DRUG NAME: Fluorouracil: Synonym (S) : Common Trade Name: Classification

Fluorouracil
DRUG NAME: Fluorouracil
SYNONYM(S): 5-FU, 5-Fluorouracil, NSC-19893
COMMON TRADE NAME: ADRUCIL®, EFUDEX® CREAM
CLASSIFICATION: antimetabolite
Special pediatric considerations are noted when applicable, otherwise adult provisions apply.
MECHANISM OF ACTION:
Fluorouracil is an analog of the pyrimidine uracil and thus acts as a pyrimidine antagonist.1 There are three possible
mechanisms of action.2 First, the fluorouracil metabolite fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) competes with
uracil to bind with thymidylate synthetase (TS) and the folate cofactor.3 This results in decreased thymidine
production and therefore decreased DNA synthesis and repair, and ultimately decreased cell proliferation.
Leucovorin (formyltetrahydrofolate, formyl-FH4) enhances fluorouracil by stabilizing the binding of FdUMP to TS.
Second, the fluorouracil metabolite fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate (FdUTP) is incorporated into DNA thus
interfering with DNA replication.2 Finally, the fluorouracil metabolite fluorouridine-5-triphosphate (FUTP) is
incorporated into RNA in place of uridine triphosphate (UTP), producing a fraudulent RNA and interfering with RNA
processing and protein synthesis.4 Fluorouracil is cell-cycle specific (S-phase).3
PHARMACOKINETICS:
Interpatient variability variations in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity result in differences in
toxicity5; see Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency paragraph following Side
Effects table
Oral Absorption erratic; 28-100%
Distribution approximately 22% of total body water; penetrates extracellular fluid and third space fluids
(e.g., malignant effusions and ascitic fluid)
cross blood brain barrier? yes
volume of distribution6 8-11 L/m2
plasma protein binding7 10%
Metabolism activated in target cells; 80% degraded in liver by DPD6
active metabolite(s) FdUMP, FUTP, and FdUTP
inactive metabolite(s) dihydrofluorouracil
Excretion 60-80% excreted as respiratory CO2; 2-3% by biliary system
urine <10% as intact drug6
terminal half life IV bolus: 8-14 min
clearance IV bolus: 350-850 mL/min/m2; dependent on dose,
schedule, and route of administration; nonlinear
pharmacokinetics due to saturable degradation6;
interference with fluorouracil degradation markedly
prolongs its half-life6
continuous infusion: clearance increases
Ethnicity DPD deficiency: Caucasian (3-5%); African-American 0.1%8
Adapted from standard references9,10 unless specified otherwise.
BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 1 of 14 Fluorouracil

This document may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of BC Cancer Provincial
Pharmacy
Developed: September 1994
Limited revision: 1 September 2021
Fluorouracil
USES:
Primary uses: Other uses:
*Actinic keratoses (topical) Cervical cancer4
*Bladder cancer Esophageal cancer4
*Breast cancer Ocular cancer (topical)11
*Colorectal cancer Renal cell cancer4
*Gastric cancer Skin cancer, Bowen's disease (topical)12
*Head and neck cancer Skin cancer, squamous cell (topical)12
*Ovarian cancer
*Pancreatic cancer
*Prostate cancer
*Skin cancer, basal cell (topical)
*Health Canada approved indication
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Contraindications:
• history of hypersensitivity reaction to fluorouracil10
• relatively contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to capecitabine13
• complete or near complete absence of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity14,15
Caution:
• dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency may result in life-threatening or fatal toxicity in patients
receiving fluorouracil via parenteral or topical administration14
• nonlinear pharmacokinetics result in unpredictable plasma concentrations and toxicity at high doses.6
• patients who are receiving radiation or who have received high-dose pelvic radiation and patients previously
treated with alkylating agents may experience more bone marrow suppression.10
Special populations:
• elderly patients are at increased risk for developing toxicities, likely due to decreased bone marrow reserve6
• female patients are at increased risk for developing toxicities6,16,17
Carcinogenicity: Not yet studied.3
Mutagenicity: Fluorouracil has been shown to be mutagenic in some bacterial strains.3 It is clastogenic in
mammalian in vitro and in vivo chromosome tests.
Fertility: The effects of fluorouracil on fertility have not been established.3
Pregnancy10: FDA Pregnancy Category D. There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use
in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for
a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).
Breastfeeding is not recommended due to the potential secretion into breast milk.9
SIDE EFFECTS:
The table includes adverse events that presented during drug treatment but may not necessarily have a causal
relationship with the drug. Because clinical trials are conducted under very specific conditions, the adverse event
rates observed may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adverse events are generally included if they
were reported in more than 1% of patients in the product monograph or pivotal trials, and/or determined to be

