Before taking flucytosine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, decreased bone marrow function, a low number of blood cells (red or white blood cells, platelets), radiation treatment, mineral imbalance (such as low level of potassium in the blood).
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication is not recommended for use during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. It may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: cytarabine, other drugs that may affect the kidneys (including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen), other drugs that decrease bone marrow function or lower your number of blood cells or weaken the immune system (such as cancer chemotherapy, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole).
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including serum creatinine), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
