Fluorouracil Injection
Fluorouracil is a type of chemotherapy called an antimetabolite, which is a drug that mimics a natural chemical and prevents its use in cells. It interferes with the production of a key component of DNA, which prevents the DNA from copying itself. This causes cancer cells and other rapidly dividing cells to die. Fluorouracil also gets incorporated into RNA and DNA, disrupting critical cell functions.
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.
MedlinePlus Information on 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.