Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers Español For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families Medical Dental Other Supplemental Explore coverage through work How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics Shop for Medicare plans Member Guide Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna
Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Fluorouracil Topical Cream (FLUOROURACIL - TOPICAL)

Fluorouracil Topical Cream (FLUOROURACIL - TOPICAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • skin disorder
  • cancer

Brand Name(s): Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex, Tolak

Generic Name: Fluorouracil

Instructions

Instructions

DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Apply the medicine to the affected area.

Wash the area and allow the skin to dry completely (10-15 minutes) before using this medicine.

Do not cover the area after applying the medicine.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

This medicine should only be used on the skin.

Do not apply other lotions, creams or gels to the same place you apply this medicine.

Avoid getting the medicine in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash the medicine off your fingers after applying it.

Gently rub the medicine into area until evenly spread.

Use a rubber glove when applying this medicine with your finger.

Avoid prolonged or excessive sunlight exposure. Use sunscreen lotion with SPF 15 or higher.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after handling the medicine.

If medicine gets in your eyes, rinse well with warm water.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines.

Do not freeze the medicine.

Cautions

Cautions

This medicine can seriously harm or kill pets. Store it where pets cannot get to it. Do not let pets lick the skin where it is applied. Call your vet right away if your pet comes in contact with the medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Seek medical attention if you see any signs of a serious infection. These signs include pain, increasing redness or pus where this medicine is being used.

Side Effects

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • burning or stinging
  • dry skin
  • hair loss
  • itching
  • itching, redness or dryness of eyes
  • red, burning, or itchy skin
  • change in skin color
  • skin irritation where medicine is applied
  • thinning of the skin
  • increased risk of sunburn
  • changes in taste or unpleasant taste

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • unusual bruising or discoloration on skin
  • diarrhea
  • fever or chills
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • blistering or peeling of the skin
  • vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, 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.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card File a claim View my claims and EOBs Check coverage under my plan See prescription drug list Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility Find a form Find 1095-B tax form information View the Cigna Glossary Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families Medicare Employers Brokers Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal Health Care Provider portal Cigna for Employers Client Resource Portal Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About Cigna Healthcare Company Profile Careers Newsroom Investors Suppliers The Cigna Group Third Party Administrators International Evernorth

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Privacy Legal Product Disclosures Cigna Company Names Customer Rights Accessibility Non-Discrimination Notice Language Assistance [PDF] Report Fraud Sitemap Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details