Fluorouracil (flure oh yoor’ a sill) is a drug that is used to treat actinic keratoses and sometimes shallow squamous cell skin cancers.
Actinic Keratosis are pre-cancerous skin growth caused by the sun.
Fluorouracil reacts against the pre-cancerous sun-damaged skin but does not usually affect normal skin.
HOW TO USE:
• Wash the affected area and dry completely before applying fluorouracil cream.
• Apply fluorouracil cream in a thin layer over the entire affected area.
• Wash hands immediately after application
• Treatment frequency and duration will depend on exact product used and diagnosis. Follow frequency and duration instructions on prescription.
( Efudex and Fluorouracil 5% are often twice daily) (TOLAK is often prescribed to be used once daily). Duration varies.
• Apply cold petrolatum (refrigerate Aquaphor) to irritated skin. Ointments will sooth skin while creams may cause a burning sensation
• Avoid excessive sun exposure during treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Expect treatment area to become red and inflamed
• Common reactions include stinging, burning, swelling, erosions and scabs.
• Mild discomfort is common but discontinue treatment if you experience pain, skin breakage or bleeding.
• Skin is often red and inflamed throughout treatment and will improve within about 2 to 4 weeks following treatment
• No topical treatment is 100% effective and there may be some remaining actinic keratosis following treatment. It is always recommended to follow up with your medical provider 4 weeks after completing treatment.