FUDR Side Effects
Generic name: floxuridine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 20, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about FUDR Side Effects associated with floxuridine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name FUDR.
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 FUDR
Along with its needed effects, floxuridine (the active ingredient contained in FUDR) 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 side effects
- diarrhea
- sores in mouth and on lips
- stomach pain or cramps
Less common side effects
Rare side effects
- 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 FUDR
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 side effects
- 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.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
While you are being treated with floxuridine, and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval. Floxuridine may lower your body's resistance and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant to prevent. In addition, other persons living in your household should not take oral polio vaccine since there is a chance they could pass the polio virus on to you. Also, avoid persons who have recently taken oral polio vaccine. Do not get close to them and do not stay in the same room with them for very long. If you cannot take these precautions, you should consider wearing a protective face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
For healthcare professionals
Applies to floxuridine: injectable powder for injection.
Other adverse events
- 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
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References
1. (2022) "Product Information. FUDR (floxuridine)." Roche Laboratories
More about FUDR (floxuridine)
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- Drug class: antimetabolites
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Further information
FUDR 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.