SIDE EFFECTS
Stomatitis and esophagopharyngitis (which may lead to
sloughing and ulceration), diarrhea, anorexia, nausea
and emesis are commonly seen during therapy.
Leukopenia usually follows every course of adequate therapy
with fluorouracil. The lowest white blood cell counts
are commonly observed between the 9th and 14th days after
the first course of treatment, although uncommonly the
maximal depression may be delayed for as long as 20 days.
By the 30th day the count has usually returned to the
normal range.
Alopecia and dermatitis may be seen in a substantial
number of cases. The dermatitis most often seen is a pruritic
maculopapular rash usually appearing on the extremities
and less frequently on the trunk. It is generally reversible
and usually responsive to symptomatic treatment.
Other adverse reactions are:
Hematologic: pancytopenia,
thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, anemia.
Cardiovascular: myocardial
ischemia, angina.
Gastrointestinal: gastrointestinal
ulceration and bleeding.
Allergic reactions: anaphylaxis
and generalized allergic reactions.
Neurologic: acute cerebellar
syndrome (which may persist following discontinuance of
treatment), nystagmus, headache.
Dermatologic: dry skin, fissuring,
photosensitivity, as manifested by erythema or increased
pigmentation of the skin; vein pigmentation; palmar-plantar
erythrodysesthesia syndrome, as manifested by tingling
of the hands and feet following by pain, erythema, and
swelling.
Ophthalmic: Lacrimal duct stenosis,
visual changes, lacrimation, photophobia. Psychiatric:
disorientation, confusion, euphoria.
Miscellaneous: thrombophlebitis,
epistaxis, nail changes (including loss of nails).
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Leucovorin calcium may enhance the toxicity of ADRUCIL.
Also see WARNINGS section.
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