Pharmacy
Fluorouracil
clinically important18. When placebo-controlled trials are available, adverse events are included if the incidence is >
5% higher in the treatment group.
ORGAN SITE SIDE EFFECT
Clinically important side effects are in bold, italics
allergy/immunology anaphylaxis (rare)3

generalized allergic reactions (rare)3
blood/bone marrow/ myelosuppression*: onset: 7-10 days; nadir: 14 days; recovery: 30 days
febrile neutropenia
cardiovascular arrhythmias
(arrhythmia)
cardiotoxicity* (< 8%)19; see paragraph following Side Effects table
chest pain (< 1%); ranging from mild angina to crushing pain
CHF (rare)3
hypotension (< 1%)
constitutional symptoms somnolence (< 1%)
dermatology/skin extravasation hazard: irritant9,10,20
For side effects following topical application to the skin, see paragraph following Side
Effects table
alopecia (> 10%)
dermatitis* (>10%)
dry skin and fissuring (1-10%)
nail changes (< 1%); banding or loss of nails
palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE)* (<1%); see paragraph following Side
Effects table
photosensitivity (< 1%)
vein hyperpigmentation (< 1%); proximal to injection sites
gastrointestinal emetogenic potential21: rare (< 10%)
anorexia (> 10%)
diarrhea* (> 10%)
esophagitis (>10%)
heart burn (>10%)
nausea (< 10%)
stomatitis* (> 10%)
epithelial ulceration (1-10%)
vomiting (< 10%)21
hemorrhage GI bleeding
hepatic biliary sclerosis6
hepatic toxicity (< 1%)
neurology acute cerebellar ataxia (< 1%); increased with high doses or intensive regimens; see
paragraph following Side Effects table

Pharmacy
Fluorouracil
ORGAN SITE SIDE EFFECT
Clinically important side effects are in bold, italics
neurotoxicities* (< 1%)

ocular/visual excessive lacrimation
ocular toxicities*; see paragraphs following Side Effects table for ocular toxicity related
to systemic and ocular (topical) administration
pain headache (< 1%)
pulmonary dyspnea (< 1%)
Adapted from standard references9,10 unless specified otherwise.

