Enter drug's generic or brand name below. Results will appear here. Note: all drug related information obtained on this page is provided by RX List.
Using the RX LIST database:
(1) Enter the drug name in the search box below and hit ENTER
(2) The rx list web site will open here with the drug search completed. Next, scroll down the page to locate the link to the drug you are searching for and then click on the link.
Adrucil®
(fluorouracil) Injection
Adrucil® (fluorouracil injection USP), a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor, is a colorless to faint yellow aqueous, sterile, nonpyrogenic injectable solution available in a 50 mL and 100 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package for intravenous administration. Each mL contains 50 mg fluorouracil, USP in water for injection, USP, pH is adjusted to 8.6 to 9.4 with sodium hydroxide.
Chemically, fluorouracil, USP, a fluorinated pyrimidine, is 5-fluoro-2,4 (1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione. It is a white to practically white crystalline powder which is sparingly soluble in water. The structural formula is:
 |
Adrucil (fluorouracil injection) is indicated for the treatment of patients with:
Adrucil is recommended for administration either as an intravenous bolus or as an intravenous infusion. Do not inject the entire contents of the vial directly into patients. Individualize the dose and dosing schedule of fluorouracil based on tumor type, the specific regimen administered, disease state, response to treatment, and patient risk factors.
The recommended dose of Adrucil, administered as a component of a platinum-containing multidrug chemotherapy regimen, is 200 mg/m² to 1000 mg/m² intravenously as a continuous infusion over 24 hours. The frequency of dosing in each cycle and the length of each cycle will depend on the dose of Adrucil and the specific regimen administered.
Withhold Adrucil for any of the following:
Upon resolution or improvement to Grade 1 diarrhea, mucositis, myelosuppression, or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, resume Adrucil administration at a reduced dose.
There is no recommended dose for resumption of Adrucil administration following development of any of the following adverse reactions:
Adrucil is supplied in a pharmacy bulk package consisting of a vial. The pharmacy bulk package can be used to prepare doses for more than one patient. It is not supplied with a sterile transfer device, which is required for dispensing when multiple doses will be prepared from the single vial. The 50 mL vial is only intended for preparation in a Pharmacy Admixture Service under appropriate conditions for cytotoxic drugs [see REFERENCES]. Store vial at room temperature.
Using aseptic conditions, penetrate the container closure once with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set that allows measured distribution of the contents. Record the date and time the vial was opened on the vial label. Discard the pharmacy bulk package 4 hours after penetration of the container closure.
Withdraw the calculated dose for an individual patient into a sterile syringe. Inspect the solution in syringe for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration or further dilution. Discard syringe if the solution is discolored or contains particulate matter.
Do not administer in the same intravenous line concomitantly with other medicinal products.
For bolus administration, store undiluted Adrucil in the syringe for up to 4 hours at room temperature (25°C). Administer Adrucil as an intravenous bolus through an established intravenous line.
Store diluted solutions of Adrucil for up to 4 hours at room temperature (25°C) prior to administration to the patient. For intravenous infusion regimens, administer through a central venous line using an infusion pump.
Adrucil (fluorouracil injection USP) is supplied as:
Adrucil® (fluorouracil injection USP) is available in two pharmacy bulk vials as follows:
PHARMACY BULK PACKAGES
| NDC Number | Adrucil | Volume |
| 0703-3018-12 | 50 mg/mL | 2.5 g/50 mL vial |
| 0703-3019-12 | 50 mg/mL | 5 g/100 mL vial |
The 50 mL and 100 mL pharmacy bulk packages are packaged 5 vials per shelf pack.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Retain in carton until time of use.
Fluorouracil is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposable procedures [see REFERENCES].
