Tipiracil / Trifluridine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 4, 2025.

Applies to tipiracil / trifluridine: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. It may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Female patients should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients who have female partners should use effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

• If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.
• Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
• Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.
• Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
• Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
• Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.

Tell your doctor right away if you have severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting while using this medicine.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, tipiracil/trifluridine 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 tipiracil / trifluridine:

Other side effects

Some side effects of tipiracil / trifluridine 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:

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tipiracil / trifluridine: oral tablet.

Hematologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (77%), neutropenia (67%), thrombocytopenia (42%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia/fatigue (52%), infections (27%), pyrexia (19%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (48%), diarrhea (32%), vomiting (28%), abdominal pain (21%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Stomatitis (8%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, pulmonary emboli
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (39%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): QTc interval prolongation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dysgeusia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infections^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia^[Ref]

Further information

Tipiracil/trifluridine 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