Flutamide-induced toxic hepatitis. Potential utility of ursodeoxycholic acid administration in toxic hepatitis

Dig Dis Sci. 1996 Nov;41(11):2219-21. doi: 10.1007/BF02071403.

Abstract

Flutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Hepatic toxicity associated with flutamide has been reported with an incidence from less than 1% to about 5%. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a hydrophilic bile acid, has been widely used in the treatment of cholesterol gallstones and of several liver diseases, but few data are now available concerning its use in the management of drug-induced hepatitis. The case of a patient who presented severe hepatitis with jaundice following use of flutamide is reported. UDCA treatment was started on admission and, contemporaneously, flutamide was withdrawn. Clinical and biochemical improvement was progressively observed, and the patient was discharged six weeks after the admission. Since fatal flutamide-related hepatitis has been reported, monitoring of serum liver tests is advocated during flutamide administration, and the effectiveness of UDCA in the treatment of drug-induced hepatotoxicity requires further study.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / drug therapy*
  • Flutamide / administration & dosage
  • Flutamide / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Leuprolide / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid
  • Flutamide
  • Leuprolide