Raciwel 250mg Injection contains the active ingredient as Fluorouracil. It belongs to a class of drugs called antimetabolites, which interfere with the genetic material (DNA and RNA) synthesis of rapidly dividing cancer cells, leading to their death. It is commonly used to treat breast, colorectal, stomach, esophagus, and pancreatic cancers. It can be administered in different ways, including through injection or as a cream.
Like all other anticancer medication, Raciwel 250mg Injection can cause side effects. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, hair loss, and an increased risk of infection. However, not all patients will experience these side effects, and the severity of the side effects can vary from person to person.
No specific foods need to be avoided when receiving Raciwel 250mg Injection, but alcohol, spicy or acidic foods, citrus fruits and juices, and high-fiber foods may worsen some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and gastrointestinal problems. Patients should consider avoiding or limiting these foods during treatment. Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you have undergone surgery in the last 30 days or are following a controlled sodium diet.
Uses of Raciwel 250mg Injection
Therapeutic Effects of Raciwel 250mg Injection
Raciwel 250mg Injection works by interfering with the DNA and RNA synthesis of rapidly dividing cancer cells, leading to their death. It is an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug that mimics the structure of normal DNA and RNA building blocks. Still, its incorporation into DNA and RNA leads to errors in formation and causes damage to the DNA and RNA strands.
Interaction of Raciwel 250mg Injection 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 Raciwel 250mg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Raciwel 250mg Injection
How to consume Raciwel 250mg Injection
Raciwel 250mg Injection is a medication typically administered under a healthcare provider's supervision, usually in a hospital or clinic setting. The method of administration can vary depending on the type of cancer and the individual patient's condition. The injection can be given in a vein (intravenous) or muscle (intramuscular) injection.
If a patient misses a scheduled dose, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately to determine the next steps. Sometimes, the missed dose may be rescheduled, or a new treatment plan may be recommended. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions closely and not make any changes to the treatment plan without first consulting with them. Patients should never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects and toxicity.
Safety Advices for Raciwel 250mg Injection
Pregnancy
Raciwel 250mg Injection is unsafe for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. So it is not recommended to take it during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
It is unknown whether it is excreted in human milk or not. So breastfeeding women should discuss with healthcare professionals before the treatment.
Lungs
Raciwel 250mg Injection has been associated with some lung-related side effects, although these are relatively uncommon. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended because Raciwel 250mg Injection has been associated with liver injury in some patients. It is important to monitor liver function regularly in patients, particularly in those with pre-existing liver disease or a history of liver problems.
Alcohol
It is generally recommended that patients taking Raciwel 250mg Injection avoid or limit their alcohol intake, as alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage and exacerbate any liver-related side effects.
Driving
Raciwel 250mg Injection may cause side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or blurred vision that can impair a patient's ability to drive or operate machinery safely. So you should avoid these activities during treatment with this medication.
Side Effects of Raciwel 250mg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious:
- Severe chest pain
- ECG abnormalities
- Anemia
- Severe allergic reactions
- Blood in stool
- Mouth sores
- Numbness, tingling, and tremors of hands and feet
- Rapid heart rate
- Leukoencephalopathy symptoms
- Breathlessness
Common:
- Low WBC count, fever
- Weakness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Inflammation in the mouth
- High uric acid levels in the blood
- Nosebleeds
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Watery diarrhea
- Bone marrow problems
- Thyroid disorders
- Infections
Word of Advice
If you have been prescribed Raciwel 250mg Injection for cancer treatment, it is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is also important to be aware of the potential side effects of injection, ranging from mild to severe. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, report them to your healthcare provider immediately. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control during treatment and afterward, as the injection can harm a developing fetus.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of medication with your healthcare provider. Additionally, patients with liver or kidney disease may require lower doses or more frequent monitoring of liver function during treatment. Regular blood tests and other monitoring tests are required to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness. With careful monitoring and communication, your healthcare provider can help you navigate any challenges or concerns during treatment.
FAQs
Q 1. What is the usual dosage of Raciwel 250mg Injection for cancer treatment?
The Raciwel 250mg Injection dosage depends on several factors, including the type of cancer being treated, the patient's age and weight, and overall health.
Q 2. How is Raciwel 250mg Injection different from other chemotherapy medications?
Raciwel 250mg Injection is a type of chemotherapy medication known as an antimetabolite, which works by interfering with the DNA replication process in cancer cells.
Q 3. Can Raciwel 250mg Injection be combined with other cancer treatments?
Yes, Raciwel 250mg Injection can be combined with other chemotherapy medications, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies for certain types of cancer.
Q 4. Are any foods or medications that should be avoided while taking Raciwel 250mg Injection?
Some foods and medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter pain relievers, can interact with Raciwel 250mg Injection and increase the risk of side effects. Discussing all medications and supplements with your healthcare provider before starting treatment is important.
Q 5. How effective is Raciwel 250mg Injection at treating cancer?
Raciwel 250mg injection's effectiveness in treating cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer being treated and the individual patient's response to the medication. It is important to discuss treatment options and expectations with your healthcare provider.
Q 6. What should I do if I experience severe side effects from Raciwel 250mg Injection?
If you experience severe side effects from Raciwel 250mg Injection, such as fever, severe nausea or vomiting, or signs of infection, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Q 7. Can Raciwel 250mg Injection cause a sunburn-like reaction on the skin?
Yes, Raciwel 250mg Injection can cause a sunburn-like reaction on the skin, especially when used topically to treat certain skin cancers. This reaction can cause redness, itching, burning, and peeling of the skin, lasting for several weeks. Patients should avoid exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing and sunscreen while receiving treatment with this injection to minimize this side effect.
Q 8. Can Raciwel 250mg Injection cure cancer?
Raciwel 250mg Injection can effectively treat certain types and stages of cancer, but it is not a cure. Its ability to shrink or slow the growth of tumors depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health.
Fact Box of Raciwel 250mg Injection
Molecule name: Fluorouracil | Therapeutic class: Anticancer |
Pharmacological class: Antimetabolites | Indications: 1. Colon and rectum cancer 2. Breast cancer 3. Gastric cancer 4. Pancreatic cancer 5. Head and Neck cancers 6. Esophagus cancer 7. Anal cancer 8. Bladder cancer |