Metronidazole
- Other anticancer drugs (e.g. busulfan, cisplatin)
- Vaccines
Very important: Never take painkillers such as Acetaminophen (Panadol), Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen without your doctor's advice. These medications can mask symptoms such as fever, which can delay the diagnosis of an infection.
Things to consider during treatment
- Common discomforts: Since chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, it is normal to feel tired and uncomfortable. This is a common symptom of chemotherapy. Continue treatment, even if you are experiencing discomfort, until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Risk of infection: This medicine reduces your body's ability to fight disease (immunity) . Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate. Call your doctor immediately. Stay away from places where sick people are as much as possible.
- Bleeding risk: If you bruise easily or if bleeding does not stop from a minor cut, tell your doctor. Be very careful when brushing and flossing your teeth, as your gums are more likely to bleed. If you see a dentist, tell them that you are taking this treatment.
- Pregnancy: Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. It may cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding during this time.
- For men: This medication may lower sperm count. If you are trying to have a child, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
- Diarrhea: If you have diarrhea, do not take over-the-counter medications. If you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if your diarrhea is severe and watery, call your doctor.
Side effects of the medicine
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Decreased blood cells | Signs of infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat), easy bruising, red spots on the skin, black stools, blood in the urine, extreme fatigue, fainting. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, mouth sores, stomach ache, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain, swelling, or redness where the injection was given. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Minor side effects | Diarrhea, hair loss, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset. |
If you experience any other discomfort not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about that as well.
Take-Home Message
- Floxuridine is an anti-cancer vaccine given by specialists in a hospital.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- During treatment, be vigilant for fever, signs of infection, and unusual bleeding. If this occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not take any painkillers (Panadol, aspirin) without consulting your doctor.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely while taking this treatment.
- Whatever problem you have, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it. He or she will provide you with the support you need.
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