FLUCYTOSINE - ORAL (Ancobon) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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flucytosine - oral, Ancobon

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GENERIC NAME: FLUCYTOSINE - ORAL (flew-SYE-toe-seen)

BRAND NAME(S): Ancobon

WARNING: This medication should be used with increased caution if you have kidney problems. Flucytosine may cause decreased kidney function and liver problems. In addition, this medication may decrease bone marrow function. This serious, possibly life-threatening side effect may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, and cause bleeding problems. Your doctor will check the results of your kidney, liver, and blood tests and adjust your treatment to reduce your risk for these side effects. See also Side Effects section.

USES: Flucytosine is used to treat serious fungal infections in the body. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antifungal drugs. It is often used with other medications. It works by slowing the growth of certain types of fungus.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours), or as directed by your doctor. To reduce stomach upset, do not swallow all of the capsules for one dose at the same time. It may be best to swallow the capsules for each dose over a 15-minute period until the full dose is taken.The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor immediately if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. See the How to Use section about how to reduce stomach upset. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, signs of liver problems (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, fast breathing, pale skin, fast heartbeat), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat), signs of bleeding (such as easy bruising/bleeding, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, bloody/black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), muscle weakness/cramping.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.