What is 5-FU used for?

A drug given as an injection to treat cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, stomach, and pancreas and as a cream to treat actinic keratosis (a skin condition that may become cancer) and certain types of basal cell skin cancer.

How long does it take 5-FU to work?

This usually takes at least 3 to 6 weeks, but may take as long as 10 to 12 weeks. During the first few weeks of treatment, the skin lesions and surrounding areas will feel irritated and look red, swollen, and scaly. This is a sign that fluorouracil is working.

Is fluorouracil 5 cream chemotherapy?

FLUOROURACIL, 5-FU (flure oh YOOR a sil) is a chemotherapy agent. It is used on the skin to treat skin cancer and certain types of skin conditions that could become cancer.

Can I use fluorouracil all over my face?

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get any of this medicine near or around your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off with water and check with your doctor right away.

What are the side effects of fluorouracil 5% cream?

Skin irritation, burning, redness, dryness, pain, swelling, tenderness, or changes in skin color may occur at the site of application. Eye irritation (such as stinging, watering), trouble sleeping, irritability, temporary hair loss, or abnormal taste in the mouth may also occur.

How do I know if fluorouracil is working?

The area of abnormal skin becomes very red and inflamed; this may progress to erosions and scabbing, followed by healing. This process shows the Efudix is working. After stopping treatment, your skin will need to heal and the treated area may remain red for a while.

Does fluorouracil cream really work?

Topical fluorouracil has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the number of AKs and increasing the complete AK clearance rates compared with placebo. However, these randomized trials followed up the study participants no longer than 6 months after a course of topical fluorouracil application.

Does fluorouracil cream weaken your immune system?

A new study shows two chemotherapy drugs prevalent in the clinic-gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil-may influence the immune response in a way that facilitates tumor growth.

Is 2 weeks long enough for fluorouracil?

Adults—Apply to the affected area 2 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

Will fluorouracil remove age spots?

Topical fluorouracil, 5%, typically used in the treatment of actinic keratosis, has been suggested for use in reversing photoaging.

How long does it take for skin to heal after fluorouracil?

Complete healing of the inflammation generally takes one to two months. In addition to treating clinically visible lesions, fluorouracil can also treat subclinical lesions6 that may have become clinically visible in the future.