5 FU GLS 500 mg contains fluorouracil, a chemotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancers. It belongs to a group of drugs known as antimetabolites, which interfere with the growth of cancer cells by disrupting their ability to divide and multiply.

This injectable formulation is administered by healthcare professionals and is often part of a combination chemotherapy regimen. It has been a backbone drug in the treatment of gastrointestinal, breast, head and neck, and skin cancers for several decades.

Mechanism of Action

Fluorouracil works by mimicking a normal substance in the body called uracil, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Once inside the cancer cell, fluorouracil gets incorporated into the cell’s genetic material and disrupts key enzymes, particularly thymidylate synthase, which is necessary for DNA replication.

This interference prevents the cancer cells from reproducing and eventually leads to their death. Since cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells, they are more vulnerable to this kind of targeted attack.

Uses

5 FU GLS is prescribed for the treatment of a wide range of solid tumors, including:

• Colorectal cancer

• Stomach (gastric) cancer

• Pancreatic cancer

• Breast cancer

• Esophageal cancer

• Head and neck cancers

• Skin cancers, particularly actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma

  Adverse Effects

  As with most chemotherapy agents, fluorouracil affects rapidly dividing cells, which means it can also impact healthy cells, particularly those in the digestive tract, hair follicles, and bone marrow.

  Common Side Effects

  • Mouth sores or inflammation of the mouth lining

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Loss of appetite

  • Low white blood cell count, increasing infection risk

  • Hair thinning or loss

  • Fatigue