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Eulexin (flutamide) is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen (NSAA) medication primarily used to treat metastatic prostate cancer in men. Less commonly it may be used for other purposes, such as to treat hyperandrogenism in women or to help men develop female characteristics.

This medication should not be given to patients under age 18 without explicit doctor instruction and supervision. Patients who smoke, have liver disease, have hemoglobin M deficiency, or have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency may require modified dosing, special monitoring, or may not be able to take Eulexin at all.

Treating Prostate Cancer

Most prostate cancers thrive on testosterone and its metabolite, dihydrotestosterone, which are major androgens. As an antiandrogen, Eulexin inhibits the ability of testosterone receptors found on the cancer to utilize testosterone. This helps deprive the cancer of its energy source, slowing, stopping, or reversing cancer growth and spread.

Eulexin is often given along with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), which tells the body to stop producing testosterone. Together with Eulexin, the two medications nearly completely deprive the cancer of testosterone. LHRH is typically administered by a doctor, either as an implant under the skin or by periodic injections every 1, 3, or 6 months.

Cancer cases are complicated and treatment will be highly individualized according to personal variables. As a rough rule, patients typically take:

• 250 mg every 8 hours (three times per day), for a total daily dose of 750 mg.

Duration of treatment can also be highly variable, ranging from a few months to years. An LHRH is sometimes started prior to initiating Eulexin treatment, or may be started at the same time. It's important to follow doctor instructions carefully.

Regular doctor checkups are also important, to ensure the medication is working and to monitor for developing side effects. Liver function is of particular concern with Eulexin; though rare, severe liver damage can happen.

Treating Other Conditions

Eulexin might be used in treating a range of other conditions, from male-pattern baldness in men to excess hair growth in women. It is also sometimes used in men hoping to develop female characteristics.

These other conditions are all off-label uses, which are legal, but they have not been studied in clinic trials nor approved by regulatory agencies. This means there's little official data out there regarding dosage, duration of use, and side effects. These things are best determined by a doctor who can take into account personal variables.

As a general rule, patients taking Eulexin for non-cancer purposes take less of the medication; the highest rate---use in developing female characteristics---is usually from 125 to 500 mg per day. Other conditions will likely range from 125 to 250 mg per day.

One thing to be aware of is that Eulexin is known to cause birth defects. Women of childbearing age must be careful to avoid pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should not even handle Eulexin tablets.

Side Effects

Most people taking Eulexin will experience some side effects. Fortunately these are typically mild, and in the vast majority of cases will reverse once treatment ends. Commonly-experienced are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Discolored urine (usually greenish)
• Hot flashes
• Swelling of breasts
• Discharge from nipples
• Diarrhea
• Impotence
• Loss of libido

Side effects can be mitigated to some extent by self-care; staying hydrated, eating well, and getting plenty of rest will help. Some sexual side effects can be alleviated with other medications, such as Viagra or Cialis. Taking tablets with food can help with stomach-related side effects. Again, in most cases side effects are reversible once treatment ends.

Rarely, more serious side effects occur that warrant immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty urinating
• Inability to urinate
• Chest pain

Eulexin can interact with other medications. Serious complications are unlikely, but one or more of the medications involved may be made considerably less effective. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.