What is Efudex?
Efudex (for the face) can be used for treating scaly skin growths (actinic or solar keratosis).Efudex can also be employed to treat basal cell carcinoma.Efudex can also be used for other purposes that are not covered in this guide.
Side effects of Efudex
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Efudex can cause serious adverse side effects. Take a break from Efudex and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Excessive pain or swelling on the treated skin
- Extreme itching, burning, severe itching, or irritation
- New or worsening skin lesions;
- Fever chills;
- Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
As your skin begins to heal, it may appear dry, tender, and itchy. This is a normal reaction, even when symptoms become worse over just a few days. As time passes, the dead skin begins to fall off, and you'll be able to see the rough skin appearing. Discuss with your doctor when to discontinue the treatment when you see indications of improvement.
Common adverse effects of Efudex could include:
- Skin irritation, burning, itching, or irritated skin;
- Skin darkening or scarring;
- Swelling and redness on the skin, and swelling of the skin
- Tiny blood vessels beneath the skin.
This list does not constitute a comprehensive listing of potential adverse reactions and others may arise. Please consult your physician if any adverse effects arise; additionally you can report them directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not take it if you're expecting. Use effective birth control and inform your doctor if you are pregnant while you are receiving treatment.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use Efudex if your body is sensitive to fluorouracil or suffers from:
- A metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency.
Efudex should not be taken while you are pregnant as it could harm or cause birth defects to the unborn baby. Use effective birth control methods when taking this medication and use breastfeeding protection while using Efudex; breastfeed as necessary when breastfeeding while on Efudex; this product has not been approved to be taken by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How to take Efudex?
Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and also read all medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medication exactly as prescribed.Do not consume by mouth. The topical medication is intended to be used only on the skin.Take note of and follow the instructions for use that are included in your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you don't understand these directions.Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using this medicine in the event that it is applied to treat a hand ailment. The caregivers who administer this medicine must wear gloves made of rubber.Use only enough medication to cover the affected skin with a thin, smooth film. Don't cover the treated skin with bandaging plastic unless your physician instructs you to.Do not apply Efudex to skin that is inflamed or peeling or to wounds that are open. Make sure that the skin has completely healed before applying this medication.It is possible to require Efudex for up to six weeks. Skin that has been treated may develop an unattractive appearance while it heals. This could require several weeks.Keep it at room temperature, far from heat and moisture. Avoid freezing. The medicine container should be kept tightly sealed when not being used. Keep the container out of the pet's reach and out of the reach of children.Don't use Efudex to treat skin conditions that haven't been examined by your physician.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the medication as quickly as you can; however, do not take the dose you missed if it is getting close to the time of the next dose.Do not administer two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not apply Efudex to your eyelids, eyes, or nose. Cleanse your eyes with water or saline if the medicine is absorbed into your eyes.Do not allow Efudex to accumulate in the skin folds that surround your nose, mouth, or eyes. Take care when applying the medicine to these zones.Do not use other medicines on the areas treated with fluorouracil unless a doctor recommends it.Beware of exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Efudex can cause burns more quickly. Protect yourself with protective clothes and wear sunblock (SPF 30 or more) whenever you're outside.
Interaction with other drugs
The skin care treatment is unlikely to be affected by any other medications that you are taking. However, many medications can interact with each other. Inform your doctor about the medicines you are currently taking, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
