Sometimes we get fungal or yeast infections in our bodies, right? These can be a bit annoying. So, Flucytosine is a special medicine that doctors use to treat such fungal infections. If you have been prescribed this medicine by a doctor, it is very important to know exactly what it is for your safety and speedy recovery. Let's talk about this simply.
Things to tell your doctor before using Flucytosine
It is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor .
- If you have a genetic condition called DPD deficiency .
- If you have previously had blood-related diseases.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If tests have found that you have low red blood cell, white blood cell, or platelet counts.
- If the potassium level in the blood is low .
- If you have recently undergone radiation treatment or are currently undergoing such treatment.
- If you have an allergy to flucytosine, any other medicine, food, dyes or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
- Swallow this medicine with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. This will increase the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Even if you feel a little better, you must finish the entire course of medication to completely cure the infection. Do not stop halfway through.
- This medicine may require special care if given to children. Therefore, talk to a pediatrician about it.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with anyone else. It could seriously harm them.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Can it interact with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Flucytosine. Especially some medications used to treat cancer, such as cytarabine, ARA-C, and cytosine arabinoside .
So, when you go to see your doctor, bring a list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to be careful about while using the medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: Your doctor may need to see you regularly to check on your progress. Go for check-ups at those times. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or get worse.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Your skin may become more sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity) while using this medicine. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothing that covers your body well and use a good sunscreen. Avoid using sun lamps or tanning beds altogether.
What are the possible side effects of medication?
Like any medicine, Flucytosine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it is important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual fatigue. |
| Low potassium levels in the blood | Muscle pain or stiffness, unusual weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation. |
| Low red blood cell count | Unusual tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising | Unexplained bruising of the skin or bleeding that does not stop even from a minor injury. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Storage: Keep medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store at room temperature, around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not use expired medicine.
- Disposal: Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Sometimes there may be a drug take-back program. Or, on your doctor's advice, you can remove the medication from the container, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, seal it in a bag, and put it in the trash. But be sure to check with your doctor before doing this.
Take-Home Message
- Be sure to take the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms improve.
- Inform your doctor about any other illnesses you have, allergies, and all medications you are taking.
- If you notice any serious side effects such as skin rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or unusual bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
- Avoid exposure to strong sunlight and use sunscreen while taking this medication.
- This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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