Do I need all these blood tests..?

Question

i'm starting a new drug called flutamide which can cause liver failure so i have to get liver group tests done 1) before starting the medicine, 2) one week after, 3) two weeks after, 4) one month after and then at monthly intervals. couldn't i just get the tests done monthly to start off with?

also i noticed that it says on www.drugs.com that flutamide is only for use in men? "EULEXIN Capsules are for use only in men. This product has no indication for women, and should not be used in this population, particularly for nonserious or nonlife-threatening conditions." does anyone know why?

i was prescribed it as an anti-androgen for my acne.

Answer 1

I had to look up flatmate. From the reading on several sites, it appears it is used by men for treatment of prostate cancer.

It also does something with the testosterone levels.

It does seem odd that your doctor would prescribe it for you. You really should go back and ask why is he/she using this medication for you. Though, there are indications for women and I don't know your complete medical history. Please ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist involved in your care so they can tell you why YOU need this medication.

The information for women is mostly about breast milk and pregnancy. They haven't tested it and therefore it may not be safe.

Type flatmate + women in the search engine and you will find more information on why women take this medication. Two reasons I found was acne and the other polycystic syndrome. They also recommend giving it with birth control pills.  

I work in a medical office. I am a medical assistant so when I hear a new medication I have to research it...my clinic only sees people with lung disease.

As far as the liver tests, I know of two other medications that you need to test the liver while you are on treatment. You get a base line before you start then once again after about a month and then again through out treatment. This is common for some drugs.

Answer 2

I think that this drug is used to counteract the effects of androgens( which are present in both sexes) as these hormones increase the amount of sebum we produce. Sebum is an oily substance that is produced in teenagers, and continues to be produced well into adulthood. In men, in addition to increasing sebum production, it's responsible for their secondary sexual characteristics, such as deepening of the voice or increasing sweat production.

The tests are actually liver FUNCTION tests, to make sure that the drug isn't damaging your liver and reducing its function. If this happens, the doctor may have to revise his prescription and offer you another medication to treat your acne, as to allow you to continue to take this drug may seriously harm your health if liver fdamage is ignored.

The initial test is done to ensure that your liver is functioning efficiently before starting treatment, and the other tests are carried tou to ensure that it remains healthy, as the damage can occur at any time during the treatment, and doing it monthly form the start may not be enough to pick up any problems.

If you're still concerned as to why you've been prescribed this particular drug, then I would suggest that you take a copy of the article you've discovered to your doctor and ask him about his reasoning.

This article may also help you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flutamide

Answer 3

To me it sounds like You are taking part in a clinical trail of " flutamide " without your knowledge and consent.

I will strongly suggest to You;

- to stop taking this " Flutamide " drug at once.

- Never ever go back to the same doctor that has prescript this medication for your acne problem.

- Acne is very natural in age group as you. The best treatment is to eat as much healthy as possible and stay away from junkie and oily foods. Wash your face 3 times a day. Lately this new medication called " Proactive Acne Treatment " has given a lot of positive results in many people with acne problem. I will add the link for their site http://www.proactive.com. Give it a try.

- You may also mail me any questions You may have.

Wish You All The Best !

Answer 4

Asking technical medical questions like that here is like asking your mechanic what kind of yeast is best for light, fluffy muffins.  You may get excellent advice, or you may get big greasy hand prints on your bread.

Why not ask your doctor, or at least your pharmacist?  They've both had years of specialized training, as well as experience?