Fluorouracil, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antimetabolite

Generic and brand names: fluorouracil, topical; Efudex; Fluroplex

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat solar keratoses (precancerous skin growths) and superficial basal cell skin cancers. The medicine comes in liquid and ointment forms.

This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant because it may harm the baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Before you use this medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Apply this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. It is usually applied twice a day. 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 health care 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 health care provider if you get this medicine in your mouth.

This treatment takes at least 2 to 6 weeks. Do not stop using the medicine until your health care provider tells you to. Your skin may not heal for 1 or 2 months after your health care 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 health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

While you are using this medicine, your skin may burn or sting and become dark, crusty, or swollen. Your skin will heal within 1 or 2 months after treatment, although there may be some minor scarring.

Your health care 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 health care provider right away.

What are the possible side effects?

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 health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider if they continue or become severe): Pain, irritation, burning, swelling, scaling, sensitivity to light.

Other: Hair loss, insomnia, irritability, medicine taste in mouth, watery eyes, mouth sores, hives, change in skin color.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other skin lotions or ointments unless they are approved by the health care provider who prescribed this medicine. Ask your health care provider about the use of cosmetics or other products on the affected area.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care 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.