Furmecil 20mg Capsule is a combination chemotherapy medication containing the active constituents Tegafur, Gimeracil, Oteracil. The combination chemotherapy treatment known as S-1 is used to treat various types of cancer, including gastric, colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancer. This capsule is not recommended for adolescents and children under 18 and may be given alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs.
It is important to inform your health care provider if you have severe blood disorders, kidney disorders, viral infections, or you know you have DPD (enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency. Furmecil 20mg Capsule contain lactose. So, if you have an intolerance to sugars, you need to inform the physician. Use effective contraceptive measures during the therapy and for at least 6 after the last dose.
Uses of Furmecil 20mg Capsule
Furmecil 20mg Capsule is used in the treatment of
- Gastric cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Therapeutic Effects of Furmecil 20mg Capsule
Furmecil 20mg Capsule inhibits the growth and division of cancer cells, improves the effectiveness of the treatment, and reduces the risk of side effects, thereby providing therapeutic benefits to cancer patients.
Interaction of Furmecil 20mg Capsule with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Furmecil 20mg Capsule, reducing effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Furmecil 20mg Capsule
How to consume Furmecil 20mg Capsule
Furmecil 20mg Capsules are typically taken orally, with or without food. The Capsule should be swallowed whole, not crushed, chewed, or broken. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated and other factors such as your overall health and response to treatment. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Safety Advices for Furmecil 20mg Capsule
Pregnancy
Furmecil 20mg Capsule is unsafe during pregnancy. It can harm the developing fetus, so pregnancy should be avoided while taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
It is unknown whether Furmecil 20mg Capsules are excreted into human breast milk, so breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking it.
Lungs
If you have a lung disease or lung cancer and are considering treatment with Furmecil 20mg Capsule, it is important to discuss this medication's potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.
Liver
Furmecil 20mg Capsule are metabolized in the liver, and their use may be associated with potential liver toxicity. Patients with preexisting liver disease or impairment may be at an increased risk for adverse effects when taking these medications.
Alcohol
Patients taking Furmecil 20mg Capsules avoid or limit their alcohol consumption, as alcohol can exacerbate certain side effects of the medication, such as fatigue and depression.
Driving
Patients should always monitor their response to the Furmecil 20mg Capsule medication and be cautious when driving or operating machinery if they experience any side effects that may impair their ability to do so safely.
Side Effects of Furmecil 20mg Capsule
Like all medications, Furmecil 20mg Capsules cause some side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Serious:
- Infection (fever, chills, sore throat, cough, flu-like symptoms)
- Bleeding or bruising (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Allergic reaction (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing)
- Liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain)
- Kidney problems (changes in urine output, swelling of the hands or feet)
Common:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Skin rash
- Changes in taste
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Headache
Word of Advice
If you have been prescribed Furmecil 20mg Capsule, it is important to carefully read and understand the warnings and precautions associated with the medication. It increases the risk of infection, so patients should avoid close contact with infected persons. If you have an intolerance to sugars, you need to inform the physician. Avoid consumption of grapefruit during treatment. Use effective contraceptive measures during the therapy and for at least 6 after the last dose. Patients with diabetes require close monitoring during treatment. Always maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being.
FAQs
Q 1. Can Furmecil 20mg Capsule be used in children?
Furmecil 20mg Capsules are generally not recommended for use in children. There is limited information on the safety and effectiveness of these medications in pediatric patients, and other treatments may be more appropriate.
Q 2. Can Furmecil 20mg Capsule be used in elderly patients?
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the side effects of Furmecil 20mg Capsule, particularly bone marrow suppression and liver toxicity. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or monitor you more closely during the treatment.
Q 3. Can Furmecil 20mg Capsule be used in patients with kidney disease?
Furmecil 20mg Capsule are primarily eliminated from the body through the liver so they may be appropriate for use in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease. However, patients with severe kidney disease may require dose adjustments or close monitoring.
Q 4. Can Furmecil 20mg Capsule affect my mental health?
Furmecil 20mg Capsules are not commonly associated with effects on mental health. However, like many cancer treatments, they can cause fatigue, contributing to feelings of low mood or depression.
Q 5. How will Furmecil 20mg Capsule affect my blood?
Furmecil 20mg Capsule can affect your blood cell counts, particularly your white blood cell count, which can increase your risk of infections. It can also cause anemia (low red blood cell count) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). These effects are usually temporary and reversible when treatment is stopped.
Q 6. How will Furmecil 20mg Capsule affect my heart?
Furmecil 20mg Capsule may affect your heart in certain ways. While not a common side effect, these medications have been associated with cardiac events such as irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and heart attack.
Fact Box of Furmecil 20mg Capsule
Molecule name: Tegafur, Gimeracil, and Oteracil | Therapeutic class: Anticancer |
Pharmacological class: Antineoplastic agent | Indications: 1. Gastric cancer 2. Colorectal cancer 3. Breast cancer 4. Pancreatic cancer |