Efudex cream how does it work

The "normal" cells will grow back and be healthy but in the meantime, side effects occur. Different drugs may affect different parts of the body. Efudex belongs to the category of chemotherapy called antimetabolites. Antimetabolites are very similar to normal substances within the cell. When the cells incorporate these substances into the cellular metabolism, they are unable to divide.

Antimetabolites are cell-cycle specific. They attack cells at very specific phases in the cycle. Antimetabolites are classified according to the substances with which they interfere. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Topical applied to the skin only cream is a common treatment for basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer worldwide.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed Efudex fluorouracil , one such option, it's important that you learn more about the drug so you can ensure that you are using it both safely and effectively. Fluorouracil is available as a generic, and also goes by the brand names Tolak, Carac, and Fluoroplex.

Efudex is a topical cream used for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma when conventional methods are impractical, such as in the case of multiple lesions or difficult treatment sites on the face or scalp.

It is also used to treat actinic keratosis also called solar keratosis , which can lead to more serious invasive squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. In its more potent injectable form, fluorouracil is also used to treat breast, stomach, bowel, and esophageal cancers. Efudex is a chemotherapy drug an "antimetabolite" that interferes with the formation of DNA and RNA, which are essential for cell division and growth.

The success rate of treating basal cell carcinoma with fluorouracil is approximately 90 percent to 93 percent. And unlike surgery, Efudex is not likely to leave scars or permanently discolor patches of skin. However, isolated, easily accessible basal cell carcinomas should be treated with surgery instead, since success with such lesions is almost percent when this method is used.

Efudex cream achieves success rates similar to those of Aldara imiquimod cream. However, a review suggests that, unlike imiquimod, Efudex is best used to treat superficial lesions only, since it can improve surface appearance while allowing tumors to continue to grow beneath the skin. Notably, the same review reports that recurrence rates drop to 6 percent when its use is preceded by curettage light scraping of the skin. Talk to your healthcare provider about which treatment is best for you.

For basal cell carcinoma, it is recommended that 5-percent fluorouracil cream be applied two times per day in an amount sufficient to cover the lesions for at least three to six weeks.

Therapy may be required for as long as 10 to 12 weeks before the lesions disappear, however. To apply this medicine, use a cotton-tipped applicator or wear gloves. If applied with unprotected fingertips, it is important to wash your hands well after you apply the cream.

Avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth. A friend uses hydrocortisone and keeps it in the refrigerator between uses. I'd check with your doctor before applying anything during treatment.

I've seen varying comments from users. Some say they use Vaseline during treatment and others, like my doctor, say use nothing until after treatment is over. Your doctor can best advise you on how long to wait before using something topical to treat the burning and itching. You're in the home stretch now! A friend gave me a few fresh pieces from her plant; I can only imagine what a gel would do! Drinking a lot of water to ensure I'm flushing the Edufex through and out of my system!

I really appreciate how much information you have shared. I am Only day 2 into treatmeant on my nose and cheeks. I was going to put treatment off as I have a gala dinner at the end of February but decided I had better start immediately. I am a melanoma survivor so know how deadly the sun can be I am now into day 18 and suffering - but reading peoples experiences is helping me get through. My nose and cheeks are extremely red and angry - parts are starting to flake but no oozing as yet.

I I tried a moisturiser which was recommended by a chemist but after a few days it started to burn I am suffering severe nausea but found a couple of drops peppermint oil under the tongue works a treat. Cold wet washer goes with me everywhere currently. I am so glad you found that peppermint works for you. I have heard that ginger can also bring relief for nausea. At Day 18, you are hitting those hard days mid-treatment. Hot and humid weather is the worst kind to experience during treatment; I don't blame you for carrying a cold, wet cloth.

Sometimes that is the only relief there is during treatment. I can totally see how the moisturizer you tried became uncomfortable. Anything with a water content will sting to some extent when your skin is growing more and more raw. I use Vanicream posttreatment, and even it stings when I first apply it.

We are all so different with our side effects and have very different ways of relieving the burn. Some swear by petroleum products, but I find that they set me on fire. Efudex is a strange thing. Best of luck with the remaining days of treatment! Keep us posted on the results. In the meantime, try to stay cool and in front of a fan. It truly helps. I went into my treatment with no knowledge about what I was headed for.

I have been in severe pain and discomfort, especially after finishing the 3 week course of treatment. Your suggestions for cold compresses, aquaphor and vanicream were very helpful, along with the tylenol, ibuprofen and benedryl.

