Skip to main content

Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil) Shopper Approved

Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Cream

Efudex Cream

(Brand Option)

Select the prescribed dosage

Select the quantity to see the price.

  *  
Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Cream

Fluorouracil

(Generic Alternative)

Select the prescribed dosage

Select the quantity to see the price.

  *  
delivery

* This price includes a dispensing fee, medical review fee, and packing fee.

delivery

Shipped and delivered directly to your doorstep

Efudex Cream contains fluorouracil, a prescription medicine applied directly to the skin. It is used to treat certain sun-damaged, precancerous skin growths and some types of superficial skin cancer.

Actinic Keratoses

Efudex is commonly used to treat multiple actinic keratoses, also called solar keratoses.

These are rough, scaly, or crusty patches that develop after repeated sun exposure. They often appear on areas such as the face, scalp, ears, forearms, or backs of the hands.

Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous skin changes because some can develop into squamous cell skin cancer over time.

Efudex helps destroy abnormal sun-damaged cells so healthier skin can grow in their place.

Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma

Efudex 5% strength may also be used to treat certain superficial basal cell carcinomas, which are cancers that remain close to the surface of the skin.

This treatment is generally considered when conventional treatments are less practical, such as when there are several lesions or the affected area is difficult to treat surgically. The diagnosis should be confirmed before treatment because Efudex has not been proven effective for all types of basal cell carcinoma.

How Does Efudex Work?

Efudex belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites.

Fluorouracil interferes with the way abnormal cells make and use genetic material needed for growth and division. Because precancerous and cancerous skin cells divide more actively than many normal cells, they are especially sensitive to the medication.

As these abnormal cells are damaged and removed, new skin can gradually form.

What Happens to the Skin During Treatment?

Efudex often causes a noticeable skin reaction during treatment. The treated area may become:

  • Red
  • Inflamed
  • Sore or tender
  • Dry or scaly
  • Crusted
  • Eroded or raw-looking

This reaction usually develops in stages as abnormal cells respond to the medicine. The expected sequence can include redness, blistering, peeling, erosion, and then healing with new skin formation.

Does Skin Irritation Mean Efudex Is Not Working?

Not necessarily. A significant inflammatory reaction is often an expected part of Efudex treatment.

However, there is a difference between an expected treatment reaction and a reaction that is too severe. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop severe pain, extensive open sores, pus, fever, or other symptoms that concern you.

How Long is Efudex Used for Actinic Keratoses?

For actinic or solar keratoses, Efudex is generally applied twice daily in an amount sufficient to cover the lesions.

The usual treatment period is about 2 to 4 weeks, although your healthcare provider may adjust the schedule depending on your skin’s response.

Treatment is typically stopped when the expected inflammatory response reaches the erosion stage. Complete healing may take another 1 to 2 months after treatment has stopped.

How Long is Efudex Used for Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma?

For superficial basal cell carcinoma, only Efudex 5% is recommended in the prescribing information.

It is generally applied twice daily for at least 3 to 6 weeks. Some cases may require treatment for as long as 10 to 12 weeks. Follow-up is important to make sure the cancer has been adequately treated.

Why is Follow-Up Important?

Skin lesions that do not respond as expected may need further evaluation.

Actinic keratoses that fail to respond may need a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Follow-up examination or biopsy may also be needed after treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma to make sure the cancer is gone.

Can Efudex Treat Every Type of Skin Cancer?

No. Efudex is not a general treatment for all skin cancers.

Its approved skin cancer use is limited to certain superficial basal cell carcinomas, and only the 5% strength is recommended for that purpose. Deeper or other types of skin cancer may need surgery or another treatment.

Where Should Efudex Be Applied?

Efudex should be applied only to the skin areas your healthcare provider has told you to treat.

It is for topical use only. Do not apply it inside the eyes, mouth, or vagina. Use extra care around sensitive areas such as the nose and lips.

Important Reminder

Efudex treats abnormal skin cells by interfering with their ability to grow and divide. During treatment, the skin may temporarily look worse before it improves, with redness, crusting, peeling, and soreness often forming part of the expected response.

Use Efudex exactly as prescribed and do not stop, extend, or restart treatment on your own. Your healthcare provider should monitor how your skin responds and determine when treatment is complete.

Efudex Cream contains fluorouracil and is applied directly to abnormal or sun-damaged areas of the skin. Use it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. For actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinoma, Efudex is commonly applied twice daily, but the length of treatment depends on the condition being treated.

Prepare the Skin Before Applying Efudex

Before applying the cream, gently wash the treatment area and pat it dry. Avoid scrubbing or irritating the skin.

Apply only enough Efudex to cover the affected area with a thin, even layer. Do not apply extra cream because using more will not make the medicine work faster and may increase irritation.

Use a Glove or Applicator When Possible

Efudex is preferably applied with a nonmetal applicator or a suitable glove. If you use your fingers, wash your hands thoroughly immediately afterward.

Be careful not to spread the medication to healthy skin or other areas of your body.

How Often Should Efudex Be Applied?

For actinic keratoses, Efudex is generally applied twice daily in an amount sufficient to cover the affected lesions. Treatment usually lasts about 2 to 4 weeks.

For superficial basal cell carcinoma, only the 5% strength is recommended. It is generally applied twice daily for at least 3 to 6 weeks, although treatment may sometimes continue for as long as 10 to 12 weeks.

What Should You Expect During Treatment?

Efudex intentionally causes a reaction in abnormal skin cells. The treated area may gradually become:

  • Red
  • Inflamed
  • Tender or sore
  • Scaly or peeling
  • Crusted
  • Blistered
  • Raw or eroded

The usual treatment response progresses from redness to blistering or peeling, then erosion, followed by healing and new skin formation.

The skin may temporarily look worse before it begins to improve.

When Should Treatment Be Stopped?

For actinic keratoses, treatment is generally continued until the expected inflammatory reaction reaches the erosion stage. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop.

Do not stop treatment simply because the skin becomes red unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so. However, contact them if the reaction becomes unusually painful, severe, or difficult to manage.

How Long Does the Skin Take to Heal?

The skin does not always return to normal immediately after Efudex is stopped.

For actinic keratoses, complete healing may take 1 to 2 months after treatment ends. During this time, redness, crusting, peeling, or tenderness may gradually improve as new skin forms.

Do Not Cover the Treated Skin Unless Directed

Do not cover Efudex with tight bandages, plastic wraps, or airtight dressings unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to.

Covering the treated area can increase the intensity of the skin reaction and may increase absorption of the medicine.

Avoid the Eyes, Mouth, and Other Sensitive Areas

Efudex is for external use on the skin only.

Keep it away from your eyes, eyelids, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If Efudex accidentally gets into your eyes or another sensitive area, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.

Protect Your Skin From Sunlight

The treated skin may become much more sensitive to sunlight during therapy. Sun exposure can make redness, burning, and inflammation worse.

Try to avoid unnecessary direct sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light while using Efudex. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for protective clothing and sunscreen.

What If You Miss an Application?

If you forget to apply Efudex, apply it when you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled application.

If your next application is due soon, skip the missed one and continue with your normal schedule. Do not apply a thicker layer or extra cream to make up for the missed application.

When Should You Contact Your Healthcare Provider?

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop severe pain, excessive swelling, extensive open sores, pus, fever, or signs of infection.

You should also contact them if you are unsure whether the skin reaction you are experiencing is expected or if the treated area does not heal as expected after treatment.

Follow-Up After Treatment

Follow-up is particularly important when Efudex is used for superficial basal cell carcinoma. Your healthcare provider may need to examine the treated area after healing to make sure the cancer has been adequately treated.

Important Reminder

Apply Efudex in a thin layer only to the areas your healthcare provider has told you to treat. Wash your hands after application, avoid sensitive areas, and expect redness and inflammation as the medication works.

For actinic keratoses, treatment commonly lasts 2 to 4 weeks, while superficial basal cell carcinoma may require 3 to 6 weeks or longer. Do not change the treatment length on your own; your healthcare provider should determine when treatment is complete.

Common Side Effects of Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil):

  • Skin redness
  • Dry and scaly skin
  • Crusting of the skin
  • Stinging or burning feeling of the skin
  • Skin itchiness
  • Swelling of the skin
  • Peeling of the skin

Serious Side Effects of Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil):

  • Scarring
  • Darkening of skin color
  • Skin tenderness
  • Open sores on skin
  • Rash

Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil) is available in the following forms and strength:

Efudex Cream: Cream

  • 5%

Fluorouracil: Cream

  • 5%

Avoid the Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

Efudex Cream is for external use on the skin only. Avoid applying it in or around the eyes, eyelids, inside the nose, or mouth.

If the cream accidentally gets into one of these areas, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. Contact your healthcare provider if irritation continues.

Protect Your Skin From Sunlight

Efudex can make treated skin more sensitive to sunlight. Sun exposure may increase redness, burning, and irritation.

Try to avoid unnecessary direct sunlight and tanning beds during treatment. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about protective clothing and sunscreen.

Expect a Visible Skin Reaction

The treated area may become red, swollen, sore, crusted, peeling, or raw-looking while Efudex is working. The skin may look worse before it begins to heal.

These reactions can continue for several weeks after treatment ends. Contact your healthcare provider if the reaction becomes unusually severe, painful, or difficult to manage.

Do Not Cover the Treated Area

Do not cover Efudex with tight bandages, plastic wrap, or airtight dressings unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to.

Covering the skin can make the reaction stronger and may increase how much medication is absorbed.

Tell Your Healthcare Provider About Other Medications

Before starting Efudex, tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and other skin treatments you use.

This helps your healthcare provider check for possible interactions and avoid products that may worsen skin irritation.

Hair and Scalp Changes

Use Efudex on the scalp or near the hairline only as directed by your healthcare provider. Temporary hair loss or thinning in the treated area may occur in some people.

Hair usually has the chance to grow back after the skin has healed, but tell your healthcare provider if you notice unexpected or persistent hair changes.

Avoid Broken or Severely Damaged Skin

Do not apply Efudex to open wounds or severely broken skin unless your healthcare provider specifically directs you to.

Damaged skin may absorb more medication and may become more irritated.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Efudex should not be used during pregnancy because fluorouracil may harm a developing baby.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare provider before using Efudex.

Allergies

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergies to fluorouracil or any ingredient in Efudex.

Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Weakened Immune System

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a weakened immune system or take medicines that suppress immune function.

Skin that becomes very inflamed or broken during treatment may be more vulnerable to infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever.

Important Reminder

Use Efudex only on the skin areas your healthcare provider has told you to treat. Protect the area from sunlight, avoid tight coverings, and do not apply more cream than prescribed.

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop severe skin reactions, signs of infection, persistent pain, or symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Is Efudex Cream Available Without a Prescription?

No. Efudex Cream is a prescription medication and should be used only under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will determine whether Efudex is appropriate for your skin condition and how long you should use it.

How Long Does Treatment With Efudex Cream Last?

The length of treatment depends on the skin condition being treated and how your skin responds. For actinic keratoses, treatment commonly lasts about 2 to 4 weeks. When Efudex 5% Cream is used for superficial basal cell carcinoma, treatment usually lasts at least 3 to 6 weeks and may sometimes continue longer. Healing can continue for several weeks after treatment ends. Follow the treatment schedule provided by your healthcare provider rather than stopping or extending treatment on your own.

Can Efudex Cream Be Used During Pregnancy?

No. Efudex is contraindicated during pregnancy because fluorouracil may harm a developing baby. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or become pregnant while using Efudex, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Can Efudex Cream Be Used While Breastfeeding?

Talk to your healthcare provider before using Efudex while breastfeeding. It is not known whether fluorouracil passes into human breast milk. Because some of the medication can be absorbed through the skin and serious effects in a nursing infant are possible, your healthcare provider may recommend stopping breastfeeding or choosing another treatment.

How Should Efudex Cream Be Stored?

Store Efudex at room temperature, around 25°C (77°F). Short-term temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F) are permitted. Keep the medication securely closed and out of the reach of children and pets.

Can Efudex Cream Be Used With Other Medications?

Before using Efudex, tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and other skin treatments you use. Some topical products may increase skin irritation when used on the same area. Your healthcare provider can determine which products are safe to use during Efudex treatment.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Fluorouracil

Formulation:

Cream

Strength(s):

5%

Quantities Available:

20g, 30g, 60g

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Efudex Cream can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Efudex Cream (fluorouracil) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate treatment without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Efudex Cream is available in 5% strength and is typically applied thinly to the affected area once or twice daily as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The quantity you would order for a 90-day supply depends on the area and frequency of application recommended by your healthcare provider.

Do you sell fluorouracil?

Yes, we do sell fluorouracil on our website. You can enjoy competitive prices when ordering from us. To purchase fluorouracil, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider. We require this to dispense the medication safely. You can conveniently submit your prescription by mail, fax, or upload it through your online account during the ordering process.

Do you offer shipping of Efudex Cream (fluorouracil) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Efudex Cream (fluorouracil) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

Discover Our Users' Stories!

Watch how Online Pharmacies Canada is helping customers save money on their medications.

Online Pharmacies Canada Customer Testimonial #4
Online Pharmacies Canada Customer Testimonial #1
Online Pharmacies Canada - Customer Testimonial #2

Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil).