This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Tegafur + Uracil is an anticancer medication in the class of medications called pyrimidine analogs used to treat colorectal cancer.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Tegafur + uracil is a combination of two chemotherapy drugs: tegafur and uracil.  tegafur is absorbed into the bloodstream, converted into the active drug 5FU in the liver, and then absorbed by tumor cells. Within the cells is an enzyme that breaks down the 5FU. The uracil slows the breakdown of 5FU, which means that the 5FU stays in the cancer cells longer.  It prevents the growth and multiplication of cancer cells and thus helps in destroying the tumor.

Uses of undefined

Tegafur + uracil is used to treat colon and rectal cancer.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Take the Tegafur + Uracil as prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Take the capsules with or without food at the same time each day.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

This medicine may increase your risk of developing a blood clot. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling in a leg or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious, so it’s important to tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Avoid getting pregnant and breastfeeding during the treatment with this medicine.

Precautions

Do not take Tegafur + Uracil if you are allergic to Tegafur +  Uracil or any other ingredients of this medicine. Inform your healthcare professional if you have liver diseases, kidney disorders, or other noncancerous conditions before initiating the treatment. This medicine may reduce fertility in men and women; discuss this with your doctor before starting the therapy. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with the effects of Tegafur + uracil and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

Side Effects

The common side effects of Tegafur + Uracil are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, risk of infection, fever, bruising and bleeding, anemia, and changes in skin and nails. Other serious side effects are facial and body swelling, severe skin rashes, severe diarrhea, and liver injury.

Word Of Advice

Store at temperatures not exceeding 25°C. Keep the capsule away from the reach of children and pets. If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missing dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. Do not breastfeed during the treatment with Tegafur + Uracil. Your doctor will perform regular blood tests during the treatment to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the therapy. Your heart and lung function will also be checked regularly. This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1695-1697.
  2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 864.
  3. Bristol-Myers Squibb (Pty) Ltd, Published on 2001; Accessed on 05/05/2023;http://www.thethaicancer.com/PDF/Drug/Drug_information/CMT/UFT.pdf

Disclaimer

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 are eligible to receive this treatment.