I slept well last night for the first time in a couple of weeks. I've been extremely emotional dealing with this, as I said, I had no idea what I was heading for. At one point I even thought I was having an extreme or allergic reaction to the treatment. Your comment that the days after treatment could be the worst was of great comfort as that is just what I've felt. I'm now on day 3 post treatment. Unfortunately, my Dr's office was closed for three days just when I had concerns, so your blog was really beneficial to me.

I also had an outbreak of cold sores all over both lips just to compound my discomfort. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for your good information, it has helped me get through this most difficult trial of my life a little more easily. Best wishes to you for no recurring problems.

We all seem to react so differently to the cream--it can be really difficult to tell someone that one particular lotion or pain reliever will work without a doubt. I wanted to make sure you had seen this piece on feeling isolated as a user of Efudex. You are never alone in this journey!

My husband has just started his journey with efudex - currently treating two patches on his face. Currently on day 13 of treatment. And dry to the point where a few days ago he started applying moisturiser 20 mins after the efudex.

In the last couple of days I swear the redness is reducing and we are now worried that moisturising is reducing the effectiveness of the efudex. Do you have any experience of this? It would be great to hear your thoughts on using moisturisers along side treatment. Thanks again for sharing your story, it is such a step into the unknown all this and it helps having others out there! I can say that my dermatologist has always discouraged me from using any products other than the cream on my skin during treatment.

If at all possible, I use nothing but water and a very mild soap or cleanser like Cetaphil. I have read that other users apply Vaseline to get some relief from the dryness and itching. If moisturizing is absolutely necessary, I would wait a couple hours or more after applying Efudex to allow it plenty of time to absorb into the skin. Some react more quickly than others and reach the erosion phase before the prescribed time is up. Best wishes! Tell him to hang in there. I promise that it does get better!

Skin has become like alligator hide with a bit of fluid oozing from underneath at times or when pressed. Very tight with lots of stinging as I approach the end of each 12 hours between treatment, then the moisturizers in the cream provide some relief. Some dry patches are flaking off; moist areas sometimes stick to my pillow in the night.

I have fairly high pain tolerance, determination, and really great support at home and from friends, but if the Edufex has achieved most of what it can, I will be glad to start the recovery process! She also said that peeling off flaky bits of skin was ok as long as it didn't cause any bleeding. That is the best feeling, isn't it? I am so happy you are on to the healing stage! As difficult as the treatment phase is, you should be prepared for a really difficult days of healing.

You mentioned earlier that the hardest time came at the end of the day when it was time to reapply--that's because your skin was calmed by the cream.

Sounds odd, I know. Your skin will now begin to go through a type of withdrawal and will crave the cream. The dryness and tightening is going to become really uncomfortable. I use Benadryl to help me sleep, I and keep my skin moisturized. Many like Aquaphor, but I prefer Vanicream.

It's important to use a product with no perfumes or colors. Watch the alcohol content as well. The more of the dead skin you can get off, the better you will feel. I try to soften it in the shower and kind of roll it off gently. The more moisturized you keep it, the more quickly you can get back to normal. If I hadn't been forewarned about the severity of my skin's "withdrawal" from the cream, I might be in a state of shock as well as discomfort.

I am using a lot of CeraVe moisturizing cream, alternating at times with a couple of creams that contain very little alcohol. Possibly the extreme low humidity we're experiencing during the current cold snap C at night is a factor in that reaction. Thanks again for all your support! There was a small amount of slightly rough skin on one side of my nose which her intern sprayed lightly with liquid nitrogen.

Next appointment in 6 months; she anticipates just having to spray a couple of places a year. I look as if I had some windburn, but it's gradually fading with time. I'm being very diligent about putting sunscreen on whenever I go out in day time. I'm so happy you came through the process unscathed and got such a positive report! We are here for you any time! Both times my doctor said to stop that she thought I had done it too long keeping up application after the crusty part. Several months after efudex my legs even required plastic wrapping in prescription cortisone cream to get them to settle down which happened quickly with the cream.

So this year my doctor said to do legs again have 3 SCC surgeries on one leg so she wants to be preventive. So it was all not too unpleasant and healed okay. I went ahead and did the same for my upper chest which reacted strongly right away and I kept doing for 7 days while it was swollen, red, itchy and not letting me sleep but again like the legs was not crusty yet. Talked to doctor a month or so later and suggested to her that since it had gone relatively smoothly, how about if I just repeated it.

