Uses of Flutamide

Flutamide is used to treat prostate cancer. It is also used to treat prostate cancer in affected individuals after surgical castration (surgical removal of testes).

Therapeutic Category

Flutamide: Antiandrogens

How Flutamide works

Flutamide works by binding to androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells which blocks synthesis of testosterone (male sex hormone) needed for cancer cells to grow, resulting in its blockade of growth and spread of cancer to different parts of the body thus treating prostate cancer in affected individuals. 

Common side effects of Flutamide

• enlarged, painful/tender breast tissue
• production of milk from the breasts
• increased appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
• difficulty sleeping, sleepiness, tiredness. 

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• signs of hepatitis (liver disease) such as nausea, vomiting, itching, dark coloured urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin/whites of the eyes, and/or abdominal pain
• Signs of lupus reaction (autoimmune disease) such as joint/muscle pain, swelling, fatigue, general feeling of being unwell, hair loss, and/or butterfly shaped rash occurring normally across the nose and cheeks
• Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and/or cough
• Signs of colitis (inflammation of colon) such as diarrhoea containing blood/mucus
• Lumps in the breast tissue
• Signs of allergic reaction such as such as swelling of lips, tongue, face, and throat causing difficulty in breathing/swallowing, rash, and/or swollen itchy skin

Health Tips for Flutamide

• Flutamide is usually taken with food to help reduce stomach upset
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as potential side effects of the medication
• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Flutamide as alcohol can interact with the medication and increase the risk of side effects
• Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle, as advised by the doctor for overall-wellbeing
• Flutamide is not recommended for use in pregnant women and breastfeeding women as it is intended to be used only in men. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine
• Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel tired, dizzy, and/or confused after taking Flutamide