Furmecil 20mg Capsule is a combination chemotherapy medication containing the active constituents Tegafur, Gimeracil, Oteracil. The combination chemotherapy treatment known as S-1 is used to treat various types of cancer, including gastric, colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancer. This capsule is not recommended for adolescents and children under 18 and may be given alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs. 

It is important to inform your health care provider if you have severe blood disorders, kidney disorders, viral infections, or you know you have DPD (enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency. Furmecil 20mg Capsule contain lactose. So, if you have an intolerance to sugars, you need to inform the physician. Use effective contraceptive measures during the therapy and for at least 6 after the last dose.

Furmecil 20mg Capsule is used in the treatment of

• Gastric cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

Furmecil 20mg Capsule inhibits the growth and division of cancer cells, improves the effectiveness of the treatment, and reduces the risk of side effects, thereby providing therapeutic benefits to cancer patients.

Inform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Furmecil 20mg Capsule, reducing effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Store in a refrigerator between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Keep away from moisture, heat, and light.
• It should not be frozen.
• Keep it in its original packaging until it is ready to be used.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Furmecil 20mg Capsules are typically taken orally, with or without food. The Capsule should be swallowed whole, not crushed, chewed, or broken. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated and other factors such as your overall health and response to treatment. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Like all medications, Furmecil 20mg Capsules cause some side effects, although not everyone will experience them. 

Serious:

• Infection (fever, chills, sore throat, cough, flu-like symptoms)
• Bleeding or bruising (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Allergic reaction (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing)
• Liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain)
• Kidney problems (changes in urine output, swelling of the hands or feet)

Common:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Mouth sores
• Skin rash
• Changes in taste
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Headache

If you have been prescribed Furmecil 20mg Capsule, it is important to carefully read and understand the warnings and precautions associated with the medication. It increases the risk of infection, so patients should avoid close contact with infected persons. If you have an intolerance to sugars, you need to inform the physician. Avoid consumption of grapefruit during treatment. Use effective contraceptive measures during the therapy and for at least 6 after the last dose. Patients with diabetes require close monitoring during treatment. Always maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being.

1. Nordic Group BV, European Medicines Agency, [Revised on 19/11/2020], [Accessed on 06/05/2023],https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/teysuno-epar-product-information_en.pdf
2. Masao Kobayakawa, Yasushi Kojima; Tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil (S-1) approved for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer in adults when given in combination with cisplatin: a review comparing it with other fluoropyrimidine-based therapies; OncoTargets and Therapy; [Published on 2011]; [Accessed on 06/05/2023]; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22162925/
3. Mahlberg R et al; New Perspectives in the Treatment of Advanced Gastric Cancer: S-1 as a Novel Oral 5-FU Therapy in Combination with Cisplatin; Chemotherapy; [Published on 2017]; [Accessed on 06/05/2023]; https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/443984