Tegafur and Uracil are combined in this medicine.
Tegafur + Uracil is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat certain cancers of the head and neck, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, lungs, breasts, bladder, prostate, and cervix (lower part of the womb).
Take Tegafur + Uracil exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or after meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew the capsule.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your condition and your response to the medication.
Tegafur + Uracil must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Tegafur + Uracil if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Tegafur + Uracil.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Tegafur + Uracil with sorivudine (medicine to treat viral infection).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history or current heart disease
- bone marrow depression (a condition in which the blood cells are low)
- glucose intolerance (inability to digest sugar)
- deficiency in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (an enzyme that breaks down certain medicines for cancer and prevents their buildup to toxic levels in the body)
- infections e.g. chickenpox
- stomach or intestine problems
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Tegafur + Uracil to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are going to have or have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Do not inhale nor let the capsule or its contents be in contact with your eyes or skin.
Make sure that you wear gloves when handling the capsule. Do not touch it with your bare hands. Do not reuse the gloves.
If you accidentally spill the powder, wipe it immediately with a damp disposable towel. Place the towel and empty capsules in a plastic bag and throw them away immediately. Wash your hands thoroughly after.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of liver problems, dehydration, infection, and bleeding may also be needed.
Tegafur + Uracil may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, weakness, dizziness with sensations of spinning, headache, loss of appetite, rash, itching, hair loss, and skin discolouration.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- mood changes, confusion, muscle pain, fast or abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness or passing out, increased thirst, unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, dry mouth, dry eyes, severe vomiting or upset stomach
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Tegafur + Uracil with sorivudine (medicine to treat viral infection).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for cancer e.g. tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil combination
- phenytoin (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tegafur + Uracil.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Tegafur + Uracil is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired capsules to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
Sign Out
