FLUOROURACIL (`EFUDIX`) 5% CREAM 40G

What is this cream for?

EFUDIX is a cream that destroys abnormal, sun-damaged skin cells. It contains fluorouracil (5-FU), which blocks cell growth in the abnormal precancerous cells while largely sparing the surrounding normal skin.

It is used to treat:

•       Actinic keratoses — rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin (face, scalp, hands, ears) that are pre-cancerous. Left untreated, a small proportion can progress to skin cancer.

•       Superficial basal cell carcinoma — a slow-growing skin cancer, when surgery is not practical, or there are multiple lesions

Dosage

Actinic keratoses: Apply a sufficient amount to cover lesions twice daily for 2-4 weeks; healing may not be evident for 1-2 months.

Superficial basal cell carcinoma - Apply a sufficient amount to cover lesions of the affected area(s) once daily for 4 weeks.

How do I apply it?

•       Apply a thin layer to the affected areas twice daily

•       Wear disposable gloves, or wash your hands thoroughly before AND after applying

•       Use a fingertip or plastic applicator — do NOT use metal applicators

•       Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, nostrils, and mucous membranes — rinse thoroughly if accidental contact occurs

•       Do NOT use under bandages or dressings (unless specifically told to)

•       Protect treated areas from sun exposure — apply SPF50+ sunscreen every morning

What will my skin do during treatment?

The treatment follows a predictable sequence:

•       Week 1: Mild redness and irritation begin

•       Week 2: Increasing redness; blisters may form

•       Weeks 3–4: The peak reaction — ulceration, crusting, and soreness. This looks alarming, but is expected.

•       After stopping: Healing and new skin formation over 2–4 weeks

•       End result: Clearer, healthier skin where the treated lesions were

What side effects might I notice?

•       Redness, stinging, burning — expected and normal during treatment

•       Blisters, sores, and crusting — expected; do not pick or pull

•       Prolonged sun sensitivity — remains for months after treatment ends

•       Rare: scarring or pale patches (more common with prolonged treatment)

Who should NOT use this cream?

•       Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy — fluorouracil can harm an unborn baby

•       Women who are breastfeeding (avoid applying near the breast area)

•       Anyone allergic to fluorouracil

•       Do not apply to mucous membranes

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Why does my skin look so bad during treatment?

The redness, blistering, and sores are not a side effect to worry about — they show the treatment is working. Fluorouracil selectively damages the abnormal sun-damaged cells, causing them to die and peel away. Normal skin is relatively spared. The skin will look much better 2–4 weeks after stopping the cream.

❓ How long do I use it for?

For actinic keratoses, typically 3–4 weeks. For superficial basal cell carcinoma, usually takes 3–6 weeks. Your dermatologist will guide you. Do not stop early because the skin looks inflamed — stopping too soon reduces effectiveness.

❓ Can I use sunscreen at the same time?

Yes — strict sun protection is essential. Apply SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning on treated areas, and reapply if outdoors. Apply it at a different time from the EFUDIX cream — not mixed together.