DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Floxuridine (floc-YOOR-i-deen)
Brand Name: FUDR

Hospitalization is required for the first course of therapy because of the possibility of toxic reactions.

FUDR is used for:

Treating cancer of the stomach and intestines that has spread to the liver in patients who do not adequately respond to surgery or other therapies after surgery.

FUDR is an antineoplastic. It works by inhibiting the reproduction and growth of cancer cells.

Do NOT use FUDR if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in FUDR
• you are in a poor nutritional state
• you have bone marrow problems
• you have a serious infection
• you have taken sorivudine within the past 4 weeks

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using FUDR :

Some medical conditions may interact with FUDR . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• if you have a history of liver, kidney, or bone marrow problems
• if you have chickenpox

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with FUDR . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Folic acid, leucovorin, or sorivudine because the risk of side effects or toxic effects of FUDR may be increased
• Medicine that may decrease nutrition or cause bone marrow problems because the risk of toxic effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may decrease nutrition or cause bone marrow problems

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if FUDR may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use FUDR :

Use FUDR as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• FUDR is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using FUDR at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If this medicine contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of FUDR , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use FUDR .

Important safety information:

• FUDR may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
• FUDR may lower your body's ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection including fever, sore throat, rashes, or chills.
• LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use FUDR with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use FUDR with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: FUDR may cause harm to the human fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while using FUDR . If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using FUDR during pregnancy. It is unknown if FUDR is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking FUDR .

Possible side effects of FUDR :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Fatigue or weakness; hair loss; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain or cramps; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; blood in the vomit; chest pain; chills; diarrhea; fever; frequent bowel movements; inflammation of the mouth; pain, redness, bleeding, or swelling at the injection site; severe bleeding; severe or prolonged stomach pain; severe or prolonged vomiting; severe tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; sore throat; sores on the mouth or lips; swelling of the throat or mouth; unusual bruising or bleeding; vein swelling, tenderness, or inflammation; watery stools; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include bloody stools or vomit; diarrhea; severe nausea or vomiting; unusual bruising or bleeding.

Proper storage of FUDR :

FUDR is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using FUDR at home, store FUDR as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.

General information:

• If you have any questions about FUDR , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• FUDR is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about FUDR . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.