Prostate Cancer Home > Flutamide
Important Information for Your Healthcare Provider
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:- Liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure
- A condition known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
- Ever had an allergic reaction to fava beans
- A blood disorder called methemoglobinemia or hemoglobin M disease
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- A smoker
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Flutamide and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Flutamide and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Flutamide to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
How Does Flutamide Work?
Androgens (male sex hormones, such as testosterone) stimulate the growth of prostate cancer. Flutamide works by blocking the actions of androgens, thereby slowing down the growth of prostate cancer cells.Flutamide is used in combination with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist medicine (sometimes called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist). GnRH agonists reduce the amount of testosterone made by the body, and flutamide blocks the action of the remaining testosterone.