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Flucytosine Coupon - Flucytosine 500mg capsule

flucytosine

Generic Ancobon
Used for Candidiasis, Fungal Infection
Used for Candidiasis, Fungal Infection

Flucytosine (Ancobon) is typically used along with amphotericin B to treat serious fungal infections, but it can cause severe side effects and is very expensive.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Christina Aungst, PharmD
reviewer
ThienLy Neal, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 31, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Flucytosine (Ancobon)?

What is Flucytosine (Ancobon) used for?

  • Serious fungal infections caused by Candida or Cryptococcus

How Flucytosine (Ancobon) works

Flucytosine (Ancobon) is an antifungal. Once flucytosine (Ancobon) is inside the body, it gets absorbed by the fungus that's causing the infection. Once inside the fungal cells, flucytosine (Ancobon) interferes with the chemistry of the fungal cells and stops them from reproducing and growing.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAncobon
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$214.96
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What are the side effects of Flucytosine (Ancobon)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Confusion
  • Headache

Other Side Effects

  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Rash
  • Hearing loss
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Anemia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Low blood sugar
  • Low potassium levels
  • Weakness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Bone marrow damage
  • Heart attack
  • Allergic reactions
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Skin rash, redness, or itching

sore throat and fever

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Less common

Confusion

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal pain

diarrhea

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

Less common

Dizziness or lightheadedness

drowsiness

headache

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Flucytosine (Ancobon)

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Pros

Can treat serious fungal infections

Has very few drug interactions

Can be made into a liquid by a pharmacist if swallowing pills is difficult

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Cons

Most people have to take several capsules multiple times a day.

Not the best option for people with kidney problems

Very expensive without insurance

Fungus likely to develop resistance when flucytosine (Ancobon) is used alone

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Flucytosine (Ancobon)

pharmacist

  • If you experience nausea or vomiting from flucytosine (Ancobon), try taking a few capsules at a time over a 15-minute period.

    • Continue to take flucytosine (Ancobon) as instructed by your provider even if you start to feel better. Stopping too early can cause your infection to come back and be more difficult to treat.

      • Your body gets rid of flucytosine (Ancobon) through the kidneys. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, it can lead to a buildup of flucytosine (Ancobon) in your body. Let your provider know if you have kidney problems before starting flucytosine (Ancobon).

        • Blood tests are necessary while taking flucytosine (Ancobon). These tests will help your healthcare provider make sure your body is healthy enough to stay on this medication. Be sure to get all blood tests done on time.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Flucytosine (Ancobon)

          Why is flucytosine (Ancobon) given with amphotericin B?
          When flucytosine (Ancobon) is taken alone, the fungus tends to become resistant to it. This means that flucytosine (Ancobon) is no longer able to kill the fungus causing the infection. Taking amphotericin B with flucytosine (Ancobon) lowers the likelihood of resistance.
          Can I take flucytosine (Ancobon) if I'm pregnant?
          Flucytosine (Ancobon) hasn't been studied very much in pregnant women, so experts aren't sure if it is safe for pregnant women to use. Your provider will have to outweigh the risks versus benefits when determining if flucytosine (Ancobon) is appropriate for you.
          How should I take flucytosine (Ancobon) if I can't swallow pills?
          Flucytosine (Ancobon) can be made into a liquid by a pharmacist. Contact your nearest compounding pharmacy for more information. Do not open the capsules or try to make a liquid version of flucytosine (Ancobon) on your own at home.
          Can flucytosine (Ancobon) be used in children?
          The safety and efficacy of flucytosine (Ancobon) has not been studied much in children, so the use of this medication for the treatment of fungal infections in children is not recommended.
          If flucytosine (Ancobon) damages the genes of a fungus, can it damage my genes?
          No. Fungi contain certain chemicals inside of them that make flucytosine (Ancobon) toxic to their genes. Humans do not have this chemical in their bodies, so your genes will not be harmed.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Flucytosine (Ancobon)?