REFERENCES
“OSHA Hazardous Drugs.” OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., North Wales, PA 19454. Revised: Jan 2017
The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of fluorouracil. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Hematologic: pancytopenia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Gastrointestinal: gastrointestinal ulceration, nausea, vomiting
Allergic Reactions: anaphylaxis and generalized allergic reactions
Neurologic: nystagmus, headache
Dermatologic: dry skin; fissuring; photosensitivity, as manifested by erythema or increased pigmentation of the skin; vein pigmentation
Ophthalmic: lacrimal duct stenosis, visual changes, lacrimation, photophobia
Psychiatric: euphoria
Miscellaneous: thrombophlebitis, epistaxis, nail changes (including loss of nails)
Elevated coagulation times have been reported in patients taking fluorouracil concomitantly with warfarin. While pharmacokinetic data are not available to assess the effect of fluorouracil administration on warfarin pharmacokinetics, the elevation of coagulation times that occurs with the fluorouracil prodrug capecitabine is accompanied by an increase in warfarin concentrations. Thus, the interaction may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 2C9 by fluorouracil or its metabolites.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Based on postmarketing reports, patients with certain homozygous or certain compound heterozygous mutations in the DPD gene that result in complete or near complete absence of DPD activity are at increased risk for acute early-onset of toxicity and severe, life-threatening, or fatal adverse reactions caused by fluorouracil (e.g., mucositis, diarrhea, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity). Patients with partial DPD activity may also have increased risk of severe, life-threatening, or fatal adverse reactions caused by fluorouracil.
Withhold or permanently discontinue fluorouracil based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed toxicities in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe toxicity, which may indicate near complete or total absence of DPD activity. No fluorouracil dose has been proven safe for patients with complete absence of DPD activity. There is insufficient data to recommend a specific dose in patients with partial DPD activity as measured by any specific test.
Fluorouracil can cause cardiotoxicity, including angina, myocardial infarction/ischemia, arrhythmia, and heart failure, based on postmarketing reports. Reported risk factors for cardiotoxicity are administration by continuous infusion rather than intravenous bolus and presence of coronary artery disease. Withhold fluorouracil for cardiotoxicity. The risks of resumption of fluorouracil in patients with cardiotoxicity that has resolved have not been established.
Fluorouracil can cause hyperammonemic encephalopathy in the absence of liver disease or other identifiable cause, based on postmarketing reports. Signs or symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy began within 72 hours after initiation of fluorouracil infusion; these included altered mental status, confusion, disorientation, coma, or ataxia, in the presence of concomitant elevated serum ammonia level. Withhold fluorouracil for hyperammonemic encephalopathy and initiate ammonialowering therapy. The risks of resumption of fluorouracil in patients with hyperammonemic encephalopathy that has resolved have not been established.
Fluorouracil can cause neurologic toxicity, including acute cerebellar syndrome and other neurologic events, based on postmarketing reports. Neurologic symptoms included confusion, disorientation, ataxia, or visual disturbances. Withhold fluorouracil for neurologic toxicity. There are insufficient data on the risks of resumption of fluorouracil in patients with neurologic toxicity that has resolved.
Fluorouracil can cause severe diarrhea. Withhold fluorouracil for Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea until resolved or decreased in intensity to Grade 1, then resume fluorouracil at a reduced dose. Administer fluids, electrolyte replacement, or antidiarrheal treatments as necessary.
Fluorouracil can cause palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, also known as hand-foot syndrome (HFS). Symptoms of HFS include a tingling sensation, pain, swelling, and erythema with tenderness, and desquamation. HFS occurs more commonly when fluorouracil is administered as a continuous infusion than when fluorouracil is administered as a bolus injection, and has been reported to occur more frequently in patients with previous exposure to chemotherapy. HFS is generally observed after 8 to 9 weeks of fluorouracil administration but may occur earlier. Institute supportive measures for symptomatic relief of HFS. Withhold fluorouracil administration for Grade 2 or 3 HFS; resume fluorouracil at a reduced dose when HFS is completely resolved or decreased in severity to Grade 1.
Fluorouracil can cause severe and fatal myelosuppression which may include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. The nadir in neutrophil counts commonly occurs between 9 and 14 days after fluorouracil administration. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment cycle, weekly if administered on a weekly or similar schedule, and as needed. Withhold fluorouracil until Grade 4 myelosuppression resolves; resume fluorouracil at a reduced dose when myelosuppression has resolved or improved to Grade 1 in severity.
Mucositis, stomatitis or esophagopharyngitis, which may lead to mucosal sloughing or ulceration, can occur with fluorouracil. The incidence is reported to be higher with administration of fluorouracil by intravenous bolus compared with administration by continuous infusion. Withhold fluorouracil administration for Grade 3 or 4 mucositis; resume fluorouracil at a reduced dose once mucositis has resolved or decreased in severity to Grade 1.
