What is Adrucil?

Scientific Name: 5-Fluorouracil


Formula: C₄H₃F₁N₂O₂


Background: After successful use over several of decades, the drug commonly known as Adrucil, is today one of the oldest chemotherapy treatments. It belongs to a family of drugs known as antimetabolites. The drug can is given as a shot or applied as a cream, and normally used with leucovorin. Adrucil treats the following cancers:
-Colon 
-Rectal 
-Breast 
-Gastrointestinal (anal, esphageal, pancreas and gastric)
-Head and neck 
-Hepatoma (liver)
-Ovarian


Effect: Adrucil works by interferes with the production of DNA and RNA within a human cell. Therefore, the production of cancer cells severely decreases. However, the production of healthy cells is also affected, which causes the following side effects:
-Diarrhea
-Nausea
-Occasional vomiting
-Mouth sores
-Poor appetite
-Hair and Weight Loss
-Watery eyes and sensitivity to light 
-Taste changes, metallic taste in mouth during infusion.
-Discoloration along vein through which the medication is given.
-Low blood counts.  Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.  This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding


Useful Links:
http://www.chemocare.com/bio/adrucil.asp
http://www.reciprocalnet.org/recipnet/showsamplebasic.jsp?sampleId=27344313
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorouracil
http://www.medicinenet.com/fluorouracil-topical/article.htm