I put it back on my chest for another week. It is very uncomfortable now but again not quite crusty or seeping yet--and I'm trying today to decide whether to stop or keep going. So after being long-winded, my question actually is about what happens if you don't do it long enough or try doing it sequentially with a break in between and letting it heal?

Does it do no good, just not as much as it would if you did it longer, starts up again at same point if you repeat or does it start over? I've never been told to take short breaks between treatments. I can't speak for your doctor and can only speak from my own experience, but I always treat until my skin seeps and cracks--the erosion stage. Once I am there, I stop applying the cream and begin using moisturizers religiously.

I have to wonder if maybe those cells aren't quite making it all the way to the surface and that's why you seem to require more frequent rounds of treatment. As far as I have read and from what I gather from others in an Efudex support group, those precancerous spots that you bring to the surface but don't quite get with one round of Efudex can be pulled to the surface with another round.

Treating until your skin erodes is certainly difficult, but it's what my dermatologist always recommends. As you continue, make sure to touch base with your doctor.

As it happens I did go ahead and put it on again yesterday. And I woke up this morning and regularly through the night seeping all over the place--the sheets were soaked!

I have done this several times over the last few years and always had it take a week or 2 before any redness appeared and then another week or two for full erosions. The 2 areas that I did this year on legs and chest were just different--bubbling up red by the first day--didn't know what caused the difference or how to handle it so I was seeking advice. Your words were very helpful. This is my 4th treatment of weeks each time over the past 4 years. I finished the 4th treatment a few weeks ago, with good results.

Actually, better than good. Not only have I been left with no discernible actinic skin lesions, but some hair has started re-growing on my scalp!!!

I have male pattern baldness, and this new hair is growing right on top where there was ZERO hair before this most recent treatment. I have done some googling on the phenomenon, and did turn up one other medically documented case. So, I'm not delusional! But can't say I'm not just a bit chuffed. That said, I don't have so much hair re-growth that people are going to notice. My partner did, which made me realise I was not imagining things I hadn't mentioned my observations of re-growth to her.

Anyway, if anyone else has had this phenomenon happen to them, I'd be most curious to hear from them. I have to say you have had some amazing results! I don't believe I've ever read of any patient saying they had such luck with regrowth of hair.

You're right about hair loss. Though it's different from person to person, many do complain of some manner of hair loss during treatment. You are definitely one of the lucky ones and likely in the minority. These are very helpful and informative. I am about to have my 4th and 5th Curettage and electrodesiccation for SCC's on my scalp I have been having this done since January My doctor says he wants to discuss starting the use of Efudex to treat my scalp due to the rapid growths of SCCs and AKs I keep having to have frozen off.

I cannot find any accounts from people with experiences on the scalp or much information about scalp treatment and so I appreciate the comment from the reader about the scalp. I am not bald and am wondering if it is best to consider shaving my head in advance of the treatment. Also how painful it is to wear a head covering during scalp treatment. Thank you again. Very informative and I understand individuals and react or respond differently. I have been recently diagnosed with pre cancerous skin damage on my face.

My doctor only advice was to use the cream for about 6 weeks once a day. From washing the area to the part of when to stop using the cream which is so important. I get the burning and itchiness after applying the cream. Not crusty yet. I did notice yesterday a crack in the area and possibly very small seep.

I apologize for taking so long to reply and I hope you are making it with as little discomfort as possible. I will say this, at one point when my skin began to crack around my nose, I visited my dermatologist's office to let the nurse check me. She advised that I continue at least two or three more days. As difficult as it was, I did and after my skin began to seep fairly heavily, I finally stopped applying the cream.

I have always treated twice daily for weeks. You may or may not have to treat the full six weeks. Definitely check in with your doctor if you feel your skin as progressed to a point where the cream has done all it can do erosion stage--seeping and cracking.

Please keep us updated on your results. I'm including an article on what to expect after you stop application and how to deal with healing. I experienced the pain and itching which were unbearable at times. I started on my forehead and nose but stopped the nose after 10 days due to infection then 7 days later carried on with the nose. I then done my cheeks and temples, my forehead took time to react but the cheeks and temples reacted after only 8 days very red and sore but surprisingly the redness and pain seemed to move all down my face which also have become red and sore?

Im now experiencing the tightness and pain and my skin is flaking everywhere except at the bottom of my face of course I look terrible but hope the skin will bring a new me so to speak I just hope it doesnt take so long! I'm so sorry you've been hit hard with the side effects of Efudex. It's so hard to tell exactly how the cream will affect each user. Infections are more common than you might think with this treatment, and the nose seems to be a very sketchy area to treat.