          Flucytosine (Ancobon) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Kidney function

          • Risk factors: Current kidney problems | History of kidney problems | Using other medications that are hard on the kidneys

            Your body gets rid of flucytosine (Ancobon) through the kidneys. People with kidney problems should be carefully monitored while taking flucytosine (Ancobon). If your kidneys aren't functioning properly, it can lead to a buildup of flucytosine (Ancobon) in the body. Flucytosine (Ancobon) can also cause kidney damage. You will need blood tests done before and while taking flucytosine (Ancobon) to make sure your kidneys are functioning properly. Contact your healthcare provider if you have a sudden change in the amount of urine output, if you can't urinate at all, if you experience any sudden swelling of your hands or feet, or if you have difficulty breathing. These are all signs of kidney damage.

            risk-warning

            Liver function

            • Risk factors: History of liver problems | Current liver problems | Abnormal liver blood test results

              Very rarely, flucytosine (Ancobon) can cause life-threatening liver damage or liver failure. You will most likely have to have blood tests done before starting flucytosine (Ancobon) as well as during treatment to ensure that your liver is functioning properly. If you experience unexplained stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, or yellowing of your skin or white part of the eyes, contact your healthcare provider immediately. These are all signs of liver damage.

              risk-warning

              Blood and bone marrow damage

              • Risk factors: Certain blood disorders | Taking medications that affect bone marrow | Current or past radiation treatments

                Flucytosine (Ancobon) can damage the bone marrow which can lead to a decreased production of blood cells. This can be life-threatening for people who already have weakened immune systems. Symptoms of bone marrow damage include fatigue, fast heart rate, pale skin and lips, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. You may also get sick more easily and take longer to get over illnesses. You will most likely have to have blood tests done before starting flucytosine (Ancobon) as well as during treatment to ensure that your blood cell counts are within normal range.

                risk-warning

                Allergic reactions

                Severe allergic reactions to flucytosine (Ancobon) are possible. If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using flucytosine (Ancobon), call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

                dosage

                Flucytosine (Ancobon) dosage forms

                The average cost for 30 capsules of 500mg of Flucytosine (Ancobon) is $330.17 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 92.34% off the average retail price of $4311.81.
                capsule
                Capsule
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                250mg90 capsules$214.96$2.39
                500mg30 capsules$330.17$11.01

                Typical dosing for Flucytosine (Ancobon)

                The dose of flucytosine (Ancobon) is based on your weight. The typical dose is 50 to 150 mg/kg per day. This total amount is usually split up into 4 smaller doses and taken every 6 hours.

                interactions

                Interactions between Flucytosine (Ancobon) and other drugs

                Flucytosine (Ancobon) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Flucytosine (Ancobon). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                • Levomethadyl
                • Tegafur

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                How much does Flucytosine (Ancobon) cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Ancobon (brand)
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                $214.96

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                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Flucytosine (Ancobon)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Flucytosine (Ancobon). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Flucytosine (Ancobon)
                Used for:

                • Serious fungal infections caused by Candida or Cryptococcus

                $214.96 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Caspofungin (Cancidas)
                Used for:

                • Fungal infections in people with a fever and a low number of white blood cells

                • Candidemia (a fungal infection in your blood) and other infections caused by Candida

                • Candidiasis of the esophagus (thrush in the esophagus)

                • Invasive aspergillosis (a serious fungal infection affecting multiple areas of the body)

                $975.65 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Fluconazole (Diflucan)
                Used for:
                $10.42 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                Flucytosine (Ancobon) images

                Gray And White Ancobon 500 Icn Ancobon 500 Icn - Flucytosine 500mg Capsule
                This medicine is Gray And White Capsule Imprinted With "Ancobon 500 Icn Ancobon 500 Icn".Gray And White Ancobon 500 Icn Ancobon 500 Icn - Flucytosine 500mg Capsule
                Gray And White Nl 770 500 - Flucytosine 500mg Capsule
                This medicine is Gray And White Capsule Imprinted With "Nl 770 500".Gray And White Nl 770 500 - Flucytosine 500mg Capsule

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