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Description

Fluorouracil (also known as 5-FU) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat a variety of cancers, including breast, colon, stomach, and pancreatic cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which eventually leads to their death.

Common side effects of fluorouracil include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, hair loss, fatigue, and low blood cell counts. Other more serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, liver damage, and heart problems.

Brand names associated with fluorouracil include Adrucil, Efudex, Fluoroplex, and Carac.

Synonyms

• 5-FU
• fluorouracil

Classifications

• antimetabolite
• antineoplastic
• dermatological
• pyrimidine

Detailed Disease Information (use the search buttons below to find details on these topics from other web sources)
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