Tegafur
Description
Tegafur is a prodrug of fluorouracil which is generally used in combination with uracil and calcium folinate to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that starts either in the colon or rectum). It is also used in combination with other anticancer medicines to treat stomach cancer.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Tegafur
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Discoloration of the skin
- Muscle aches
- Bone and joint pain
- Confusion
- Weight loss
- Irregular heart beat
Uses of Tegafur
What is it prescribed for?
- Metastatic colorectal carcinoma
- Advanced gastric cancer
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to Tegafur or any other inactive ingredient present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Other medicines
Tegafur may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Diarrhea
Use of this medicine may cause moderate to severe diarrhea in some patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine with or without food. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antineoplastics, Antimetabolites
Schedule
Schedule H
Tegafur [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 21 May 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 27 March 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 21 May 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.