Tegafur

Uses of Tegafur

Tegafur is commonly used to treat Cancer, Cancer Of Colon And Rectum and Stomach Cancer.

How Tegafur Works

Tegafur is an anticancer agent and it is the prodrug of fluorouracil. Fluorouracil is able to phosphorylate into its active metabolite (FdUMP) which inhibits the DNA synthesis and disrupts the RNA function of the cancer cells.

Side Effects of Tegafur

Nausea and vomiting, Anorexia, Hot flushes, Oedema, Skin itching, Neurotoxicity, Bone marrow suppression, Skin rash, Ocular irritation, Myocardial ischemia

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Caution use of Tegafur has to be practised in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor.

Alcohol Not Advisable

Alcohol may decrease the metabolism of Tegafur when used concomitantly. Thus, it is not advisable to consume alcohol during cancer treatment with Tegafur.

Pregnancy Limited Data

There are no clinical data on the effect of Tegafur use in pregnant women. Thus, it is not advisable to be used during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Tegafur may cause side effects such as tiredness, blurred vision or nausea, all of which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Use With Care

Caution use of Tegafur has to be practised in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor.

Lactation Not Advisable

Animal studies have shown the excretion of Tegafur in animal milk but it is unknown in human milk. Thus, it is not advisable to be used during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).