Floxuridine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 9, 2024.

Applies to floxuridine: injection powder for solution.

Important Warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Injection route (Powder for Solution)

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

Because of the possibility of severe toxic reactions, all patients should be hospitalized for initiation of the first course of therapy.

Serious side effects of floxuridine

Along with its needed effects, floxuridine 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 floxuridine:

More common

• diarrhea
• sores in mouth and on lips
• stomach pain or cramps

Less common

• black, tarry stools
• heartburn
• nausea and vomiting
• scaling or redness of hands or feet
• swelling or soreness of the tongue

Rare

• blood in urine or stools
• cough or hoarseness
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• trouble in walking
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of floxuridine

Some side effects of floxuridine 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:

Less common or rare

• loss of appetite
• skin rash or itching

This medicine sometimes causes temporary thinning of hair. After treatment with floxuridine has ended, normal hair growth should return.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to floxuridine: injectable powder for injection.

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fever, lethargy, malaise, weakness
• -Adverse reactions to the arterial infusion of this drug are generally related to the procedural complications of regional arterial infusion. The complications include arterial aneurysm, arterial ischemia, arterial thrombosis, embolism, fibromyositis, thrombophlebitis, hepatic necrosis, abscesses, infection at the catheter site, bleeding at the catheter site and/or a blocked, leaking, or displaced catheter.
• -Laboratory abnormalities include BSP, prothrombin, total proteins, sedimentation rate and thrombocytopenia.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Stomatitis, esophagopharyngitis (at the first visible sign), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, enteritis, stomatitis, duodenal ulcer, duodenitis, gastritis, bleeding, gastroenteritis, glossitis, pharyngitis, anorexia, cramps, abdominal pain, possible intra- and extrahepatic biliary sclerosis, acalculous cholecystitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Leukopenia (WBC under 3500) or a rapidly falling white blood count, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage (from any site)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Elevations of alkaline phosphatase, serum transaminase, serum bilirubin, and lactic dehydrogenase^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Alopecia, dermatitis, nonspecific skin toxicity, rash^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Myocardial ischemia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Neurotoxicity

Further information

Floxuridine 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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer