What is Fluorouracil topical?
Topical fluorouracil (for the skin) is used for treating scaly skin overgrowths (actinic or solar). The topical application of fluorouracil is also used for the treatment of superficial basal-cell carcinoma. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for fluorouracil topical.
Side effects of Fluorouracil topical
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or facial and throat swelling, immediate medical help should be sought: difficulty in taking breath, difficulty in speaking clearly or swelling on face lips throat area
Fluorouracil can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pain or swelling on the treated skin
- Itching, burning, or irritation are severe
- New or worsening skin lesions;
- Fever, chills;
- Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Your skin will be red, dry, and tender before it starts to heal. Even if the symptoms worsen for a few days, this is a common skin reaction. You will see the raw skin appearing as you shed off the dead skin. After you see signs of healing, ask your doctor to tell you when it's time to stop taking the medication.
Fluorouracil topical side effects may include:
- Itching, burning, or irritation of the skin
- Skin darkening or scarring;
- Skin redness and swelling
- Small blood vessels beneath the skin
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if needing further advice on reported issues.
Warnings
Do not use it if pregnant. Use an effective contraceptive and inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant.
Before you take this drug
Fluorouracil should not be used if:
a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency.
Avoid using fluorouracil topically if you're pregnant. It can harm your unborn child or cause birth defects. While using this medication, use effective birth control methods to avoid pregnancy. Fluorouracil topical should not be used while breastfeeding. The topical fluorouracil is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Fluorouracil topical?
Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication and follow them exactly, such as on its label. Take it only by mouth; topical medicines must only be applied topically. Please read and follow all directions that accompany your medication carefully, if necessary seeking clarification from either your pharmacist or physician. If the instructions don't make sense to you, consult them either with them directly. You should wash your hands both before and after using this medication, unless you are treating a condition of the hand. Rubber gloves should be worn by caregivers who are applying this medicine Only apply enough medicine to create a thin layer of film on the affected area. Cover the treated area of skin with plastic or bandages only if your doctor says so. Apply fluorouracil topically only to healthy skin. Do not use it on irritated or peeling skin, open wounds, or skin that has been infected. Fluorouracil should not be used until the skin has healed completely.
Fluorouracil may be needed for as long as 6 weeks. The treated skin may look unattractive as it heals. This may take several weeks. Store medicine away from moisture or heat at room temperature and tightly close when not being used; keeping out of reach from children or animals. Use fluorouracil topically only if your doctor has examined the skin condition.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for keratosis:
Use a 0.5% microsphere cream to treat lesions of actinic keratosis. Apply a thin layer to the area to be treated.
Duration: Continue treatment for as long as tolerated. Treatments that last up to four weeks result in a greater reduction of lesions. Local irritation does not increase by increasing treatment time from two to four weeks. It usually resolves within two weeks after the end of treatment.
Use 1%, 2.5%, or 5% cream twice a day, in a quantity sufficient to cover lesions. Continue until the inflammation reaches the stage of erosion, and then stop using.
Duration of treatment: 2 to 4 weeks. Complete healing of lesions can take up to two months after cessation therapy.
Comments:
The response begins with erythema and is usually followed by vesiculation. Desquamation. Erosion.
This drug should never be used near the nose, mouth, or eyes.
Apply 10 minutes after cleaning, rinsing, and drying.
This drug can be applied with the fingertips.
After application, hands should be thoroughly cleaned.
Biopsies should be performed to confirm a diagnosis of solar keratoses that do not respond well to treatment.
Use: To treat multiple actinic or solar keratoses.
Adult dose for basal cell carcinoma:
Cream or Solution: 5%
Apply two times daily in a quantity sufficient to cover lesions. Continue until the inflammation reaches the stage of erosion, and then stop using.
Duration of treatment: 3 to six weeks. However, it may take up to 10 or 12 weeks to completely eliminate lesions.
Comments:
Only the 5% solution or cream is recommended for treating superficial basal cell cancer.
The response begins with erythema and is usually followed by desquamation (vesiculation), erosion, and reepithelialization.
Use: When conventional methods cannot be used, for example, when there are multiple lesions and difficult treatment sites.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, try skipping any missed one and taking only what is due at that moment.Never apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Use fluorouracil topically only on the eyelids. Do not apply it to your nose, eyes, or mouth. If this medication gets into your eyes, rinse with water or saline. Avoid letting fluorouracil build up on the skin folds surrounding your nose, eyes, and mouth. Apply the medication with caution around these areas. Do not use other medications to treat the same area as fluorouracil unless you are told to by your doctor. Avoid tanning beds or exposure to the sun. Topical fluorouracil can cause sunburn. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine used on your skin. Many drugs interact. Tell your doctor all the medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
