Tegafur, Gimeracil, and Oteracil is a combination chemotherapy medication containing the active constituents tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil. This capsule is not recommended for adolescents and children under 18 and may be given alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs. Tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil, marketed under the brand name S-1, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 1, 2019, for treating metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma in adult patients, in combination with the chemotherapy drug, cisplatin.

The combination chemotherapy Tegafur, Gimeracil, and Oteracil treatment known as S-1 is used to treat various types of cancer, including gastric, colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancer.

Tegafur, Gimeracil, and Oteracil 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.

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and hand-foot syndrome (painful swelling and redness of the hands and feet). Serious side effects may include bone marrow suppression, which can lead to anemia, infection, or bleeding disorders, as well as cardiovascular events such as irregular heartbeat or heart attack.

The medication may cause bone marrow suppression, increasing the risk of infection, bleeding, and anemia. It may also cause cardiovascular events such as heart attack or irregular heartbeat, particularly in patients with heart problems. In addition, there have been reports of serious skin reactions, neurological effects, and immune system disorders in patients taking tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil.

Patients should avoid contact with sick people and use caution when performing activities that may increase the risk of injury or bleeding while taking Tegafur, Gimeracil, and Oteracil. Patients should also monitor their blood counts regularly to ensure they are not experiencing any complications. Patients should also avoid alcohol while taking this medication, as it may increase the risk of liver damage.

If you have been prescribed Tegafur, Gimeracil, and Oteracil, 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 must 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 19/11/2015], [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

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.