*Severity varies with route of administration, refer to the paragraph “Dosing schedule and toxicity”.
Dosing schedule and toxicity: The spectrum of toxicity associated with fluorouracil treatment varies with dose,
schedule, route of administration, and whether the fluorouracil is being used with a biochemical modulator.6 The
most commonly seen toxicities when standard doses are administered in the following schedules and routes are:
• monthly bolus administration22: myelosuppression can be dose-limiting
• daily bolus administration for 5 days22: diarrhea can be dose-limiting; myelosuppression, stomatitis, ocular, and
dermatitis6
• continuous infusion given over 24 hours to several weeks22: diarrhea, and stomatitis can be dose-limiting;
myelosuppression, dermatitis, PPE, neurologic, ocular, and cardiotoxicity10
• weekly bolus administration22: diarrhea can be dose-limiting; myelosuppression, stomatitis,6 and ocular23
• topical daily6: local inflammation
In the event of a 5FU overdose, appropriate and timely measures to anticipate and implement supportive
management of patients at risk for severe 5FU toxicity should be implemented. For further information on
management of 5FU overdose, see BC Cancer Management Guideline: Management of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) infusion
overdose.
Oral cryotherapy with bolus doses of fluorouracil: It is recommended that patients receiving bolus fluorouracil
undergo 30 minutes of oral cryotherapy to decrease the incidence and severity of fluorouracil-induced stomatitis.24
The incidence can be reduced by 50%.25 Starting 5 minutes before the injection, the patient is asked to place ice
chips into their mouth and swish for 30 minutes, replenishing the ice as it melts. This may cause numbness or
headaches which subside quickly. This cooling of the oral cavity leads to vasoconstriction resulting in a lower
concentration of fluorouracil reaching the oral mucosa.24 Oral cryotherapy is not used for infusional fluorouracil as
this would be very inconvenient. It is also not used for bolus fluorouracil administered in combination with oxaliplatin.
This is due to the concern with oxaliplatin and cold related laryngo-dysesthesias.18
Acute cerebellar syndrome can rarely occur and is characterized by an acute onset of ataxia, dysmetria,
dysarthria, and nystagmus that develops weeks to months after beginning treatment.26 These symptoms usually
resolve after discontinuation of fluorouracil.26 Cerebellar syndrome may be partly explained because fluorouracil
crosses the blood-brain barrier, and the highest concentrations are found in the cerebellum.26 Other rarer neurologic
side effects include encephalopathy, optic neuropathy, eye movement abnormalities, focal dystonia, cerebrovascular
disorders, parkinsonian syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and seizures.26
Cardiotoxicity19: Fluorouracil has the second highest incidence of chemotherapy induced cardiotoxicity, after the
anthracyclines.10 The incidence of fluorouracil induced cardiotoxicity can be as high as 8%.19 Within this group types
of cardiotoxicity include27:
• electrocardiographic changes, 69%
• angina, 48%
• myocardial infarction, 23%
• acute pulmonary edema, 17%
• arrhythmias,16%
Pharmacy
Fluorouracil
• elevated cardiac enzymes, 14%

