What is this medication for?
Flutamide belongs to a group of medicines known as nonsteroidal antiandrogens. Nonsteroidal antiandrogens such as flutamide block the effect of the male hormone testosterone in the body. Prostate cancer cells require testosterone in order to grow and reproduce. Flutamide is used in combination with a hormone therapy (e.g., goserelin) that reduces the amount of testosterone in the body for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Flutamide by Par Pharmaceutical is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose is 250 mg 3 times daily at 8-hour intervals, with or without food. This treatment should be started at the same time as treatment with an LHRH analogue (e.g., goserelin) or after surgical removal of the testicles.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Flutamide should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to flutamide or any ingredients of the medication
- is pregnant
- has severe liver disease