Flutamide is an oral antiandrogen medicine most commonly used in prostate cancer care. It blocks male hormones (androgens) from attaching to their receptors, which can slow growth of some prostate tumors. People also ask about flutamide when comparing older antiandrogens to newer drugs—it's important to know the basics so you can talk with your doctor.
In adults, flutamide has been prescribed alongside other hormone treatments for prostate cancer. The usual regimen historically was 250 mg taken three times a day, but exact dosing and whether it’s the right choice depend on your doctor, the stage of disease, and other health factors. Flutamide is less commonly chosen now because newer antiandrogens and therapies may offer similar benefits with different side effect profiles.
If you’re being offered flutamide, your care team will explain goals (for example, reducing cancer symptoms or slowing tumor growth) and how it fits into your overall plan. Don’t change dose or stop treatment without checking with your provider—sudden changes can have consequences.
Flutamide can cause several side effects. Fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, hot flashes, and breast tenderness or enlargement are commonly reported. The most serious concern is liver toxicity. Before starting flutamide, doctors usually check liver function tests (blood tests). They’ll repeat tests while you’re on the drug and ask you to report signs of liver trouble—yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, nausea, stomach pain, or unusual tiredness.
Because flutamide affects hormones, it’s not safe for pregnant women or those who might become pregnant. It can harm a developing male fetus. If you or your partner could become pregnant, discuss reliable birth control and handling precautions with your clinician.
Talk to your doctor about other medicines you take. Flutamide can interact with drugs processed by the liver and with other hormone treatments. Also mention herbal supplements—some can raise liver risk.
What else should you watch for? If you notice sudden weakness, severe stomach pain, jaundice, or signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing trouble), get medical help right away. For less urgent issues—persistent nausea, mood changes, or sexual side effects—call your clinic to discuss adjustments or alternatives.
Alternatives to flutamide include other antiandrogens such as bicalutamide and newer agents used in prostate cancer care. These have different side effect patterns and costs. If liver safety or dosing frequency is a worry, bring that up—there may be a better fit for your situation.
Short version: flutamide can work, but it carries liver risks and hormonal side effects. Get baseline blood tests, report worrying symptoms, and keep an open line with your doctor about alternatives. If you want help framing questions for your next visit, I can suggest the key things to ask your clinician.
Flutamide, an anti-androgen medication, is gaining attention for its potential in preventing prostate cancer. By blocking the effects of male hormones, it may slow down or even inhibit the development of this common cancer. While traditionally used in treatment, its preventative role is being studied closely, offering hope for future strategies in reducing prostate cancer risk. Ongoing research aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of flutamide as a preventive measure.