• cardiac arrest and pericarditis, 2%
Coronary vasospasm is thought to be the underlying mechanism of this toxicity.19,28 Although most patients who
experience fluorouracil-induced cardiotoxicity have no previous cardiac problems, history of preexisting coronary
artery disease is a risk factor. Other risk factors include route of administration (refer to the Dosing schedule and
toxicity paragraph following the Side Effect table) and the use of concurrent radiation or anthracyclines.19 Most cases
of fluorouracil-induced cardiotoxicities resolve after termination of fluorouracil infusion and/or administration of
nitrates or calcium channel blockers.28 Rechallenging these patients remains controversial. If rechallenged, these
patients needs careful observation during drug infusion and may benefit from treatment with calcium channel
blockers or nitrates.28
Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), also called hand-foot skin reaction, may occur in association with the
continuous infusion of fluorouracil.9 PPE may gradually disappear over 5-7 days after discontinuance of fluorouracil
therapy.3 Although vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 50-150 mg orally daily was previously proposed for the prevention of
paresthesias29-31, current evidence suggests that pyridoxine is not effective.32,33
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is a rare, inherited disorder of pyrimidine degradation. The
frequency of low or deficient DPD activity in predominantly Caucasian and African-American populations is 3-5%
and 0.1%, respectively.8 For patients with even a partial DPD deficiency, treatment with fluorouracil can lead to life-
threatening complications. Fluorouracil clearance is dependent on DPD as fluorouracil is enzymatically inactivated to
dihydrofluorouracil by DPD.34 There is no evidence of fluorouracil degradation in DPD-deficient patients.35 Toxicities
can include severe diarrhea, stomatitis, and myelosuppression. Nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, volume depletion,
skin changes, and neurologic abnormalities (cerebellar ataxia, changes in cognitive function, changes in the level of
consciousness) may also occur. Management should include aggressive supportive care with hemodynamic
support, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, and hematopoietic colony stimulating factors.8 Tests for the diagnosis of
DPD deficiency are not readily available and as a result most cases are diagnosed long after the administration of
fluorouracil.8
Following systemic administration, fluorouracil-induced ocular toxicities result primarily from ocular surface
problems, such as excessive lacrimation, blurred vision, photophobia, and eye irritation.22 Excessive lacrimation is
the most frequent ocular symptom and can be quite dramatic; it may occur any time during treatment and possibly
accompanied with pruritus and burning.6 Fluorouracil has been found in tear fluid and can cause acute and chronic
conjunctivitis leading to tear duct fibrosis. Ocular toxicities can also include epiphora, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, tear
duct stenosis, and sclerosing canaliculitis. Applying ice packs to the eyes before, during, and for 30 minutes after
fluorouracil injection may decrease ocular toxicity.22
Following ocular (topical) administration of fluorouracil eye drops, commonly reported local side effects may
include: pain, tearing, photophobia, and redness. Eyelid edema, conjunctival congestion, and keratopathy have also
been reported. Local ocular side effects tend to be mild, reversible, and transient. To minimize contact with healthy
skin, an inert topical ointment (such as petrolatum) may be applied to the eyelid and skin around the eye to act as a
physical barrier against the active drug. Ocular toxicities are reported to resolve within 4 weeks of treatment end with
local application of lubricant eye drops (e.g., artificial tears). Topical corticosteroids may be used with lubricant drops
to reduce symptoms.11,36-38
Topical application to the skin leads to the following sequence of effects39: erythema, usually followed by
vesiculation, erosion, ulceration, necrosis, and epithelization. The lower frequency and intensity of activity in
adjacent normal skin indicates a selective cytotoxic property. The most frequent local reactions are pain, pruritus,
hyperpigmentation, and burning at the application site. Other local reactions include dermatitis, scarring, soreness,
and tenderness. Insomnia, stomatitis, suppuration, scaling, swelling, irritability, medicinal taste, photosensitivity, and
lacrimation have also been reported.40

Pharmacy
Fluorouracil
INTERACTIONS:
AGENT EFFECT MECHANISM MANAGEMENT

allopurinol41,42 may reduce conversion of allopurinol may clinical significance is
fluorouracil to metabolites competitively inhibit unclear14,41,43,46
(possible loss of orotate phosphoribosyl-
fluorouracil efficacy)42; transferase, the enzyme
however, allopurinol has responsible for formation
been used clinically to of FdUMP and FUTP
modulate toxicity of following activation of
fluorouracil without loss of fluorouracil45
activity41,43,44
cimetidine47 delayed, moderate, unknown monitor for fluorouracil
possible; fluorouracil toxicity; discontinue
efficacy and toxicity may cimetidine if necessary
be increased
fosphenytoin47 delayed, moderate, inhibition of hydantoin monitor fosphenytoin
possible; fosphenytoin metabolism (CYP2C9) by plasma levels; observe
efficacy and toxicity may fluorouracil suspected clinical response when
be increased starting or stopping
fluorouracil
gemcitabine48 fluorouracil efficacy and unknown some protocols are
toxicity may be increased designed to take
advantage of this effect;
monitor toxicity closely
leucovorin22 increased cytotoxic and leucovorin stabilizes the some protocols are
toxic effects of fluorouracil bond to thymidylate designed to take
synthetase advantage of this effect;
monitor toxicity closely
metronidazole49 fluorouracil efficacy and metronidazole may monitor for fluorouracil
toxicity may be increased decrease the metabolism toxicity
of fluorouracil
oxaliplatin50 no influence on fluorouracil
pharmacokinetics
phenytoin47 delayed, moderate, inhibition of hydantoin monitor phenytoin plasma
possible; phenytoin metabolism (CYP2C9) by levels; observe clinical
efficacy and toxicity may fluorouracil suspected response when starting or
be increased stopping fluorouracil
thiazides47 (e.g., delayed, moderate, unknown consider alternative
chlorthalidone, possible; thiazides may antihypertensive therapy
hydrochlorothiazide) prolong fluorouracil-
induced leukopenia
warfarin51-54 elevation of probable inhibition of CYP monitor INR regularly
anticoagulation 2C9 by fluorouracil55 during therapy (e.g.,
parameters (e.g., PTT, weekly)51; adjust warfarin
INR) and reports of dose as needed and
increased bleeding; effect increase monitoring if
may be delayed53 indicated

