5-Fluorouracil
(flure-oh-YOOR-a-sil)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
What is 5-fluorouracil or 5-FU?
5-fluorouracil is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer. It is available as a topical cream, topical solution and as an injection.
Special Instructions
- Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day while taking this drug in order to ensure adequate hydration.
- This drug is usually not taken by mouth. It is usually given by injection. If it is to be taken by mouth then take it on an empty stomach at least 2 hours before or after food.
- Frequent, small meals may help if your child experiences severe nausea.
- When giving this medicine by mouth it may be mixed with water, grape juice, or cola. It is generally best to have your child drink the undiluted solution then have them rinse their mouth with cola, water or fruit juice. This will help ensure that your child gets all of their dose.
- This drug may increase your child's sensitivity to the sun. Be careful to limit your child's sun exposure and to have them use sunscreen (SPF 15) and wear protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when going outside.
- Use precaution when changing your child's diapers or soiled linens for 48 hours after a dose – use gloves during this time to avoid contact with the medicaiton.
- Store medication at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Do not store in the bathroom.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Hair loss
- Soreness in the mouth or throat
- Skin changes including dry skin, rash and sunburning
- Loss of appetite
Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Loss of balance, lack of coordination, or sleepiness
- Fever 101.5 once or 100.5 twice in 12 hours
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Sever sore throat
- Signs of jaundice including yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Eyes sensitive to light or vision changes
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Rash or redness of the skin that lasts more then 24 hours
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
PEP 5002 V 8/04
Rev. 9/05, 8/07
