UFT

Details

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Tegafur 100mg + Uracil 224mg Capsules is an anticancer medication.

Tegafur is an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil belonging to group antimetabolites, that is rapidly converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) inside the body and uracil delays the catabolism of 5-FU. This maintains required concentrations of 5-FU in the tumor cell.

Tegafur is preferred over 5-FU because of its efficacy, less adverse effects and low cost.

Mechanism of action: (1)Tegafur acts by converting to  5-FU that is further metabolized into active cytotoxic metabolites into 5-fluorouridine 5′-monophosphate (5-FUMP) and 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-monophosphate (5-FdUMP).These metabolites inhibits  RNA processing  and DNA synthesis & function by binding to them. This results in death of the cancer cell.(2)  5-FU is rapidly cataboliszed by enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). uracil inhibits this enzyme delaying the removal of 5-FU from the body.

It is available as UFT in both International and Indian markets.

Uses

• Tegafur 100mg + Uracil 224mg Capsules is primarily prescribed in metastatic colorectal cancer as the first line of treatment along with calcium calcium folinate.
• UFT is also indicated in Anal  cancer, Breast cancer, Gastroesophageal cancer,Head  and neck cancer, Hepatocellular cancer,gallbladder & bile dcut cancer, Uterine cervical cancer,pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.

Dosage

• UFT comes as opaque, white, hard gelatin capsules containing white granules and/or white powder in airtight containers.
• Final dosages are determined by the doctor on the basis of factors such as medical condition, age, weight and ongoing medications.
• Dose is adjusted to minimise the dose related side effects.
• UFT is stored at temperatures not more than 25°C.

Side effects

• Headache
• Fever
• Infection
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Mucositis
• Diarrhea
• Neurotoxicity
• abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hepatic toxicity
• Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
• Myelosuppression

Precautions

• Tegafur 100mg + Uracil 224mg Capsules is contraindicated in case of allergy to 5-FU or other components of the drug.
• It is also contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women as it causes severe damage to the foetus.
• Tegafur 100mg + Uracil 224mg Capsules must be used carefully in patients of severe myelosuppression, hepatic dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, heart patients and bowel obstruction symptoms.
• Regular blood tests and liver function tests must be done.
• Patients must be monitored carefully to avoid any dose related side effects.
• Tell the doctor about ongoing medications and any allergy before starting the drug.
• Always tell the doctor about pregnancy or future plan of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Calcium folinate is also prescribed with this drug to minimise the toxic effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is UFT (Tegafur + Uracil) used for?

UFT contains tegafur 100 mg and uracil 224 mg and is an oral anticancer medicine. Tegafur is converted in the body into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). UFT is primarily indicated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, commonly in combination with calcium folinate, depending on the applicable country’s approved prescribing information.

2. How does UFT (Tegafur + Uracil) work?

UFT combines tegafur, a 5-FU prodrug, with uracil. Tegafur is converted into active 5-FU metabolites that interfere with DNA synthesis and RNA function in cancer cells. Uracil inhibits the breakdown of 5-FU by dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), helping maintain higher levels of 5-FU.

3. What strength of UFT capsules is available?

Each UFT capsule contains Tegafur 100 mg + Uracil 224 mg. Lotus International lists this formulation on its UFT product page, and the Singapore National Drug Formulary also records the same active ingredients and strengths in capsule form.

4. How is UFT administered?

UFT is an oral capsule, and the dosage and treatment schedule are determined by the treating oncologist based on the cancer type, body surface area, clinical condition, and other medicines being used. In approved colorectal cancer regimens, UFT may be administered in divided doses together with calcium folinate. Patients should follow the specific prescribing instructions applicable to their treatment and country.

5. Can international buyers source UFT from Lotus International?

Yes. Lotus International supplies oncology medicines from India for international pharmaceutical markets and accepts bulk orders. Importers, distributors, wholesalers, hospitals, and procurement organizations can contact Lotus International regarding UFT (Tegafur 100 mg + Uracil 224 mg) capsules, including availability, quantities, packaging, documentation, and export requirements.