floxuridine 0.5 gram solution for injection

Generic name:
Floxuridine - injection

Pronunciation
(flox-YOUR-eh-deen)

Brand name(s)
FUDR

Floxuridine is used to treat certain types of stomach/intestinal cancer that have spread to the liver. It is a chemotherapy drug that is used to slow or stop cancer cell growth.

This medication is given by injection into an artery using a continuous infusion pump. It is given through a catheter placed inside the artery that supplies blood to the tumor. This method directs the medication to the tumor so that it can have a stronger effect on the tumor with less risk of serious side effects in the rest of the body. When starting the first course of treatment with this medication, you should be in a hospital where you can be monitored for possible serious side effects.

This medication will be prepared and mixed for you by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

This medication should be used as long as you continue to benefit from the treatment. When serious side effects appear, your doctor will stop treatment with this medication. After the side effects have lessened, treatment will resume.

Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness, redness at the injection site, or dry skin may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever or chills.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• vomiting/diarrhea that is severe or doesn't stop
• mouth sores
• sore throat
• painful/difficult swallowing
• easy or unusual bruising/bleeding
• black stools
• blood/mucus in the stools
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• cramps/pain in the stomach/abdomen
• yellowing eyes/skin
• dark urine
• weakness
• weight loss
• skin problems (such as peeling/darkening of the skin)
• muscle/joint pain

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest/jaw/left arm pain
• warmth/swelling/pain/leaking at the injection site
• pain/swelling/redness/weakness of the arms or legs
• calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch
• shortness of breath
• coughing up blood
• sudden vision changes
• weakness on one side of the body
• severe clumsiness/trouble walking
• trouble speaking
• confusion
• severe headache

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using floxuridine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to fluorouracil; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• poor nutrition
• decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (such as anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
• a serious infection
• liver problems
• kidney problems
• past high-dose radiation treatment of the pelvis

Tell your health care professional that you are using floxuridine before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

Floxuridine can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using floxuridine. Floxuridine may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• drugs that may decrease bone marrow function (such as azathioprine, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
• past or present use of alkylating-type cancer drugs (such as melphalan)

Floxuridine is very similar to fluorouracil. Do not use medications containing fluorouracil while using floxuridine.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

The drug is given continuously as an infusion. If your infusion is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.