Clinically significant elevations in coagulation parameters have been reported during concomitant use of warfarin and fluorouracil. Closely monitor patients receiving concomitant coumarin-derivative anticoagulants such as warfarin for INR or prothrombin time in order to adjust the anticoagulant dose accordingly [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Based on its mechanism of action, fluorouracil can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal studies, administration of fluorouracil at doses lower than a human dose of 12 mg/kg caused teratogenicity. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for 3 months following cessation of therapy with fluorouracil [see Use In Specific Populations, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, and Nonclinical Toxicology].
Carcinogenicity studies have not been performed with fluorouracil. Fluorouracil was mutagenic in vitro in the bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay and induced chromosomal aberrations in hamster fibroblasts in vitro and in mouse bone marrow in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.
Administration of fluorouracil intraperitoneally to male rats at dose levels equal to or greater than 1.7- fold the human dose of 12 mg/kg induced chromosomal aberrations in spermatogonia and inhibition of spermatogonia differentiation resulting in transient infertility. In female rats, intraperitoneal administration of fluorouracil during the pre-ovulatory phases of oogenesis at dose levels equal to or greater than 0.33 times a human dose of 12 mg/kg resulted in decreased incidence of fertile matings, increased pre-implantation loss, and fetotoxicity.
Pregnancy Category D
Risk Summary
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with fluorouracil in pregnant women. Based on its mechanism of action, fluorouracil can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Administration of fluorouracil to rats and mice during selected periods of organogenesis, at doses lower than a human dose of 12 mg/kg, caused embryolethality and teratogenicity. Malformations included cleft palate and skeletal defects. In monkeys, maternal doses of fluorouracil higher than an approximate human dose of 12 mg/kg resulted in abortion. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Animal Data
Malformations including cleft palate, skeletal defects and deformed appendages (paws and tails) were observed when fluorouracil was administered by intraperitoneal injection to mice at doses at or above 10 mg/kg (approximately 0.06 times a human dose of 12 mg/kg on a mg/m² basis) for 4 days during the period of organogenesis. Similar results were observed in hamsters administered fluorouracil intramuscularly at doses lower than those administered in commonly used clinical treatment regimens. In rats, administration of fluorouracil by intraperitoneal injection at doses greater than 15 mg/kg (approximately 0.2 times a human dose of 12 mg/kg on a mg/m² basis) for a single day during organogenesis resulted in delays in growth and malformations including micro-anophthalmos. In monkeys, administration of fluorouracil during organogenesis at doses approximately equal to a human dose of 12 mg/kg on a mg/m² basis resulted in abortion; at a 50% lower dose, resorptions and decreased fetal body weights were reported.
It is not known whether fluorouracil or its metabolites are present in human milk. Because many drugs are present in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from fluorouracil, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in safety or effectiveness between the elderly and younger patients.
Females
Based on its mechanism of action, fluorouracil can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with fluorouracil and for up to 3 months following cessation of therapy [see Use In Specific Populations].
Males
Fluorouracil may damage spermatozoa. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for 3 months following cessation of therapy with fluorouracil [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential that, based on animal data, fertility may be impaired while receiving fluorouracil [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Males
Advise males of reproductive potential that, based on animal data, fertility may be impaired while receiving fluorouracil [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Fluorouracil is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor that interferes with the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and to a lesser extent inhibits the formation of ribonucleic acid (RNA); these affect rapidly growing cells and may lead to cell death. Fluorouracil is converted to three main active metabolites: 5- fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate (FdUMP), 5-fluorouridine-5'-triphosphate (FUTP) and 5- fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate (FdUTP). These metabolites have several effects including the inhibition of thymidylate synthase by FdUMP, incorporation of FUTP into RNA and incorporation of FdUTP into DNA.
Following bolus intravenous injection, fluorouracil distributes throughout the body including the intestinal mucosa, bone marrow, liver, cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue.
Following bolus intravenous injection, 5 to 20 % of the parent drug is excreted unchanged in the urine in six hours. The remaining percentage of the administered dose is metabolized, primarily in the liver. The metabolites of fluorouracil (e.g., urea and α-fluoro-β-alanine) are excreted in the urine over 3 to 4 hours.
Following bolus intravenous injection of fluorouracil, as a single agent, the elimination half-life increased with dose from 8 to 20 minutes.
