Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
The combination of fluorouracil and salicylic acid is employed to address specific skin growths on the face, forehead, or balding scalp in adults. These growths are a result of excessive sun exposure and, if left untreated, could potentially develop into skin cancer. Fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug, is a key component of this treatment. It functions by impeding the growth of cancer cells, thereby preventing the progression of these skin abnormalities. Salicylic acid complements the action of fluorouracil by softening the top layer of skin, enhancing the efficacy of the treatment.
Salicylic acid belongs to the same class of drugs as aspirin, known as salicylates.
Uses and Dosage
Using the brush applicator provided, carefully apply a thin layer of this medication as instructed by your doctor onto the clean, dry skin growth, typically once daily. Allow the solution to dry, forming a film layer, and refrain from removing this film until it’s time for the next application. Avoid covering the treated area with a dressing.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Continue using this medication until the skin growth has completely cleared or for the duration specified by your doctor, which may be up to 12 weeks. Improvement may be noticeable as early as 6 weeks into the treatment, but complete healing may take up to 8 weeks after treatment cessation.
Ensure that the medication does not come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals. If accidental contact occurs in these areas, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
Be cautious to avoid getting this medication on clothing, fabrics, or acrylic bathtubs, as it may cause permanent staining.
Note that this medication can pose serious harm, even death, to pets if ingested. Store it securely away from pets and prevent them from licking the area where the medication was applied. In the event of pet exposure, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or frequency of application, as doing so will not expedite improvement and may increase the risk of side effects.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dry eyes, eye itching, or increased tearing
- headache
- mild-to-moderate irritation where solution is applied (e.g., skin redness, inflammation, burning, pain, itch)
- skin discoloration
- skin peeling
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- severe skin irritation (e.g., bleeding, scab, redness, swelling)
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- black stools
Caution
- Before starting this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, specifically to fluorouracil or salicylic acid, as well as to flucytosine, capecitabine, or other salicylates like aspirin. Inactive ingredients in the product could also potentially cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a specific enzyme deficiency known as dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), kidney disease, or problems sensing touch, pain, or temperature on your skin (such as nerve damage resulting from diabetes).
- This medication heightens sensitivity to the sun in the treated skin area. Limit your sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness.
- Do not use this medication during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. Discuss reliable forms of birth control, such as condoms or birth control pills, with your doctor, and promptly inform them if you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
- It is unclear whether this medication passes into breast milk. Due to potential risks to the infant, it is not recommended to breastfeed while using this drug.
Form and Strength
Actikerall is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Actikerall solution:
- 0.5 % / 10 %
FAQ
How long does it take for Actikerall to work?
Improvement can be seen as early as 4 weeks after starting treatment and the improvement increases over time up to 12 weeks.
Does Actikerall cause severe side effects?
The most common side effects are local inflammation and pruritus at the application site, and no serious adverse effects have been reported to date.
Resources
- https://mydr.com.au/medicines/actikerall/#:~:text=ACTIKERALL%20is%20applied%20to%20the,time%20up%20to%2012%20weeks
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27223248/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20side%20effects,both%20overt%20and%20subclinical%20AKs
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/medications/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=fdb1767#fdb1767-07
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/actikerall#adverseeffects
- https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4621/pil#gref
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/fluorouracilsalicylic-acid-topical
