Ftorafur (Tegafur) 400 mg, 100 capsules: profile, composition and research

Reference page for Ftorafur (Tegafur) 400 mg, 100 capsules. Active substance: Тегафур / Tegafur.

Key facts

What tegafur is

Ftorafur is an antineoplastic medicine from the antimetabolite group. Its active substance is called tegafur, and the product comes as 400 mg capsules. A pack holds 100 capsules.

Tegafur belongs to the fluorouracil derivatives. It is not active at once: it is a so-called prodrug that turns into the active compound inside the body.

Besides the active substance the capsules contain excipients, and the shell includes colourants. The exact composition is listed in the manufacturer's information.

How tegafur works

Conversion in the body

In the liver tegafur is converted by enzymes into 5-fluorouracil. It is this compound that provides the antineoplastic effect.

Effect on DNA

The active metabolite blocks the enzyme thymidylate synthase, without which a cell cannot build DNA. The division of fast-growing cells is therefore disrupted.

Effect on RNA

Part of the metabolite is inserted into RNA in place of the usual uracil. Such RNA is defective, and protein synthesis in the cell suffers. Taken by mouth, the drug is tolerated differently from intravenous fluorouracil.

Approved uses

The information lists cancer of the colon and rectum, gastric cancer and breast cancer, and, in some wording, skin manifestations and cutaneous lymphomas. The list of indications belongs to oncology and is determined by a physician.

Tegafur is taken orally, which sets it apart from intravenous fluorouracil regimens. An oncologist decides on the treatment, its duration and the monitoring.

Storage and cautions

The manufacturer specifies storage in a place protected from light at a temperature not above 25 C, out of the reach of children. The shelf life is 4 years.

The medicine affects blood formation and the digestive tract, so treatment is accompanied by monitoring tests. Any new symptom should be reported to a doctor.

Published research

Primary sources, verified against PubMed:

• Tegafur/uracil + calcium folinate in colorectal cancer: double modulation of fluorouracil., PubMed 10711845 (Drugs, 1999).
• Oral uracil-tegafur: an alternative to intravenous 5-fluorouracil?, PubMed 11585027 (Expert Opin Pharmacother, 2001).
• The oral fluorouracil prodrugs., PubMed 9830626 (Oncology (Williston Park), 1998).

Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.

Precautions

• This is a prescription medicine and is used only under the supervision of an oncologist.
• Treatment affects the blood and the digestive tract. Monitoring tests are ordered by a physician.
• The medicine is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Liver or kidney impairment, as well as bone-marrow conditions, require separate assessment by a doctor.
• Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take: interactions are possible.
• The capsules are kept in a place protected from light, out of the reach of children, at a temperature not above 25 C.

Frequently asked