✅ Prescription (Indications):
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) injection is a chemotherapy drug used to treat a variety of cancers, including:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach (gastric) cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
It is often used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy agents like leucovorin, oxaliplatin, or cisplatin.
📄 Description:
- Generic Name: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Strength: 250 mg in 5 mL (i.e., 50 mg/mL)
- Formulation: Injectable solution
- Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV) – bolus or infusion
- Class: Antimetabolite chemotherapy (Pyrimidine analog)
- Mechanism of Action:
5-FU is converted in the body to active metabolites that inhibit thymidylate synthase, thereby interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis, which prevents cancer cell replication and leads to cell death.
🌟 Advantages:
- Widely used and effective for solid tumors
- Can be given alone or in combination with other drugs for improved efficacy
- Available in various strengths and infusion regimens
- Compatible with leucovorin to enhance anticancer activity
⚗️ Nature of the Drug:
- Type: Cytotoxic chemotherapy (antineoplastic)
- Pharmacologic Class: Antimetabolite – Pyrimidine analog
- Prescription-only: Yes
- Administration: By a trained professional in a clinical setting
- Schedule: Varies by regimen (e.g., weekly, every 2–3 weeks, or continuous infusion)
📦 Common Packaging:
- Vial size: 5 mL containing 250 mg (50 mg/mL)
- Also available in 10 mL, 20 mL, or 50 mL vials
- Appearance: Clear, colorless to faintly yellow solution
- Container: Glass vial with rubber stopper and aluminum seal
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 15–25°C (room temperature)
- Protect from light and freezing
- Do not use if solution is cloudy or contains particles
- Discard unused solution as per cytotoxic waste guidelines
👨⚕️ Patient Advice:
Before Treatment:
- Inform your doctor if you have:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Bone marrow suppression
- Malnutrition or infection
- DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency (can increase toxicity)
During Treatment:
- Will be administered by IV injection or infusion in a hospital or clinic
- You may need blood tests before each cycle
- Stay hydrated and report any side effects promptly
- Follow all precautions given by the oncology team