Fluorouracil topical

Generic name: Fluorouracil Topical
Drug class: Topical antineoplastics

Usage of 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.

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.

Before taking Fluorouracil topical

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.

Relate drugs

How to use Fluorouracil topical

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 therapy1%, 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 therapyComments:-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 obliteratedComments:-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

Warnings

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

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.

Disclaimer

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