Floxuridine

Floxuridine is a chemotherapy drug that is prescribed for certain types of stomach cancer. It may also be used to treat head, neck, brain, liver and gallbladder cancers. In addition, it is used to treat acute leukemia in children. This drug is given intravenously. It poisons cancer cells by mimicking a substance they need to grow so that they absorb it and die.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can be toxic to patients, especially the first time it is administered. Patients should remain hospitalized after the first administration until their doctors are satisfied that they are not experiencing any toxic reactions.

Patients on this drug should have their white blood cell counts and platelet counts monitored regularly, as the drug can interfere with production of these blood cells.