Pharmacy
Fluorouracil
SUPPLY AND STORAGE:
Topical:
Valeant Canada Limited supplies fluorouracil in a 5% cream. Other ingredients include: white petrolatum, stearyl
alcohol, propylene glycol, polysorbate 60, and parabens. Store at room temperature. Protect from light.15
Hill Dermaceuticals supplies fluorouracil in a 4% (w/w) cream. Other ingredients include: cetyl and stearyl alcohol,
butylated hydroxytoluene, parabens, and peanut oil. Store at room temperature.56
Injection:
Sandoz Canada Inc. supplies fluorouracil as a preservative free solution in 500 mg single-use and 5000 mg
pharmacy bulk vials in a concentration of 50 mg/mL. Store at room temperature. Protect from light.57
Accord Healthcare Inc. supplies fluorouracil as a preservative free solution in 5000 mg pharmacy bulk vials in a
concentration of 50 mg/mL. Store at room temperature. Protect from light.14
Biolyse Pharma Corp supplies fluorouracil as a preservative free solution in 500 mg single-use and 5000 mg
pharmacy bulk vials in a concentration of 50 mg/mL. Store at room temperature. Protect from light.58
For basic information on the current brand used at BC Cancer, see Chemotherapy Preparation and Stability
Chart in Appendix.
SOLUTION PREPARATION AND COMPATIBILITY:
For basic information on the current brand used at BC Cancer, see Chemotherapy Preparation and Stability
Chart in Appendix.
Additional information:
• slight discolouration does not affect potency or safety59
• darker yellow discolouration indicates greater decomposition so dark yellow solutions may need to be discarded59
• crystals that have formed in the solution can be redissolved by warming and shaking59
Fluorouracil Eye Drops60,61:

• fluorouracil eye drops 10 mg/mL (1%) can be prepared with normal saline (NS)
• final product is stable for 7 days if stored at room temperature or refrigerated
To achieve a 10 mg/mL (1%) eye drop solution:

• withdraw 2 mL (100 mg) from 50 mg/mL vial of fluorouracil
• transfer the 2 mL (100 mg) to a sterile 15 mL eye dropper bottle
• add 8 mL NS to the eye dropper bottle to give a concentration of 10 mg/mL (1%)
PARENTERAL ADMINISTRATION:
BC Cancer administration guideline noted in bold, italics
Subcutaneous not used due to corrosive nature
Intramuscular not used due to corrosive nature
*Direct intravenous over 2-4 minutes62,63
*Intermittent infusion can be used (e.g., dilute in 50 mL and infuse for up to
15 minutes)10
*Continuous infusion over 24 hours or greater; may be given via an
ambulatory infusion device

