Flucytosine capsules

What is this medicine?

FLUCYTOSINE (floo SYE toe seen) is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Nausea or vomiting may be reduced if you take the capsules a few at a time over 15 minutes. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• chest pain

• dark urine

• fever or chills, sore throat

• hallucinations

• increased sun sensitivity

• problems with balance, talking, walking

• stomach pain

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

• cytarabine, ARA-C

• cytosine arabinoside

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia, blood disorders

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to flucytosine, other foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Some fungal infections need many weeks or months of treatment to cure.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.