Luporal capsule is the combination of two medications called Tegafur + Uracil. It is an anti-cancer medicine that belongs to the class of medication called pyrimidine analogs. It is indicated for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, along with other anti-cancer medications. Cancer is a condition in which cells multiply uncontrolled and abnormally. It is not recommended for adolescents and children. Avoid taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not take Luporal capsule if you are allergic to Tegafur + Uracil or any other ingredients of this medicine. Inform your healthcare professional if you have liver diseases, kidney disorders, or other noncancerous conditions before initiating the treatment. This medicine may reduce fertility in men and women; discuss this with your doctor before starting the therapy. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and risk of infection.
Uses of Luporal Capsule
Therapeutic Effects of Luporal Capsule
Luporal capsule is a combination of two chemotherapy drugs: tegafur and uracil. tegafur is absorbed into the bloodstream, converted into the active drug 5FU in the liver, and then absorbed by tumor cells. Within the cells is an enzyme that breaks down the 5FU. The uracil slows the breakdown of 5FU, which means that the 5FU stays in the cancer cells for longer. It prevents the growth and multiplication of cancer cells and thus helps destroy the tumor.
Interaction of Luporal Capsule with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with the effects of Luporal capsule and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Luporal Capsule
How to consume Luporal Capsule
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Take the Luporal capsule as prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Take the capsules with or without food at the same time each day.
Safety Advices for Luporal Capsule
Pregnancy
Luporal capsule is unsafe for pregnant women because it may cause birth defects. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspect pregnancy, or planning to become pregnant. Using effective contraception during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended in patients taking Luporal capsule because the medicine passes into the breast milk in small amounts and may harm the baby.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Luporal capsule can be used in patients with lung disorders. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Luporal capsule should be cautiously administered in patients with severe liver diseases. Dose adjustments are necessary for severe liver failure. Inform your physician if you have liver problems before initiating the therapy.
Alcohol
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Luporal capsule. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
Driving vehicles or operating machinery after taking Luporal capsule is unsafe as you may develop dizziness, tiredness, and blurred vision.
Side Effects of Luporal Capsule
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Common
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting
- Tiredness
- Risk of infection
- Fever
- Bruising and bleeding
- Anemia
- Changes in skin and nail
Serious
- Swelling in the face, and body
- Severe skin rashes
- Severe diarrhea
- Liver injury
Word of Advice
Do not breastfeed during the treatment with Luporal capsule. This medicine may increase your risk of developing a blood clot. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious so it’s important to tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of these symptoms. Your doctor will perform regular blood tests during the treatment to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the therapy. Your heart and lung function will also be checked regularly. This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury.
FAQs
Q 1. Does Luporal capsule cause hair loss?
Hair loss is a less common side effect of Luporal capsule. Hair loss can happen due to the cancer itself. Consult your doctor if you have excessive hair loss.
Q 2. How long does it take Luporal capsule to work?
Luporal capsule is a long-term treatment. Most people who benefit from this treatment will notice an improvement in the first 12 weeks of starting treatment.
Q 3. What will happen if I stop taking Luporal capsule suddenly?
Stopping your treatment suddenly may cause your condition to become worse. Do not stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor.
Q 4. Is it safe to give Luporal capsule to patients with kidney problems?
There is limited information available on the use of Luporal capsule in patients with kidney problems. Inform your physician if you have any kidney diseases before initating the treatment.
Q 5. Can Luporal capsule cause fertility problems?
Treatment with Luporal capsule may cause fertility issues in men and women. It is important to discuss fertility issues with your doctor before starting the treatment.
Fact Box of Luporal Capsule
Molecule name: Tegafur + Uracil | Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics |
Pharmacological class: Pyrimidine analogues | Indications: Colon and Rectal cancer |