Type of medicine: antimetabolite; antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: fluorouracil, topical; Carac; Efudex; Fluoroplex
This medicine is used on the skin to treat precancerous skin growths and superficial basal cell skin cancers. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The medicine comes in liquid and cream forms.
Before you use this medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel. Wait 10 minutes before applying the medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Apply this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Use only enough medicine to cover the growth. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
If you apply the medicine with your fingers, wash your hands as soon as you finish. You may wear latex gloves to apply the medicine.
Use care when applying this medicine. Do not allow the medicine to get in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get this medicine in your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with water. Contact your healthcare provider if you get this medicine in your mouth.
This treatment takes several weeks. Do not stop using the medicine until your healthcare provider tells you to. Your skin may not heal for several weeks after your healthcare provider tells you to stop using the medicine.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not apply double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
While you are using this medicine, your skin may burn or sting and become dark, crusty, or swollen. Your skin will heal within several weeks after treatment, although there may be some minor scarring.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you during the treatment to check on your progress. Keep all your appointments.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider if they continue or become severe): Skin pain, irritation, burning, swelling or rash, severe itching, blisters, sensitivity to light, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever.
Other: Watery, burning or itchy eyes; mild itching; scaly skin; change in skin color.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other skin lotions, creams, or ointments unless they are approved by the healthcare provider who prescribed this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider about the use of cosmetics or other products on the affected area.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
