Pricing
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All price changes →Indications & Uses
Proscan is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Prostatic carcinoma is known to respond to treatments that counteract the effect of androgen or remove its source (e.g., castration), since it is androgen-sensitive. Studies in animals have shown that flutamide is a potent antiandrogen: it works either by blocking the uptake of androgen, by blocking androgen from binding within the nucleus of cells in target tissues, or through both mechanisms together.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Recommended Adult Dosage
Flutamide is generally prescribed as one 250 mg tablet taken three times a day, spaced eight hours apart, whether it is used alongside surgical removal of the testicles (orchiectomy) or together with an LHRH agonist injection. When paired with an LHRH agonist, the two treatments can either be started on the same day, or Flutamide can be started a day (24 hours) beforehand.
For bulky, locally advanced prostate cancer (Stage B2 and Stage C), the same dosing schedule applies: one 250 mg tablet, three times daily at eight-hour intervals, with Flutamide again started either at the same time as the LHRH agonist or a day earlier.
When Flutamide is used alongside external beam radiation therapy, it is typically started eight weeks before radiation begins and continued for the entire course of treatment.
Side Effects
Cardiovascular effects: about 1% of patients develop high blood pressure. Rarely, inflammation of a vein with clotting (thrombophlebitis), a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism), or a heart attack (myocardial infarction) may occur. Central nervous system (CNS) effects: CNS reactions such as drowsiness, confusion, depression, anxiety, and nervousness occurred in about 1% of patients. Rarely, insomnia, tiredness, headache, dizziness, weakness, general discomfort (malaise), blurred vision, and reduced sex drive have been reported. Endocrine system effects: breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia) occurred in about 9% of patients. Rarely, breast tenderness, sometimes with milky discharge (galactorrhoea), has been reported. Gastrointestinal system effects: nausea and vomiting occurred in about 11% of patients, diarrhoea in 12%, loss of appetite in 4%, and other digestive disturbances in 6%. Increased appetite, indigestion, and constipation have also been reported. Hematopoietic (blood-forming) system effects: anaemia occurred in about 6% of patients, a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) in 3%, and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) in 1%. Liver and biliary system effects: clearly diagnosed hepatitis and jaundice occurred in fewer than 1% of patients. Skin effects: irritation at the injection site and rash occurred in about 3% of patients. Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity reactions) has been reported in five patients.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Liver tests and sperm counts need to be checked regularly in people who take Proscan for a long time. In rats given Proscan over the long term, tumours of the testicular interstitial cells and, depending on the dose, growths in the mammary gland (adenomas or carcinomas) were seen. It is not known whether these findings apply to humans. Few cases of breast cancer have been reported in male patients taking Proscan, but a direct link has not been proven. Proscan tends to raise the levels of testosterone and estradiol in the blood, and this can cause fluid retention. Because of this, use Proscan carefully in patients who have heart disease. Hepatic injury Proscan should not be started if a patient's serum transaminase level is more than 2 to 3 times the upper limit of normal. Transaminase abnormalities, cholestatic jaundice, hepatic necrosis and hepatic encephalopathy have all been reported with Proscan, so liver function tests must be done regularly in every patient. Tests should be done monthly for the first 4 months, then periodically after that, and straight away at the first sign of liver trouble. Watch for itching, dark urine, ongoing loss of appetite, jaundice, tenderness under the right ribs, or unexplained flu-like symptoms. If a patient shows laboratory signs of liver injury or jaundice, and biopsy has not confirmed liver metastases, stop Proscan if jaundice develops or if serum transaminase levels rise to 2 to 3 times the upper limit of normal. This applies even when the patient has no symptoms. The liver damage is usually reversible after the medicine is stopped, and in some patients after the dose is lowered. However, deaths have been reported following severe liver injury linked to Proscan.
Contraindications
Flutamide tablets should not be used by anyone who is hypersensitive to flutamide or to any ingredient in the preparation. They are also not recommended for patients with severe liver impairment. Because flutamide's use in women has not been studied, it is not indicated for female patients, especially for conditions that are mild or not life-threatening.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Studies haven't been done in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it isn't known for certain whether Flutamide could harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. Because this hasn't been ruled out, it should be assumed possible, and the medicine should be used with appropriate caution in these situations.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Proscan 250 mg
What is Proscan 250 mg Tablet?
Proscan 250 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Flutamide. It is made by Renata PLC. It belongs to the Hormonal Chemotherapy group of medicines.
What is Proscan used for?
Proscan is used for: Cancer.
What are the side effects of Proscan?
Cardiovascular effects: about 1% of patients develop high blood pressure. Rarely, inflammation of a vein with clotting (thrombophlebitis), a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism), or a heart attack (myocardial infarction) may occur.
Can I take Proscan during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Studies haven't been done in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it isn't known for certain whether Flutamide could harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. Because this hasn't been ruled out, it should be assumed possible, and the medicine should be used with appropriate caution in these situations. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Can I take other medicines with Proscan?
Some medicines can interact with Flutamide, for example: Theophylline. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Proscan is already among the lowest-priced brands of Flutamide at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Proscan?
Proscan is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.