Uftoral

What is it?

An anticancer drug which is a 5-FU precursor/enhancer, available as white, opaque capsules containing 100mg of Tegafur and 224mg of uracil, marked TC434.

Medical Uses

In combination with calcium folinate, first-line treatment of cancer of the colon and rectum which has spread.

Dosage

Adults and children aged over 16 years, 300mg per square metre of body area of tegafur and 672mg per square metres of uracil each day along with 90mg of calcium folinate daily, all as 3 divided doses, for 28 days. Doses to be taken at least 1 hour before or after meals. 7 days without tablets should follow before beginning a further course of treatment.

Special Care

Elderly, impaired kidney or liver function, deficiency in dihydropyrimidine, disease of heart circulation, hepatitis, obstruction of bowel. Close monitoring of biochemistry, blood and clinical signs required before and during treatment. Electrolytes and fluids should be monitored in those who develop diarrhoea.

Avoid Use

Children aged under 16 years, pregnancy, breastfeeding, deficiency in hepatic CYP2A6, suppression of bone marrow, seriously impaired liver function.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Inhibitors and substrates of CYP2A6, anticoagulants, inhibitors of dihydrogyrimidine dehydrogenase.

Known Side Effects

Shortness of breath, gastrointestinal upset, fluid retention in peripheral regions, baldness, skin effects, chills, weakness, fever, pains in abdomen, back, muscles and joints, inflammation of mouth and ulcers, dry mouth, dehydration, CNS distur bances, sweating, nail disorders, weight loss, blood changes, fungal infections, taste disturbances, running eyes, general poor health and malnutrition. All adverse side effects should be reported to the committee on the safety of Medicines (CSM).