SEVERE 5-FU TOXICITY
When you see these RED FLAGS, don’t wait to act1,3
Administer Vistogard® (uridine triacetate) within 96 hours following 5-FU or capecitabine overdose or emergency treatment of early-onset, severe toxicity1
Unusually severe digestive side effects
- Mucositis (mouth pain, pain on swallowing)6
- Vomiting not well controlled by antiemetics3,6
- Diarrhea6
Unusually severe hematologic side effects
- Leukopenia (WBC <3500 or falling rapidly)3,6
- Neutropenia (ANC <1000 cells/μL or falling rapidly)3,6,9
- Thrombocytopenia (<75,000 platelets/μ or falling rapidly)3,6
CNS side effects
- Altered mental status1,6
- Cerebellar ataxia6,10
- Changes in cognition or consciousness1,6,10
Unusually severe skin side effects
- Erythema6
- Desquamation6
Cardiac side effects
- Acute cardiomyopathy1,3,6
- Chest pain1,3,6
- Heart failure1,3,6
- Heart attack1,3,6
- Irregular heartbeat1,3,6
If you suspect signs or symptoms of toxicity, don’t wait
Red flags that develop early—especially during the first or second treatment cycle and within 96 hours of 5-FU administration—may become severe or life-threatening.11
- Assess patient for severe 5-FU toxicity1
- Stop 5-FU or capecitabine1
- Administer VISTOGARD
- Prior to 96 hours after discontinuation of 5-FU or capecitabine1
5-FU = 5-fluorouracil; ANC = absolute neutrophil count; CNS = central nervous system; WBC = white blood cells.
