FDA Highlights Importance of DPD Deficiency Discussions With Patients Before Capecitabine or 5-FU Treatment

The FDA has provided a communication to increase awareness of recent updates to the product labeling of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine related to the risks associated with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. All healthcare providers should be aware of the risks for DPD deficiency, inform patients before treatment about the potential for serious and life-threatening toxicities due to DPD deficiency, and discuss testing options for DPD deficiency with their patients.