Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: FLUOROURACIL - TOPICAL (flewr-oh-YOUR-uh-sill)
BRAND NAME(S): Efudex, Fluoroplex
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is an anticancer drug used to treat pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths.
HOW TO USE: Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects will be increased. This medication is applied topically to the affected skin area. Use a small amount and rub in gently. Wash your hands immediately after applying this medication. Avoid applying this medication in or around the eyes, eyelids, nose, or mouth. For cosmetic purposes, the area may be covered with a porous gauze dressing. Avoid a tight fitting bandage.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause skin irritation, burning, inflammation, itching, pain, tenderness and changes in skin color at the site of application. You may also experience watery eyes, trouble sleeping, irritability, increased sun sensitivity and a medicinal taste in the mouth while using this medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your MD. This medication may cause temporary hair loss at the application site. Hair growth will return when medication is stopped. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and chills. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking fluorouracil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain enzyme deficiency (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase - DPD). This medication increases sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Due to the potential risk to a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Photodynamic Therapy - Read about photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses a photosensitizing agent and light source to treat cancers (skin, lung, esophageal, Barrett's esophagus), acne and rosacea.
- Skin Cancer - Learn the types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma), their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques. Get the facts about sun exposure and sunscreen.
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