Pharmacy
Fluorouracil
BC Cancer administration guideline noted in bold, italics

Intraperitoneal64 15 mg/kg and 50 mEq sodium bicarbonate to 1000
mL 1.5% dextrose dialysis solution; dwell for 23
hours then drain for one hour
Intrapleural no information found
Intrathecal1 contraindicated due to neurotoxicity
Intra-arterial1 hepatic artery
Intravesical3 portal vein infusion
Ocular (topical)11,36,37,61 instill eye drops in the affected eye as per protocol
*Doses prescribed for continuous infusion can be FATAL when given as direct intravenous or intermittent infusion.
TOPICAL ADMINISTRATION:
The cream is applied twice daily, preferably with a nonmetal applicator or glove. If the cream is applied with
fingertips, the hands should be washed immediately afterwards.40 Apply with care near the eyes, mouth and nose.
An occlusive dressing is not essential, and may increase the incidence of inflammatory reactions in adjacent normal
skin. Therapy is usually continued until the inflammatory reaction reaches the erosion, necrosis, and ulceration stage
(2-4 weeks), after which healing occurs over 4-8 weeks. While the patient is undergoing topical 5-FU therapy,
consideration can be given to curettage, wound excision and removal of pathological tissue.40 Patients should avoid
prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light while under treatment as the intensity of the reaction may be increased.
DOSAGE GUIDELINES:
Refer to protocol by which patient is being treated. Numerous dosing schedules exist and depend on disease,
response and concomitant therapy. Guidelines for dosing also include consideration of absolute neutrophil count
(ANC). Dosage may be reduced, delayed or discontinued in patients with bone marrow depression due to
cytotoxic/radiation therapy or with other toxicities.
Adults:
BC Cancer usual dose noted in bold, italics
Cycle Length:
Intravenous: 1 week65,66: 1000 mg/m2 IV over 24 hours for 2 consecutive days
starting on day 1
(total dose per cycle 2000 mg/m2)
(maximum dose is 5000 mg/48 h)
2 weeks67-71: 400 mg/m2 IV for one dose on day 1 immediately followed

by 2400-3000 mg/m2 IV over 46 hours
(total dose per cycle 2800-3400 mg/m2)
3 weeks72-79: 500-600 mg/m2 IV for one dose on day 1

3 weeks80: 1000 mg/m2IV over 24 hours for 3 consecutive days

starting on day 1
4 weeks81,82: 425 mg/m2 IV once daily for 5 consecutive days starting on

day 1

Pharmacy
Fluorouracil
4 weeks83,84: when given as a dose-dense regimen with filgrastim (G-

CSF) support:
500 mg/m2 IV for one dose on days 1 and 8
4 weeks85-87: 500-600 mg/m2 IV for one dose on days 1 and 8

4 weeks88-91: when given as a dose-dense regimen with filgrastim (G-

CSF) support:
500 mg/m2 IV for one dose on days 1 and 15
4 weeks92,93: 1000 mg/m2 IV over 24 hours for 4 consecutive days

starting on day 1
6 weeks94,95: 400-500 mg/m2 IV on day 1, 8, 15 and 22

6 weeks95: 1000 mg/m2 IV over 24 hours for 4 consecutive days

starting on day 1
Ocular (topical): 4-6 weeks61: 1% eye drops (one drop) instilled in the affected eye 3 to
4 times daily for 4 to 5 consecutive days each week
4 weeks11,36,61: 1% eye drops (one drop) instilled in the affected eye 4

times daily for 7 consecutive days starting on day 1,
followed by 21 days of no treatment
28-30 days36,37: 1% eye drops (one drop) instilled in the affected eye 3 to 4
times daily for 28-30 consecutive days starting on day 1,
followed by 28-30 days of no treatment
2-3 weeks96: 1% eye drops (one drop) instilled in the affected eye 3 to 4
times daily for 14-21 consecutive days starting on day 1,
followed by 3-10 weeks of no treatment
30-49 1% eye drops (one drop) instilled in the affected eye 4 times
days36,37,97: daily for 2-4 days starting on day 1, followed by 30-45 days of
no treatment (pulse therapy)
Concurrent radiation98-105: can be used with variable schedules and dosing; specific treatment protocols
must be consulted; see Special Precautions regarding patients who have
received high-dose pelvic radiation
Dosage in myelosuppression: modify according to protocol by which patient is being treated; if no guidelines
available, refer to Appendix "Dosage Modification for Myelosuppression"

