Cytomid 250mg (Flutamide)

Cytomid general information

What is Cytomid used for?

Cytomid tablets 250mg are used to treat prostate cancer which is in an advanced stage, and is a palliative treatment for advanced prostatic cancer in previously untreated patients or those who have not responded, stopped responding (become refractory) or cannot tolerate other hormonal treatments. Cytomid 250 is generally used in combination with another medication, a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist that induces medical castration, which means that testosterone is no longer produced by the testes and this helps in the treatment of prostate cancer. Alternatively, Cytomid 250 is used in combination with surgical castration. Cytomid tablets 250mg may also be used to prevent a flare reaction associated with the initial use of LHRH agonist therapy, which is when large amounts of testosterone are suddenly produced in response to LHRH, before testosterone production is switched off, and may be painful or harmful in advanced prostate cancer, which has become metastatic (spread to other sites outside the prostate).

How does Cytomid work?

Cytomid tablets 250mg contain flutamide, a non-steroidal anti-androgen, which acts as a testosterone analogue as it is similar in structure to testosterone and binds to the same receptor in prostate cells but without activating any normal testosterone actions. Prostate cancer is a testosterone-dependent tumour, which means that it needs testosterone to grow. Testosterone is an androgen or male hormone that is produced in the testes and is responsible for the secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and increased muscle mass; it is also required for the prostate gland to function normally. Flutamide in Cytomid 250 binds to the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells, which blocks the stimulation by testosterone of cancer cell growth and helps slow or prevent progression of the tumour.

What does Cytomid contain?

Cytomid tablets 250mg contain the active ingredient flutamide, a non-steroidal anti-androgen, which acts as a testosterone analogue to treat prostate cancer.

Treating prostate cancer with Cytomid

Cytomid tablets 250mg contain flutamide, an anti-androgen used to treat prostate cancer that is in an advanced stage. Prostate cancer is a testosterone-dependent tumour, which means that it needs testosterone to grow. Testosterone is an androgen or male hormone that is produced in the testes and is responsible for the secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and increased muscle mass; it is also required for the prostate gland to function normally. Flutamide in Cytomid 250 acts as a testosterone that binds to the same receptor in prostate cells as testosterone and blocks the stimulation by testosterone of cancer cell growth, which helps slow or prevent progression of the tumour without activating any normal testosterone actions. Treatment with Cytomid 250 is usually in combination with another medication, a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist that induces medical castration, which means that testosterone is no longer produced by the testes and this helps in the treatment of prostate cancer. Alternatively, Cytomid 250 is used in combination with surgical castration. Cytomid tablets 250mg may also be used to prevent a flare reaction associated with the initial use of LHRH agonist therapy, which is when large amounts of testosterone are suddenly produced in response to LHRH, before testosterone production is switched off, and may be painful or harmful in advanced prostate cancer which has become metastatic (spread to other sites outside the prostate).

What are the side effects of Cytomid?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cytomid tablets 250mg include: gynaecomastia (breast tenderness), diarrhoea, nausea, insomnia, tiredness, galactorrhoea (milk secretion from the nipple) asthenia (feeling weak), feeling generally unwell (malaise), decreased libido, jaundice

When should Cytomid not be used?

You should not use Cytomid tablets 250mg if you:

• are allergic to flutamide or any ingredients in Cytomid
• are a woman (particularly if pregnant or breastfeeding), as this medication is only for use by men
• have liver disease
• are taking medicines that interact with Cytomid 250: including: other hormonal therapy including medicines containing androgens and oestrogens, the anticoagulant warfarin, theophylline for asthma.

How should Cytomid be taken?

You should take your Cytomid tablets 250mg with a glass of water three times a day (one tablet approximately every 8 hours), preferably with food. If you are taking Cytomid 250 with other medication (an LHRH agonist) you should start taking your Cytomid 250 3 days before the other medication. You should continue to take your Cytomid tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Cytomid?

You should continue to take your Cytomid tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Cytomid

If you miss a dose of Cytomid tablets 250mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Cytomid be stored?

You should store your Cytomid tablets 250mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.