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fluorouracil topical

fluorouracil topical

Pronunciation: FLOOR oh URE a sil TOP i kal

Brand: Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex, Tolak

What is the most important information I should know about fluorouracil topical?

Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

What is fluorouracil topical?

Fluorouracil topical (for the skin) is used to treat scaly overgrowths of skin (actinic or solar keratosis).

Fluorouracil topical is also used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Fluorouracil topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluorouracil topical?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to fluorouracil, or if you have:

  • a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency.

Do not use fluorouracil topical if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

You should not breastfeed while using fluorouracil topical.

Fluorouracil topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use fluorouracil topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and immediately after applying this medicine, unless it is being used to treat a hand condition. Caregivers who apply this medicine should wear rubber gloves.

Apply only enough medicine to cover the affected skin with a thin film.

Do not apply fluorouracil topical to skin that is irritated, peeling, or infected or on open wounds. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using fluorouracil topical.

Do not cover the treated skin area with bandaging or plastic unless your doctor tells you to.

You may need to use fluorouracil topical for up to 6 weeks. Treated skin may have an undesirable appearance as it heals, which may take several weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine container tightly closed when not in use.

Do not use fluorouracil topical to treat a skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using fluorouracil topical?

Do not use this medicine on your eyelids or in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse with water or saline if this medicine gets in your eyes.

Do not let fluorouracil topical build up in the skin folds around your mouth, nose, or eyes. Use caution when applying the medicine around these areas.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with fluorouracil unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Fluorouracil topical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What are the possible side effects of fluorouracil topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using fluorouracil topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe pain or swelling of treated skin;
  • severe itching, burning, or irritation;
  • new or worsening skin sores;
  • fever, chills; or
  • severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting.

Before your skin begins to heal it will become red, dry, tender, and crusty. This is a normal skin reaction, even if these symptoms get worse for a short time. Gradually, the dead skin will begin to shed off and you'll see raw skin appear. Ask your doctor when to stop using the medicine after you notice signs of healing.

Common side effects may include:

  • skin pain, itching, burning, or irritation;
  • skin darkening or scarring;
  • skin redness and swelling; or
  • small blood vessels under the skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fluorouracil topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about fluorouracil topical.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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