Pharmacy
Fluorouracil
Dosage in obesity9: if patient is obese or there has been a spurious weight gain because of edema,
ascites or other form of abnormal fluid retention, the ideal weight or estimated
lean body mass should be used
Dosage in renal failure: no adjustment required
Dosage in hepatic failure:106-110 standard doses have been used in some patients with elevated bilirubin;
may consider 50% dose reduction for starting doses or omit dose for bilirubin >85
micromol/L or AST >180 units/L
Dosage in dialysis: hemodialysis: give ½ dose7; administer dose following hemodialysis10

chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): no data7
continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): give full dose111
Topical39: apply twice daily x 2-4 weeks
Children:
Intravenous35: 500 mg/m2 IV once or daily x 5
800-1200 mg/m2 IV over 24-120 h
Topical40: use and dose as determined by physician
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2. van der Wilt CL, Marinelli A, Pinedo HM, et al. The effects of different routes of administration of 5-fluorouracil on thymidylase
synthase inhibition in the rat. Eur J Cancer 1995;31A(5):754-760.
3. McEvoy GK, editor. AHFS 2006 Drug Information. Bethesda, Maryland: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. p.
1052-1056.
4. McEvoy GK, editor. AHFS 2005 Drug Information. Bethesda, Maryland: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. p.
1020-1025.
5. van Kuilenburg AB, Muller EW, Haasjes J, et al. Lethal outcome of a patient with a complete dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase
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13. Hoffman-La Roche Limited. XELODA® product monograph. Mississauga, Ontario; 31 July 2002.
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16. Sloan JA, Goldberg RM, Sargent DJ, et al. Women experience greater toxicity with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for
colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol 2002;20(6):1491-1498.

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Pharmacists; 1998.
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33. von Gruenigen V, Frasure H, Fusco N, et al. A double-blind, randomized trial of pyridoxine versus placebo for the prevention of
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63. Larsson PA, Carlsson G, Gustavsson B, et al. Different intravenous administration techniques for 5-Fluorouracil
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64. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (UGIFUIP) BCCA Protocol Summary for the Chemotherapy of
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Using Intraperitoneal Using Mitomycin and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer
Agency; 2006.
65. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (GIFUC) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Chemotherapy for Upper
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Using Infusional Fluorouracil and Cisplatin. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2005.
66. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (GIFUINF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Combination
Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Using Infusional Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer
Agency; 2006.
67. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (GIFOLFIRI) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Combination
Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Using Irinotecan, Fluorouracil and Folic Acid (Leucovorin). Vancouver, British
Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2006.
68. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (UGIAJFOLFOX) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Combination
Chemotherapy for Stage III Colon Cancer Using Oxaliplatin, 5-Fuorouracil and Folic Acid (Leucovorin). Vancouver, British
69. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (UGIFFIRB) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Combination
Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Using Irinotecan, Fluorouracil, Folic Acid (Leucovorin) and Bevacizumab.
Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2006.
70. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (UGIFFOXB) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Combination
Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Using Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil and Folic Acid (Leucovorin) and Bevacizumab.
71. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (UGIFOLFOX) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Combination
Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Using Oxaliplatin, 5-Fuorouracil and Folic Acid (Leucovorin). Vancouver, British
72. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (UBRAJCAF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer
Using Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2004.
73. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAJCMF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Premenopausal
High Risk Breast Cancer Using Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer
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74. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAJFEC) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer Using
Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2005.
75. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (UBRAJFECD) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer
Using Fluorouracil, Cyclophosphamide, and Docetaxel. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2006.
76. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAVCAF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Therapy for Metastatic Breast
Cancer Using Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2004.
77. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAVCMF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Therapy for Advanced Breast
Cancer Using Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and Fuorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2004.
78. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRINFCAF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Inflammatory Breast Cancer Using
Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2004.
79. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRINFCEF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Inflammatory Breast Cancer Using
Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2005.
80. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (GIENDO1) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Therapy of Pancreatic
Endocrine Tumours Using Carmustine and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2006.
81. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (GIFFAD) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Stage III and
High Risk Stage II Colon Cancer Using Leucovorin and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2006.

