Eulexin (flutamide) is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen agent indicated for use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist for the management of metastatic prostate carcinoma. By competitively inhibiting androgen uptake and binding at target tissues, it provides a critical component of combined androgen blockade, disrupting the hormonal signaling that drives disease progression in androgen-sensitive tumors. This oral therapeutic is specifically engineered to complement medical castration, offering a dual-mechanism approach for comprehensive suppression of testosterone-mediated tumor growth in advanced stages of prostate cancer.

Features

• Contains flutamide as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Available in 125 mg oral capsules
• Nonsteroidal antiandrogen classification
• Competitive inhibitor of androgen binding to receptors
• Designed for combination therapy with LHRH agonists
• Hepatic metabolism with multiple active metabolites
• Renal excretion pathway

Benefits

• Provides complementary androgen blockade when combined with LHRH agonists
• Reduces testosterone stimulation of prostate cancer cells
• May slow disease progression in metastatic settings
• Helps manage cancer-related symptoms in advanced disease
• Oral administration facilitates outpatient treatment
• Established clinical efficacy in combination therapy protocols

Common use

Eulexin is primarily prescribed as part of combined androgen blockade for patients with metastatic prostate cancer (stage D2). It is initiated concurrently with an LHRH agonist such as leuprolide or goserelin to achieve complete androgen suppression. The medication is typically continued long-term unless disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. Clinical use is guided by periodic monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, imaging studies, and assessment of treatment tolerability.

Dosage and direction

The recommended adult dosage is one 125 mg capsule administered orally three times daily (every 8 hours) for a total daily dose of 375 mg. Administration should occur concurrently with the prescribed LHRH agonist therapy. Capsules may be taken with or without food, though consistent administration relative to meals is advised to maintain stable pharmacokinetics. Treatment duration is continuous unless contraindicated by disease progression or adverse effects. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment, as determined by clinical assessment and laboratory monitoring.

Precautions

Regular monitoring of liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) is mandatory, particularly during the initial months of therapy, due to the risk of hepatotoxicity. Patients should be advised to report any symptoms suggestive of liver dysfunction, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, or jaundice. Periodic assessment of PSA levels is essential to monitor treatment response. Blood counts should be monitored for potential hematological effects. Caution is advised in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Patients should maintain adequate hydration to minimize potential renal effects.

Contraindications

Eulexin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to flutamide or any component of the formulation. It should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). The medication is contraindicated in women, particularly during pregnancy, due to potential teratogenic effects and lack of indication in female populations. Concurrent use with certain medications that carry hepatotoxic potential may represent a relative contraindication based on clinical judgment.

Possible side effects

Common adverse reactions (≥10%) include hot flashes (50-60%), loss of libido (35-40%), impotence (30-35%), diarrhea (12-15%), nausea (10-12%), and breast tenderness (10-15%). Less frequent effects (1-10%) include vomiting, anorexia, insomnia, fatigue, and hypertension. Serious adverse reactions include hepatotoxicity (which may be fatal), hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and pulmonary toxicity. Laboratory abnormalities may include elevated liver enzymes, increased bilirubin, and hematological changes. Most side effects are related to androgen deprivation and may be managed symptomatically.

Drug interaction

Eulexin may interact with warfarin and other coumarin-derived anticoagulants, potentially increasing prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR). Close monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended during concomitant therapy. The medication may alter hepatic metabolism of drugs processed by cytochrome P450 1A2, 2C9, and 3A4 enzymes. Concurrent use with other hepatotoxic agents may increase the risk of liver injury. Interactions with medications that affect androgen pathways should be carefully considered.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Consistent dosing is important for maintaining therapeutic androgen blockade, so patients should be counseled on adherence strategies and the importance of maintaining the every-8-hour dosing interval.

Overdose

There is limited experience with Eulexin overdose. Symptoms may include exaggerated pharmacological effects such as gastrointestinal disturbance, hepatic toxicity, and hematological abnormalities. Management should involve supportive care with attention to hepatic and hematological parameters. Gastric lavage or activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion occurred recently. There is no specific antidote; treatment should focus on symptomatic management and supportive measures based on clinical presentation.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) with excursions permitted between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in bathroom cabinets where humidity levels may fluctuate. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Properly discard any medication that is outdated or no longer needed through medication take-back programs or following specific disposal instructions.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made exclusively by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient characteristics and clinical circumstances. The prescribing physician should be consulted for complete information regarding indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions. Dosage may need adjustment based on individual patient factors and treatment response.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that Eulexin in combination with LHRH agonists provides effective androgen blockade for metastatic prostate cancer. The combination shows superior response rates compared to monotherapy in certain patient populations. Oncologists note the importance of regular liver function monitoring given the hepatotoxicity risk. Patients frequently report expected androgen deprivation effects including hot flashes and sexual dysfunction, which are managed through supportive care measures. The three-times-daily dosing schedule requires patient education to maintain adherence for optimal therapeutic effect.