Fluorouracil and Side Effects

Fluorouracil and Side Effects

Introduction

John was the old age John having Colorectal cancer which is the second most dangerous cancers of all the cancers. He was giving dose of Fluorouracil in order to control his disease but, this medication cause several side effects on him. It was necessary to remove the side effects because, he was feeling tired all the time though, he was having sound sleep for 9 hours a day.

Fluorouracil and John's side effect

Fluorouracil is a drug from the group of cytotoxic drugs , especially for the chemotherapy of malignant tumors is used. Fluorouracil has affected the bone marrow of John temporarily in its function, and thus create further production of blood components lame. A drop of blood cells in the blood has several side-effects for John. If the number of red blood cells in John's body are not well supplied with oxygen then, doctors will refer to this as anemia. John feels, for example, tired, worn out and is no longer capable of physical effort as well. John feels that the medications irritate the vomiting center in the brain and thus trigger the unpleasant sensations (Becker et al, 1999). The consequences go from frequent vomiting to repeated vomiting for John. The side effects of medication for John is also loss of appetite that can be a side effect of chemotherapy, but it can also be caused by the cancer itself. Especially during chemotherapy with irinotecan or oxaliplatin anorexia is observed.

Priority Interventions

Reducing the Risk

Looking at such complaints to the doctor so that the hemoglobin level (Hg value, red blood pigment) can be determined. Than normal for men Hg values are 13.5 to 17.5 g/ dl for women and mercury levels of 12 to 16 g/ dl. If this value is decreased, can be helped with blood transfusions. Alternatively, treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) is possible. It is the growth factor in the red blood cells. It promotes the formation and production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, thus ensuring an increase in the concentration of red blood cells in the blood (Jain et al, 2005). With a lack of white blood cells (leukopenia) is one more prone to infection. If a doctor detects a drop in white blood cells, John should avoid large gatherings of people, and if possible have no contact with people who are suffering currently from infectious diseases, such as colds, coughs and flu. If John observe during chemotherapy to self fever, chills, flu symptoms, or burning during urination, John should tell doctor or oncologist away.

During therapy, John should pat hair dry after Nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite Nausea is one of the most unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy. The use of fluorouracil is associated with a small risk of vomiting, it is recommended that preventive administration of dexamethasone. This medicine may cause impairment of fitness, ability to drive and use machines. The total area of the skin treated with fluorouracil ointment must not exceed 500 ...