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Tegafur + Uracil

Uses of Tegafur + Uracil

  • Tegafur + Uracil is primarily used to manage various types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, stomach, head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancers. It belongs to the class of anti-cancer medications.

  • Additionally, it may be used off-label as adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery in certain stages of colorectal, gastric, and breast cancers.

Side effects of Tegafur + Uracil

  • Diarrhoea

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Abdominal pain

  • Loss of appetites.

How Tegafur + Uracil works

  • Tegafur + Uracil is an anti-cancer combination.

  • Tegafur is a prodrug, which means it is inactive until it is converted into its active form, fluorouracil (5-FU), inside the body. The active form, 5-FU, interferes with DNA synthesis, thereby preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells.

  • Uracil, the second component, slows down the breakdown of 5-FU in the body. This increases the concentration of 5-FU and enhances its anti-tumour activity.

Certified content

Written By

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Dr Nikita LoboMedical Editor & Reviewer| 7 years

BDS, MDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Chhavi Rosha
Dr. Chhavi Rosha Health & Medical Content Writer| 8 years

BMS, FMC, MD Resident

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

  • Tegafur + Uracil is available for oral administration in the form of capsules.

  • This formulation allows the medicine to be taken conveniently, as it can be swallowed with water.

Age and Dose Restrictions

  • This medicine is intended for use in adults.

  • It is not typically recommended for children or adolescents.

Contraindications

  • This medicine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.

  • It is also contraindicated in patients with severe bone marrow suppression.

Other Medications to Avoid

  • This combination may interact with anticoagulants (such as warfarin), antiepileptics (like phenytoin), stomach acid reducers (including cimetidine), and folate supplements (such as folic acid).

  • It is also advised to avoid live vaccines due to the immunosuppressive effects of Tegafur + Uracil.

Overdose and Missed Dose

  • An overdose of Tegafur + Uracil may lead to exacerbated side effects such as severe diarrhoea and an increased risk of infection. Immediate medical attention is recommended.

  • If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

  • Adjusting the timing of the medication may help manage some side effects.

  • Staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water can aid in alleviating some gastrointestinal discomforts such as nausea.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

  • This medication may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. You should avoid these activities if you experience dizziness or fatigue while taking this medication.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

  • Tegafur + Uracil is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

  • If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consulting a doctor is essential before using this medication.

Caution in Other Conditions

  • Caution is advised when using this medicine in patients with impaired liver or kidney function.

  • Patients with a history of severe infections should also be cautious due to potential immunosuppression.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial, especially if experiencing side effects like nausea or diarrhoea.

  • Adopting a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support overall health during cancer management.

  • Patients should consider wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen to protect their skin from photosensitivity reactions that might be caused by treatment.

  • It is beneficial to practice good oral hygiene to prevent infections and manage mouth sores that might occur due to treatment disruptions in normal flora.

Frequently asked questions

No, there are no known natural alternatives to Tegafur + Uracil. It is a chemotherapy medication that is specifically designed to manage cancer. Therefore, it is important that you do not stop taking this medication or use any alternative treatments without consulting your doctor.

Yes, you can. The Tegafur + Uracil capsules do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, it is always recommended to check the product packaging or consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Tegafur + Uracil does not typically affect mood or behaviour. However, side effects such as fatigue may indirectly affect your mood. If you experience any unusual changes in mood or behaviour while taking this medicine, consult your doctor immediately.

The half-life of Tegafur is about 11 hours and that of uracil is around 2-3 hours. This means that it takes approximately 11 hours for half of the Tegafur and 2-3 hours for half of the uracil to be eliminated from your body after the last dose.

Grapefruit can interact with this medication combination and alter its effectiveness. It is best to consult your doctor if you wish to consume grapefruit while taking this medication.

No, there is no risk of addiction or dependency associated with Tegafur + Uracil. This medicine is not a controlled substance.

If you have a known allergy to any food, it is important to consult your doctor before starting any new medication, including Tegafur + Uracil. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the safety of using this medicine in the presence of your specific allergies.

Terms & Conditions


Tegafur + Uracil in other salts

Available medicines for TEGAFUR + URACIL
Luporal Capsule 10
Luporal Capsule 10
Lupin Ltd
Pack of 10 Units
₹1274.69
MRP ₹1554.50
18.00% OFF
Uratuf 100/224 MG Capsule 14
Uratuf 100/224 MG Capsule 14
Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd
Pack of 14 Units
₹1491.10
MRP ₹1818.42
18.00% OFF
Tegura Capsule 14
Tegura Capsule 14
Cipla Ltd.
Pack of 14 Units
₹1271.00
MRP ₹1550.00
18.00% OFF
Tegafi Capsule 14
Tegafi Capsule 14
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Pack of 14 Units
₹1608.02
MRP ₹1961.00
18.00% OFF

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