Eulexin
Eulexin
[u-lek´sin]flutamide
(floo-ta-mide) flutamide,Eulexin
(trade name)Classification
Therapeutic: antineoplasticsPharmacologic: antiandrogens
Indications
Action
Therapeutic effects
Pharmacokinetics
Time/action profile
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
PO | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Contraindications/Precautions
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Side effects primarily caused by LHRH antagonistCentral nervous system
- anxiety
- confusion
- drowsiness
- mental depression
- nervousness
Cardiovascular
- edema
- hypertension
Gastrointestinal
- hepatotoxicity (life-threatening)
- diarrhea (most frequent)
- nausea (most frequent)
- vomiting (most frequent)
Genitourinary
- erectile dysfunction (most frequent)
- loss of libido (most frequent)
Dermatologic
- photosensitivity
- rash
Endocrinologic
- gynecomastia (most frequent)
Miscellaneous
- hot flashes (most frequent)
Interactions
Drug-Drug interaction
Acts synergistically withLHRH analogues (leuprolide ).Route/Dosage
Availability
Nursing implications
Nursing assessment
- Monitor for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Adjust diet as tolerated. Notify physician if these symptoms become severe.
- Lab Test Considerations: May cause elevated AST, ALT, bilirubin, and serum creatinine values. Monitor ALT before therapy, monthly for the first 4 mo of therapy, and periodically thereafter. If ALT rises above 2 times the upper limit of normal, flutamide should be discontinued immediately. Liver function tests should also be obtained at the first sign of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, or hyperbilirubinemia.
- May cause increased plasma estradiol and testosterone concentrations.
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Sexual dysfunction (Side Effects)Implementation
- Used in combination with LHRH agonist, such as leuprolide.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Explain that flutamide must be taken in conjunction with leuprolide. Instruct patient to take flutamide exactly as directed. If a dose is missed, take as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose. Do not double doses.
- Warn patient that side effects such as hot flashes, loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and breast enlargement may be caused by the LHRH agonist. The primary side effect of flutamide alone is diarrhea, but the combination of drugs is necessary to achieve the therapeutic effect.
- Advise patient to notify health care professional immediately if dark urine, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain in right side, or yellow eyes or skin occurs. Hepatotoxicity usually resolves when flutamide is discontinued, but it may be progressive and fatal; requires immediate medical attention.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
- Decrease in the spread of prostate cancer.