5-Fluorouracil is a drug used in the treatment of cancer. It interferes with the multiplication of cancer cells and slows or stops their growth and spread in the body.

Nausea & vomiting:You may experience these for a few days following treatment. You will be offered medication to help control the nausea.

Diarrhea:If you have diarrhea, you may be more comfortable taking fluids or soft, bland foods. If diarrhea is severe & uncontrolled after 24 hours, please call the doctor.

Decreased blood counts (Bone Marrow Depression):Your bone marrow produces your blood cells. 5-FU can lower the number of white blood cells produced for fighting infections and platelets for clotting the blood.

Sores in the mouth (stomatitis): Patients experience this in varying degrees, some have fever blister-like sores. You should report this to your doctor. It is very important that you maintain good mouth care both to make you feel better and to prevent infections. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water as a mouthwash before and after each meal. If you have difficulty eating, the doctor may be able to prescribe a medication to take some discomfort away during meals. Soft, bland foods at medium temperatures may make eating more pleasant.

Loss of hair (alopecia):Many patients temporarily lose their hair. This is because the hair cells are very fast growing, as are cancer cells, and since 5-FU is aimed at the fast growing cancer cells, it also kills the hair cells. The hair will grow back.

Skin rash:This may occur on sun-exposed areas but rarely requires discontinuing the drug. Increased skin and/or vein discoloration may occur.

Fatigue: This may occur 2-3 days after injection and generally resolves itself in another 2-3 days.