DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Flucytosine (floo-SYE-toe-seen)
Brand Name: Ancobon

Use Ancobon with extreme caution if you have kidney problems. Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and kidney and liver function tests, should be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.

Ancobon is used for:

Treating serious infections caused by certain fungi. It may used in combination with another medicine (amphotericin B).

Ancobon is an antifungal agent. Exactly how it works is unknown.

Do NOT use Ancobon if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ancobon

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

Before using Ancobon :

Some medical conditions may interact with Ancobon . 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 bone marrow or blood problems
• if you have kidney problems
• if you have ever had radiation therapy or have taken medicines that may cause bone marrow problems. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may cause bone marrow problems

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

• Cytosine because the effectiveness of Ancobon may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ancobon 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 Ancobon :

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

• Ancobon may be taken with or without food. If Ancobon upsets your stomach, take the capsules a few at a time over a 15 minute period.
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Ancobon for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• If you miss a dose of Ancobon , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

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

Important safety information:

• Ancobon may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Ancobon . Using Ancobon alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• It is important to use Ancobon for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Ancobon and may increase the risk that the fungus will no longer be sensitive to Ancobon and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
• Ancobon 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.
• Ancobon may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Ancobon . Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• Ancobon may interfere with some lab test results. Make sure your doctor and laboratory personnel know you are using Ancobon .
• LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts, kidney and liver function tests, and blood electrolyte levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Ancobon with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Ancobon during pregnancy. It is unknown if Ancobon is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ancobon .

Possible side effects of Ancobon :

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:

Diarrhea; drowsiness; dry mouth; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain; 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 stool; changes in vision; chest pain; confusion; convulsions; dark urine; decreased urination; excessive hunger, thirst, or urination; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; hearing loss; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; numbness or tingling in the hands or feet; severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; sudden, severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of 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 severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of eyes or skin.

Proper storage of Ancobon :

Store Ancobon at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ancobon out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Ancobon , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Ancobon 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 Ancobon . 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.