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82. BC Cancer Agency Gastrointestinal Tumour Group. (GIPAJFF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Resected
Pancreatic Cancer Using Leucovorin and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2006.
83. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAJCAFPO) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer
Using Oral Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2004.
84. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAJCEF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer Using
Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2005.
85. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAJCMFPO) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Premenopausal
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Cancer Agency; 1999.
86. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAVCMFPO) BCCA Protocol Summary for Palliative Therapy for Advanced
Breast Cancer Using Cyclophosphamide (Oral), Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency;
2004.
87. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRLACEF) BCCA Protocol Summary for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Using
Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, and Fluorouracil. Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Cancer Agency; 2005.
88. BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. (BRAJCAF-G) BCCA Protocol Summary for Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer
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Pharmacy

DRUG NAME: Fluorouracil: Synonym (S) : Common Trade Name: Classification

Uploaded by

DRUG NAME: Fluorouracil: Synonym (S) : Common Trade Name: Classification

Uploaded by

Fluorouracil

DRUG NAME: Fluorouracil

SYNONYM(S): 5-FU, 5-Fluorouracil, NSC-19893

COMMON TRADE NAME: ADRUCIL®, EFUDEX® CREAM

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 1 of 14 Fluorouracil

Carcinogenicity: Not yet studied.3

Fertility: The effects of fluorouracil on fertility have not been established.3

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 2 of 14 Fluorouracil

ORGAN SITE SIDE EFFECT

Clinically important side effects are in bold, italics

allergy/immunology anaphylaxis (rare)3

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 3 of 14 Fluorouracil

ORGAN SITE SIDE EFFECT

Clinically important side effects are in bold, italics

neurotoxicities* (< 1%)

Adapted from standard references9,10 unless specified otherwise.

• elevated cardiac enzymes, 14%

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 5 of 14 Fluorouracil

AGENT EFFECT MECHANISM MANAGEMENT

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 6 of 14 Fluorouracil

SUPPLY AND STORAGE:

SOLUTION PREPARATION AND COMPATIBILITY:

Fluorouracil Eye Drops60,61:

To achieve a 10 mg/mL (1%) eye drop solution:

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 7 of 14 Fluorouracil

BC Cancer administration guideline noted in bold, italics

2 weeks67-71: 400 mg/m2 IV for one dose on day 1 immediately followed

3 weeks72-79: 500-600 mg/m2 IV for one dose on day 1

3 weeks80: 1000 mg/m2IV over 24 hours for 3 consecutive days

4 weeks81,82: 425 mg/m2 IV once daily for 5 consecutive days starting on

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 8 of 14 Fluorouracil

4 weeks83,84: when given as a dose-dense regimen with filgrastim (G-

4 weeks85-87: 500-600 mg/m2 IV for one dose on days 1 and 8

4 weeks88-91: when given as a dose-dense regimen with filgrastim (G-

4 weeks92,93: 1000 mg/m2 IV over 24 hours for 4 consecutive days

6 weeks94,95: 400-500 mg/m2 IV on day 1, 8, 15 and 22

6 weeks95: 1000 mg/m2 IV over 24 hours for 4 consecutive days

4 weeks11,36,61: 1% eye drops (one drop) instilled in the affected eye 4

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 9 of 14 Fluorouracil

Dosage in renal failure: no adjustment required

Dosage in dialysis: hemodialysis: give ½ dose7; administer dose following hemodialysis10

Topical39: apply twice daily x 2-4 weeks

800-1200 mg/m2 IV over 24-120 h

Topical40: use and dose as determined by physician

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 10 of 14 Fluorouracil

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 11 of 14 Fluorouracil

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 12 of 14 Fluorouracil

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 13 of 14 Fluorouracil

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 14 of 14 Fluorouracil

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