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This information is about a hormonal therapy called flutamide that is used to treat prostate cancer. It should ideally be read with our general information about prostate cancer.
Flutamide is a type of hormonal therapy that is used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
There are several types of hormonal therapies. Your doctor can discuss with you which is best for your situation.
Hormonal therapies interfere with the production or action of particular hormones in the body. Hormones are substances which are produced naturally in the body. They act as chemical messengers and help to control the activity of cells and organs.
Most prostate cancers need supplies of the male hormone testosterone to grow. Testosterone is produced by the testes and adrenal glands.
On the surface of the prostate cancer cells are proteins called receptors. Flutamide has a structure similar to testosterone. It works by preventing testosterone from attaching itself to the receptors on the prostate cancer cells. Without testosterone, the cancer cells either grow more slowly or stop growing altogether.
Flutamide is a tablet which is taken three times a day. Doses should be evenly spaced throughout the day.
Flutamide is given to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (advanced prostate cancer). It may be given on its own or in combination with injections of goserelin|, buserelin| or leuprorelin|, which are hormonal therapy drugs known as LHRH analogues. LHRH drugs block the production of a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (leuteinising hormone) which normally stimulates the production of testosterone.
Flutamide can also be used to help prevent tumour flare, which can occur when LHRH analogues are given. LHRH analogues may cause a temporary increase in testosterone levels, which can cause an increase in symptoms such as bone pain, or difficulty passing urine. This is known as tumour flare and flutamide may help to prevent these symptoms.
Each person's reaction to any medication is different. Many people have very few side effects with flutamide while others may experience more. We have outlined the most common side effects. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects that you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
You will see your doctor regularly while you have this treatment so that they can monitor the effects. This information should help you to discuss any queries about your treatment and its side effects with your doctor or nurse, who are in the best position to help and advise you.
Some people may have some of the following side effects:
Breast tenderness or fullness Some men may notice slight breast swelling and tenderness known as gynaecomastia. Your doctor can advise you about how this can be treated or prevented.
Diarrhoea This occurs quite commonly and may be accompanied by abdominal cramps. Diarrhoea| can usually be easily controlled but occasionally it may be severe. It is important to tell your doctor if this occurs, as it may be necessary to reduce or discontinue the flutamide and consider other types of hormonal therapy.
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) If these effects occur they can usually be effectively treated. Let your doctor know if you feel sick or are being sick|.
Loss of sex drive (libido) and erection difficulties (impotence) These effects will usually return to normal after hormonal therapy is stopped. Let your doctor know if you have either of these side effects, as they may be able to prescribe medication to help.
Tiredness You may feel less energetic than usual and have trouble sleeping.
Effect on liver function Your doctor will take blood samples to measure how well your liver is working, as flutamide can sometimes cause a change in the amount of particular chemicals produced by the liver. If this happens the drug will be stopped and the liver function usually returns to normal.
Blurred vision A rare side effect of flutamide is blurred vision. This may develop a few months after treatment has started.
Your doctor will discuss the length of treatment that they feel is appropriate for your situation. Flutamide is often given for several months or even years. Treatment with flutamide may continue for as long as it is effective in controlling your cancer.
Flutamide may interact with other medicines. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies, vitamins and herbal drugs.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
British National Formulary (56th edition). British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, September 2008.
For further references, please see the general bibliography|.
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