Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil) Customer Reviews

Efudex Cream

Rx Prescription Required    RxFormulation : Cream

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5%
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Generic alternative for Efudex Cream

Fluorouracil

Rx Prescription Required    RxFormulation : Cream

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5%
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Description

Indications

Fluorouracil topical solution is prescribed for the treatment of actinic or solar keratoses, which are characterized by scaly or crusted lesions on the skin resulting from excessive exposure to sunlight over an extended period. This medication is utilized when conventional treatments are not viable for the management of superficial basal cell carcinoma, a specific type of skin cancer.

Fluorouracil belongs to a class of medications known as antimetabolites. Its mechanism of action involves the elimination of rapidly proliferating cells, including the abnormal cells found in actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma.

Uses and Dosage

Fluorouracil is available as a solution and cream, intended for topical application on the skin. It is typically recommended to apply it twice a day to the affected areas.

To ensure regular use, apply fluorouracil at consistent times each day. Adhere strictly to the prescribed directions, avoiding both excessive and insufficient application, as well as exceeding the recommended frequency.

If you are using fluorouracil for the treatment of actinic or solar keratoses, continue the application until the lesions begin to peel off, which typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks. Complete healing may take an additional 1 to 2 months after discontinuation of fluorouracil.

For the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, the use of fluorouracil should be continued until the lesions have completely resolved. This usually takes a minimum of 3 to 6 weeks, but can extend up to 10 to 12 weeks.

During the initial weeks of treatment, the affected skin lesions and surrounding areas may experience irritation, appearing red, swollen, and scaly. This indicates the effectiveness of fluorouracil. Do not discontinue the use of fluorouracil unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

When applying fluorouracil cream, use a nonmetal applicator, a glove, or your finger. If applying with your finger, ensure thorough hand washing immediately afterward. Unless directed by your doctor, do not cover the treated areas with bandages or dressings.

Avoid applying fluorouracil cream or topical solution to the eyelids, eyes, nose, or mouth.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

  • burning, crusting, redness, discoloration, irritation, pain, itching, rash, or soreness at the site of application

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

  • severe stomach pain
  • bloody diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • chills
  • severe red skin rash

Caution

Prior to initiating treatment with fluorouracil, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies you have, including allergies to fluorouracil itself, flucytosine, capecitabine, or any other substances. This product may contain inactive ingredients, such as peanut oil in certain brands, which can potentially elicit allergic reactions or other complications.

Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a certain enzyme deficiency known as dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) or if you have red, irritated, infected, or open sores on your skin.

This medication may increase your sensitivity to the sun. Limit your sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and ensure you use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. After applying fluorouracil cream, wait for 2 hours before applying sunscreen or moisturizer to the treated area. Refrain from using other skin products, including creams, lotions, medications, or cosmetics, unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience sunburn or develop skin blisters or redness.

The use of this medication is contraindicated during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control with your doctor. If you become pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Efudex Cream is available in the following forms and strengths:

  • Efudex Cream cream:

    • 5%
  • fluorouracil cream:

    • 5%

FAQ

What does Efudex do to your skin?

It stops an enzyme called thymidylate synthetase from working. This basically stops DNA from being made.

Is Efudex a form of chemotherapy?

Yes. You spread the cream on your skin. This is called topical chemotherapy. It treats the cancer cells where you apply it.

Resources

  1. https://theskindoctor.melbourne/skin-cancer/efudix/#:~:text=Efudix%20is%20a%20cream%20used,stops%20DNA%20from%20being%20made
  2. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy-cream#:~:text=Chemotherapy%20cream%20(topical),cells%20where%20you%20apply%20it
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluorouracil-topical-route/precautions/drg-20063877?p=1
  4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3723/efudex-topical/details
  5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605010.html
  6. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/efudex.html

Additional information

Generic name:

Fluorouracil

Formulation:

Cream

Strength(s):

5%

Quantities Available:

20g, 30g, 60g

Can Drug Store has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil). Talk to your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner for medical attention, advice, or if you have any concerns about Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil).