FLUOROURACIL (Topical)

Brand & Generic Names

5-FU
Efudex
Fluoroplex

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antineoplastic (topical)

Uses

• Treats precancerous actinic keratoses on skin.
• Treats superficial basal cell carcinomas (skin cancers that don't spread to distant organs and, therefore, do not threaten life).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Apply with cotton-tipped applicator.
Cream, lotion, ointment--Bathe and dry area before use. Apply small amount and rub gently.
Wash hands (if fingertips are used to apply) after applying medicine to other parts of body.

When to use:
Once or twice a day or as directed by doctor.

If you forget a dose:
Apply as soon as you remember. Resume basic schedule.

What drug does:
Selectively destroys actively proliferating cells.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 3 days.

Don't use with:
Other topical medications unless prescribed by your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Not for internal use. If child accidentally swallows, call poison-control center.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Common:

• Skin redness or swelling.
• After 1 or 2 weeks of use--Skin itching or oozing; rash, tenderness, soreness.

Infrequent:

Skin darkening or scaling.

Rare:

Watery eyes.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:
You are allergic to fluorouracil.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have cloasma or acne rosacea.
• If you have any other skin problems.

Over age 60:
No problems expected.

Pregnancy:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Infants & children:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Skin & sunlight:
Increased sensitivity to sunlight during treatment and for 1 to 2 months following. Avoid exposure if possible.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Discontinuing:
Pink, smooth area remains after treatment (usually fades in 1 to 2 months).

Others:

• Skin lesions may need biopsy before treatment.
• Keep medicine out of eyes or mouth.
• Heat and moisture in bathroom medicine cabinet can cause breakdown of medicine. Store someplace else.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.