(floor-oh-YOOR-uh-sil)
Fluorouracil is a type of chemotherapy drug called an antimetabolite. It mimics one of the building blocks of RNA and DNA, which disrupts the ability of the cells to make DNA and proteins. This slows or stops the growth of cancer cells and other rapidly dividing cells and causes them to die.
FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.
Use in Cancer
Fluorouracil injection is approved to treat:
Fluorouracil is also called 5-FU. Fluorouracil is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer.
Fluorouracil is also available in a topical form. For more information, see the Drug Information Summary for Fluorouracil (Topical).
More About Fluorouracil Injection
Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary – Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.
More About Fluorouracil Injection – A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:
- warnings about this drug,
- what this drug is used for and how it is used,
- what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
- what you should know about this drug before using it,
- other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
- possible side effects.
Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.
Clinical Trials Accepting Patients
Find Clinical Trials for Fluorouracil – Check for trials from NCI’s list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.
