Brand name:

Efudex

Why is Efudex prescribed?

Efudex and Carac are prescribed for the treatment of actinic or solar keratoses (small red horny growths or flesh-colored wartlike growths caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation or the sun). Such growths may develop into skin cancer. When conventional methods are impractical--as when the affected sites are hard to get at--the 5 percent strength of Efudex is useful in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas, or slow-growing malignant tumors of the face usually found at the edge of the nostrils, eyelids, or lips. Efudex is available in cream and solution forms. Carac comes in cream form only.

Most important fact about Efudex

If you use an airtight dressing to cover the skin being treated, there may be inflammatory reactions in the normal skin around the treated area. If it is necessary to cover the treated area, use a porous gauze dressing to avoid skin reactions.

How should you take Efudex?

Use care when applying these products around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands immediately after applying Efudex.

--If you miss a dose...

Apply it as soon as you remember. If more than a few hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. If you miss more than 1 dose, contact your doctor.

--Storage instructions...

Store away from heat, light, and moisture.

Efudex side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Efudex.

• Side effects may include:
  Burning, discoloration of the skin, itching, pain

If you develop symptoms of a severe allergic reaction--including abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and chills--stop taking Efudex and contact your doctor immediately. You may have a condition known as DPD enzyme deficiency.

Why should Efudex not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Efudex, Carac or similar drugs, you should not take Efudex. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

People with a condition called DPD enzyme deficiency should also avoid these products. The active ingredient can give them a life-threatening reaction marked by abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and chills.

Special warnings about Efudex

Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays while you are under treatment with these products.

Skin may be unsightly during treatment with Efudex and, in some cases, for several weeks after treatment has ended.

If your solar keratoses do not clear up with use of Efudex, your doctor will probably order a biopsy (removal of a small amount of tissue to be examined under a microscope) to confirm the skin disease.

Your doctor will perform follow-up biopsies if you are being treated for superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Efudex

There are no reported food or drug interactions.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Efudex can harm a developing baby, and should not be used by women who are--or even may become--pregnant. If you do become pregnant while using Efudex, check with your doctor immediately.

Because it's not known whether Efudex could find its way into breast milk and harm a nursing infant, you'll need to choose between nursing your baby or undergoing treatment with Efudex.

Recommended dosage for Efudex

When Efudex is applied to affected skin, the skin becomes abnormally red, blisters form, and the surface skin wears away. A lesion or sore forms at the affected site, and the diseased or cancerous skin cells die before a new layer of skin forms.

ADULTS

Overdosage

Although no specific information is available on Efudex overdosage, any medication used in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdosage, seek medical attention immediately.