SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.
Because flutamide is usually used with other medications, the side effects may be due to either one medicine or the combination of medications. Hot flashes, loss of sexual interest/ability, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and enlargement of male breasts may occur. Less common side effects include drowsiness. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If you develop diarrhea: drink plenty of fluids, decrease dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt), increase whole grains/vegetables/fruit, stop any laxatives.
Consult your pharmacist for appropriate over-the-counter medication for diarrhea.
Flutamide may change the color of your urine to light orange-brown or yellow-green. This is not harmful.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: depression, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, nervousness), swelling of legs/hands, lung problems.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: breast lump, confusion, sudden severe tiredness, weakness, pale skin, bluish fingernails/lips/skin, fast heartbeat at rest, feeling short of breath at rest, new fever, chills, cough, breathing problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, new diarrhea, sore throat, easy bruising/bleeding.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: serious liver problems, a certain enzyme deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-G6PD).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: smoking, hemoglobin M disease, mild liver problems.
This drug may rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially drowsiness.
Flutamide should not be used in women. Women who are pregnant should avoid touching or accidentally taking this medication. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more information.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid touching or accidentally taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more information.