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.
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