Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FLUOROURACIL - TOPICAL

(flewr-oh-YOUR-uh-sill)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Efudex, Fluoroplex

Uses

This medication is an anticancer drug used to treat pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths.

How To Use

Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects will be increased. This medication is applied topically to the affected skin area. Use a small amount and rub in gently. Wash your hands immediately after applying this medication. Avoid applying this medication in or around the eyes, eyelids, nose, or mouth. For cosmetic purposes, the area may be covered with a porous gauze dressing. Avoid a tight fitting bandage.

Side Effects

This medication may cause skin irritation, burning, inflammation, itching, pain, tenderness and changes in skin color at the site of application. You may also experience watery eyes, trouble sleeping, irritability, increased sun sensitivity and a medicinal taste in the mouth while using this medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your MD. This medication may cause temporary hair loss at application site. Hair growth will return when medication is stopped. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication increases sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: other skin preparations. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If this medicine is accidentally taken by mouth, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication must be used under close medical supervision. Use this only as directed. Do not use this medication on any skin area unless directed to do so by your doctor. The treated area may become unsightly during treatment and in some cases for several weeks after treatment.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered. If more than a few hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If more than one dose is missed, check with your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from heat and sunlight.