Fluorouracil topical Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Fluorouracil topical

Generic name: fluorouracil topical [ FLOOR-oh-URE-a-sil-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex, Tolak, Efudex Occlusion Pack
Dosage forms: topical cream (0.5%; 1%; 4%; 5%); topical solution (2%; 5%)
Drug class: Topical antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 30, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is fluorouracil topical?

Fluorouracil topical (for the skin) is used to treat scaly overgrowths of skin (actinic or solar keratosis).

Fluorouracil topical is also used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Fluorouracil topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use fluorouracil topical if you are allergic to fluorouracil, or if you have:

- a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency.

Do not use fluorouracil topical if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

You should not breastfeed while using fluorouracil topical.

Fluorouracil topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

## How should I use fluorouracil topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and immediately after applying this medicine, unless it is being used to treat a hand condition. Caregivers who apply this medicine should wear rubber gloves.

Apply only enough medicine to cover the affected skin with a thin film. Do not cover the treated skin area with bandaging or plastic unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not apply fluorouracil topical to skin that is irritated, peeling, or infected or on open wounds. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using fluorouracil topical.

You may need to use fluorouracil topical for up to 6 weeks. Treated skin may have an undesirable appearance as it heals, which may take several weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine container tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not use fluorouracil topical to treat a skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while using fluorouracil topical?

Do not use fluorouracil topical on your eyelids or in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse with water or saline if this medicine gets in your eyes.

Do not let fluorouracil topical build up in the skin folds around your mouth, nose, or eyes. Use caution when applying the medicine around these areas.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with fluorouracil unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Fluorouracil topical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

## Fluorouracil topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Fluorouracil topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using fluorouracil topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

- severe pain or swelling of treated skin;

- severe itching, burning, or irritation;

- new or worsening skin sores;

- fever, chills; or

- severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting.

Before your skin begins to heal it will become red, dry, tender, and crusty. This is a normal skin reaction, even if these symptoms get worse for a short time. Gradually, the dead skin will begin to shed off and you'll see raw skin appear. Ask your doctor when to stop using the medicine after you notice signs of healing.

Common side effects of fluorouracil topical may include:

- skin pain, itching, burning, or irritation;

- skin darkening or scarring;

- skin redness and swelling; or

- small blood vessels under the skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fluorouracil topical side effects (more detail)

## Fluorouracil topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Keratosis:

0.5% cream (microsphere formulation): Apply to the affected area once a day where actinic keratosis lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire area with a thin film
-Duration of therapy: Apply for up to 4 weeks as tolerated; continued treatment up to 4 weeks results in greater lesion reduction; local irritation is not markedly increased by extending treatment from 2 to 4 weeks, and is generally resolved within 2 weeks of cessation of therapy
1%, 2%, 5% cream or 2%, 5% solution: Apply 2 times a day in an amount enough to cover the lesions; continue until the inflammatory response reaches the erosion stage, then discontinue use
-Duration of therapy: 2 to 4 weeks; complete healing of the lesions may not be evident for 1 to 2 months following cessation of therapy
Comments:
-Response starts with erythema, usually followed by vesiculation, desquamation, erosion and reepithelialization.
-This drug should not be applied near the eyes, nostrils, or mouth.
-Apply 10 minutes after washing, rinsing, and drying the entire area.
-This drug may be applied using the fingertips.
-Immediately after application, the hands should be thoroughly washed.
-Solar keratoses which do not respond to treatment should be biopsied to confirm the diagnosis.
Use: For the topical treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses

Usual Adult Dose for Basal Cell Carcinoma:

5% cream or solution:
-Apply 2 times a day in an amount sufficient to cover the lesions; continue until the inflammatory response reaches the erosion stage, then discontinue use
-Duration of therapy: 3 to 6 weeks; however, therapy may be required for as long as 10 to 12 weeks before lesions are obliterated
Comments:
-Only the 5% cream or solution is recommended to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma.
-Response starts with erythema, usually followed by vesiculation, desquamation, erosion and reepithelialization.
Use: To treat superficial basal cell carcinomas when conventional methods are impractical, such as with multiple lesions or difficult treatment sites

Detailed Fluorouracil topical dosage information

## What other drugs will affect fluorouracil topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about fluorouracil topical

- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (267)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical antineoplastics
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Efudex, Carac, Fluoroplex, Tolak

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Actinic Keratosis
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Warts
- Keratosis
- Skin Cancer

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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