The creases of the nose are just the worst! I hope it will get raw pretty soon because I'd hate to have to go through the holidays with it at its peak. So at some point I'm going to have to wear a large gauze bandage on my cheek during performances. I realize bandages are not a good idea, but fortunately I don't have too many performances before the end of the year.

I have ordered sterile gauze pads that I can cut to size and Mefix self-adhesive fabric tape that I think will cover it in the best way. I would not leave the bandage on for long. Dealing with Efudex in the public eye is so difficult. I understand your concern completely. I'm sorry you're stuck here in the middle of the holidays with Efudex on your mind. Unfortunately, this is the season to treat.

Dermatologists suggest treating during the fall and winter to avoid the discomfort of itching and burning in the summer heat and humidity. When I have done my chest, I wore v-neck shirts and wore loose scarves across the area to cover but still allow my skin to breathe. That's terribly painful. When I've treated my face, I went without a bandage, but I was home for the summer.

While spot treating, I didn't cover at all and made it just fine. I explained to my coworkers and students ahead of time what to expect, and they were all understanding. The itching is practically unbearable. You mentioned using Benadryl. Do you mean the cream or the oral medication?

Thanks for any assistance you can provide. Sleeplessness is the absolute pits and one of most common side effects of using this cream. My dermatologist advised not to apply any lotions or creams while treating to allow the cream to fully absorb.

Things will get rough toward the end. Remember, it does indeed get better. These give you a quick electrical zap to trick your itchy nerves into shutting up.

Of course, we always recommend checking with the doc when using any therapies. After a painful and positive ending to last December's Efudex treatment on my face removed all the red scaly spots of concern and people say my facial skin looks great , I am currently taking on my chest area.

I have been applying Efudex from the top of my shoulders to below my nipple line and it is quite obvious where my shirt was open! I am almost 3 weeks into the recommended weeks of treatment and hope I can make it to the 28 day mark.

With my face I made it to 21 and the Doc commented on how eventually all of my skin reacted. Very grateful that I can hang at home during the treatment, as the thought of putting on a shirt is daunting. The constant irritation is the worst. To all of those considering the treatment, while it is not pleasant, my dermatologist feels that over the last 40 years it is the most effective treatment to eliminate wide spread AKs.

And thank you for sharing your process! This mutual support is so important. You mileage may vary. Thanks for all your helpful advice. I'm so glad you found something that works for you! Isn't it fantastic to come across something that doesn't burn? I hope you are well past the point of needing these tips and healed with no issues! There's no advice from the dr really.

So here's what i am doing. Told to apply once a day. I am applying in the morning, as i work evenings and am a carer. So applying in the evening wasn't practical. I am applying to face in the morning, leaving it to soak in all day and using a soap free pharmacy wash before I go to bed. Then reapplying in the morning. Should I be reapplying it again straight away and not leaving a gap period overnight? Very confused and not permanently registered with the prescribing doctor as she discharged me after the appointment.

Any thoughts on this? At night I would have a shower washing what little hair I have left with baby shampoo dreaded it as the sores hurt when gently patting a towel on it to dry the area. Wore my cancer hat to bed and in the morning went through the same routine again. I'm so glad you got a positive report!

I'm a bit jealous that you are able to ask your GP for your refills. I have to see my dermatologist for more cream each year. I hope you continue to receive clear reports!

I replied to a message this morning that sounds a lot like your case. As you are leaving it on the better part of the day, I'd guess that it is fully absorbing. The best way to find out is to check with a doctor if possible.

She then waits until the next day to repeat the pattern. She battles severe nausea while using Efudex and this helps curb that some. Again, always check with your doctor before making any changes in routine or application procedure. Best of luck as you treat! Just be aware of the reasons you should only treat a patch no bigger than cm2 approximately 23 x 23 cm or 9 inches by 9 inches. Now I feel so good with no trace of actinic keratosis and a apart from minor under the skin blemishes clear scalp.

Great, I hate going to hospitals and my GP's surgery is only 2 minutes away. I'm glad your wife pushed you on through to the end. It definitely is worth the pain if you get great results and reduce the number of precancerous spots!

That's awesome for you! Wishing you many more clear checks with your doctor! I am on Day 11 with fluorouracil on my face and forearms. Nothing is showing up on the forearms, but my face, nose, and forehead are almost entirely red with the typical discomforts.

Any idea what the advantage of this is? Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Breast-feeding: It is not known if fluorouracil passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby.

Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children. If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them.

Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed. Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter non-prescription , and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take.

Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. All material copyright MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www. About this Medication.

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