Fluorouracil

This information sheet is offered as a guide to you and your family. Your treatment will be fully explained by your doctor or nurse, who will be happy to answer any questions. 

Treatment: Your doctor has prescribed for you chemotherapy drugs known as: 

Fluorouracil 

As each patient is an individual your experience will be different to other patients receiving chemotherapy. Common side effects that you may experience during treatment are: 

Nausea and Vomiting (sickness) 
A small number of patients may experience some nausea as a result of this treatment. You will be given some anti-sickness tablets to take home. If you continue to feel sick contact the day unit or your GP as your anti -sickness medication may need to be changed or increased. 

Sore Mouth 
Following treatment you may develop a sore mouth and may notice mouth ulcers. To prevent any mouth ulcers becoming infected you should use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Ask your doctor or nurse to recommend one that is suitable. 

Diarrhoea 
Occasionally this treatment can cause irritation of the bowel lining. If you do experience diarrhoea please inform your nurse or doctor so that appropriate treatment can be given. 

Changes in Nails and Skin 
Your nails may discolour or develop ridges. These changes may or may not grow out. You may also experience darkening of your veins in the area where the drug was given. This skin discoloration may fade over time. 

Hand - Foot Syndrome 
Your skin may become quite dry when having treatment over a prolonged period of time. Skin on hands and feet can become red and tender. Occasionally blistering and numbness can occur. Please mention any of these symptoms to your doctor or nurse.
 
Extravasation
The drugs you are about to receive are known as “ cytotoxic “ or “chemotherapy” drugs. Very few of these drugs may be given by mouth and most need to be administered directly into the blood stream through a plastic needle inserted directly into a vein, this needle is known as a cannula. It is therefore very important that good venous access is found (a good vein in which to put the cannula) so that chemotherapy may be given directly into a vein. It should not cause pain on administration and often the only sensation you may experience is a “coldness “ running up your arm. If the drip had displaced itself from the vein an “extravasation” could occur where chemotherapy is administered outside the vein, causing damage to the surrounding tissues. This happens very rarely. Indications are pain around the cannula site, redness or swelling. Your nurse will of course be looking for any signs of extravasation throughout the time your chemotherapy is in progress but it is essential that you inform your nurse if problems arise. Very occasionally patients may notice pain and discomfort around the area only after their chemotherapy has been completed. This also must be reported immediately so that appropriate treatment may be prescribed. 

Fatigue 
Many people feel tired and have low energy levels whilst undergoing chemotherapy. There is very little you can do to avoid this but research has shown that patients who suffer fatigue need to take gentle exercise and rest often. This feeling of fatigue is quite normal and energy levels will begin to improve once treatment is completed. 

Please remember side effects are usually temporary. If you experience any of them, discuss them with your doctor or nurse. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment please contact: 

Mon-Thurs 8.00am - 6.00pm Day         Unit ward 36        tel. 0191 2563536/2563682 
Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm 

Outside these hours                               Wards 37/38        tel. 0191 2563537/2563538

N.B. If you require further information regarding the drugs you receive British Association of Cancer United Patients and their Families and Friends (BACUP) produce an in formation booklet free of charge. The telephone number is Freephone 0808 800 1234.

Information Produced by N.C.C.T. 
May 2002, Reviewed June 2003 
Review Date June 2005