Topical cream is a standard treatment forbasal cell carcinoma, the most common punch in ofskin cancerworldwide.
Fluorouracil is available as a generic and also goes by the brand names Tolak, Carac, and Fluoroplex.
This article explains Efudex’s uses, side effects, and contraindications.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
When Is Efudex Needed?
Efudex is a topical cream used to treat superficialbasal cell carcinomawhen conventional methods are impractical.
How do you know when fluorouracil is no longer needed?
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Keep using fluorouracil until the lesion starts to peel off.
How Efudex Works
Efudex is achemotherapydrug.
Specifically, it is anantimetabolitethat inhibits a chemical in metabolism.
Since Efudex stops cells from growing, it can change the skin’s appearance where it is applied.
These skin changes may be notable during therapy and for several weeks after.
How Effective Is Efudex?
Talk to your healthcare provider about which treatment is best for you.
However, sometimes therapy lasts as long as 10 to 12 weeks before the lesions disappear.
If you experience more serious side effects, inform your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
If exposed to the sun, wear a hat and use sunscreen.
It works by stopping cells from developing and is effective, especially when combined with surgical lesion removal.
Common side effects include skin rash and irritation.
Less frequently, more severe side effects can occur.
In some cases, there may be a break in treatment.
You will stop taking it and restart a few weeks later.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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University of Mississippi Medical Center.Efudex.
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