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Eulexin
Eulexin is a medication given in combination with another drug to treat prostate cancer. It works primarily by slowing down the growth of the cancer cells. This medicine comes in capsule form and is typically taken three times a day. Most men tolerate it well; however, side effects are possible. Common ones include hot flashes and erectile dysfunction.
Eulexin® (flutamide) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs called antiandrogens. It is approved for use in combination with another medication to treat prostate cancer.
(Click Eulexin Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Brand-name Eulexin used to be manufactured by Schering Corporation. However, Schering no longer makes this drug. Generic versions are made by several different manufacturers.
Androgens (male sex hormones, such as testosterone) stimulate the growth of prostate cancer. Eulexin works by blocking the actions of androgens, thereby slowing down the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Eulexin is used in combination with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist medicine (sometimes called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist). GnRH agonists reduce the amount of testosterone made by the body, and Eulexin blocks the action of the remaining testosterone.
Eulexin has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, men with prostate cancer that had not yet metastasized (had not widely spread) who received Eulexin in combination with another prostate cancer medicine (Zoladex®) prior to and during radiation treatment had a lower risk of treatment failure than men who received only radiation treatment.
In another study that included men with metastatic prostate cancer, Eulexin in combination with leuprolide (Eligard®, Lupron®, Lupron Depot®) extended survival by seven months, on average, compared to leuprolide given with a placebo (a sugar pill with no active ingredients). Men given the Eulexin-plus-leuprolide combination survived an average of 34.9 months, compared with 27.9 months for men given leuprolide without Eulexin.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD