Skip to main content

Flutamide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 21, 2023.

Applies to flutamide: oral capsule.

Warning

Oral route (Capsule)

Liver failure has been reported in patients taking flutamide. Evidence of hepatic injury occurred usually within the first 3 months and included elevated serum transaminase levels, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, and death related to acute hepatic failure. Serum transaminase levels should be measured prior to starting treatment, monthly for the first 4 months of therapy, and periodically thereafter. Flutamide is not recommended in patients whose ALT values exceed twice the upper limit of normal and should be discontinued if the ALT rises above 2 times the upper limit of normal or jaundice occurs during therapy.

Serious side effects of Flutamide

Along with its needed effects, flutamide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

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

More common

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking flutamide:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Flutamide

Some side effects of flutamide 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

Less common

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to flutamide: oral capsule.

Hepatic

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Abnormal liver function tests, hepatic dysfunction, jaundice

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cholestatic jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, liver cell necrosis, fatal hepatotoxicity[Ref]

Hematologic

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hemolytic anemia, megalocytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia, macrocytic anemia[Ref]

Nervous system

Rare (less than 0.1%): Dizziness, headache, numbness, drowsiness

Frequency not reported: Tiredness, malaise[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Hot flushes

Rare (less than 0.1%): Cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, lymphoedema

Frequency not reported: QT prolongation, thromboembolism[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Urticaria, pruritus, ecchymosis, alteration of the hair growth pattern and loss of hair (head), rash

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Photosensitivity reactions, erythema, ulcers, bullous eruptions, epidermal necrosis[Ref]

Endocrine

Very common (10% or more): Gynecomastia (19%)

Common (1% to 10%): Breast tenderness (7%)[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Rare (less than 0.1%): Constipation, ulcer-like pain, dyspepsia, colitis, upset stomach, heartburn, abdominal pain[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Muscle cramps, neuromuscular symptoms, reduced bone mineral density, osteoporotic disorders, arthralgia, myalgia[Ref]

Psychiatric

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anxiety, depression, confusion, nervousness[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Loss of libido[Ref]

Respiratory

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Interstitial pneumonitis, dyspnea

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cough, interstitial lung disease[Ref]

Immunologic

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Lupus-like syndrome

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Herpes zoster[Ref]

Ocular

Rare (less than 0.1%): Blurred vision[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Increased appetite

Rare (less than 0.1%): Anorexia[Ref]

Oncologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Neoplasm of the male breast[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Eulexin (flutamide). Schering Corporation. 2002;PROD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

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