How to use
Flutamide is a capsule taken orally, usually three times a day. Dosing should be evenly spaced out throughout the day to obtain maximum effect. To facilitate consumption, you may open the capsule and mix in the contents with soft food, such as apple sauce. Mixing with a liquid is not recommended.

Follow the directions of your doctor exactly as he will determine your dosage based on a variety of factors, including your height, weight, age, general health and the condition that is being treated.

Overdose
Possible symptoms of a Flutamide overdose include:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Slow breathing
• Decreased activity
• Trouble walking

If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or emergency medical services immediately.

Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Flutamide, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not try to make up for a missed dose by doubling up.

Notes
Flutamide should not be used by women or children.

Your doctor may want to perform regular medical tests to see how you are responding to the medication and if you are suffering from any side effects.

Do not share this medication with others, as they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.

Storage
Store Flutamide at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. 

Important Note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you. 

* Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

Precautions
Before taking Flutamide, you should inform your doctor of your medical history, especially of:

• Blood disorders
• Liver problems
• Any allergies
• Tobacco use.

Flutamide may make you more sensitive to the sun, so you should limit sun exposure while taking this medication and wear a sunscreen or protective clothing.

Flutamide is classed as Pregnancy Category D by the FDA, which means it can be potentially harmful to an unborn baby. Flutamide should only be used by men, but in case a woman takes this medication, she should notify her doctor immediately if she is pregnant or plans to become pregnant during treatment with Flutamide.
 
Flutamide is only recommended for use by men, but in case a woman takes this medication, she should not breastfeed.

Drug Interactions
Before taking Flutamide, you should inform your doctor if you take any of the following:

• Mibefradil
• Warfarin
• Sleep medication
• Sedatives
• Tranquilizers
• Anti-anxiety drugs
• Narcotic pain relievers (e.g. codeine)
• Psychiatric drugs
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Muscle relaxants
• Certain antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine)

Check the labels of all your cough syrups and medications against the common cold. Many of these medicines contain drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine), which should not be mixed with Flutamide.

The above is only a partial list and other medications may interact with Flutamide. Inform your doctor of all other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you use, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal pills and medication prescribed by another doctor. Do not change medications without talking to your doctor first.

Seek emergency medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Itching or rash
• Swelling
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Common side effects of Flutamide are:

• Hot flashes
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling or tenderness of the breasts (gynocomastia)
• Decreased sexual desire or ability (impotence)
• Decreased fertility

If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:

• Rash
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Unusual fatigue
• Swelling of the body (edema)
• Mental or mood changes
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Persistent sore throat
• Fever
• Bluish skin

Also tell your doctor straightaway if you notice any of these very unlikely but serious side effects:

• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Lumps in the breasts
• A sunburn-like effect (sun sensitivity)

This is only a partial list of possible side effects and others may occur. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if any other side effects occur than the ones listed above or if they are especially bothersome.