Adrucil Side Effects

Generic name: fluorouracil

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 10, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Adrucil Side Effects associated with fluorouracil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Adrucil.

Applies to fluorouracil: solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

It is recommended that fluorouracil be given only by or under the supervision of a qualified physician who is experienced in cancer chemotherapy and who is well versed in the use of potent antimetabolites.

It is also recommended that patients be hospitalized at least during the initial treatment course because of the possibility of severe toxic reactions.

Serious side effects of Adrucil

Along with its needed effects, fluorouracil (the active ingredient contained in Adrucil) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fluorouracil:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• heartburn
• sores in mouth and on lips

Less common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills
• nausea and vomiting (severe)
• painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills
• stomach cramps

Rare side effects

• blood in urine or stools
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• cough
• shortness of breath
• tingling of hands and feet, followed by pain, redness, and swelling
• trouble with balance

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking fluorouracil:

Other side effects of Adrucil

Some side effects of fluorouracil may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• skin rash and itching
• weakness

Less common side effects

• dry or cracked skin

This medicine often causes a temporary loss of hair. After treatment with fluorouracil has ended, normal hair growth should return.

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

• black, tarry stools
• blood in urine or stools
• cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills
• painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising

For healthcare professionals

Applies to fluorouracil: compounding powder, intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Ischemic ECG abnormalities
• Common (1% to 10%): Angina pectoris-like chest pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia myocarditis, heart insufficiency, dilative cardiomyopathy, cardiac shock, hypotension
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Cerebral, intestinal and peripheral ischemia, Raynaud's syndrome, thromboembolism
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac death
• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (hand-foot syndrome), alopecia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dermatitis, skin alterations (e.g., dry skin, fissure erosion, erythema, pruritic maculopapular rash), exanthema, urticaria, photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation, streaky hyperpigmentation or depigmentation near the veins, changes in nails (e.g., diffuse superficial blue pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, nail dystrophy, pain and thickening of the nail bed, paronychia), onycholysis^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Total thyroxin (T4) increased, total triiodothyronine (T3) increased^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Mucositis (stomatitis, esophagitis, pharyngitis, proctitis), anorexia, watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dehydration, GI ulceration, GI bleeding, GI sloughing
• Frequency not reported: Dysphagia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Spermatogenesis, ovulation disorder
• Frequency not reported: Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Myelosuppression, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis, anemia, pancytopenia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombophlebitis/vein tracking^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Liver cell damage
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Liver necrosis, biliary sclerosis, cholecystitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Generalized allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Immunosuppression with an increased risk of infection
• Frequency not reported: Sepsis, septic shock, neutropenic sepsis, super infection, cellulitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache, dizziness, Parkinson's disease like symptoms, pyramidal signs
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Symptoms of leukoencephalopathy (including ataxia, acute cerebellar syndrome, dysarthria, confusion, disorientation, myasthenia, aphasia, convulsion, or coma in patients receiving high doses and in patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency)
• Frequency not reported: Peripheral neuropathy, acute cerebellar syndrome^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nystagmus, excessive lacrimation, blurred vision, eye movement disturbance, optic neuritis, diplopia, decrease in visual acuity, photophobia, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, ectropion, dacryostenosis^[Ref]

Renal

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Kidney failure^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Euphoria, somnolence
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Confusion
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Disorientation^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Bronchospasm, epistaxis
• Frequency not reported: Breathlessness, pneumonia, pharyngitis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Does duct tape really remove warts?

Further information

Adrucil side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer