Efudex Treatment 

Efudex Treatments

Efudex (5-fluorouracil) has been used as topical chemotherapy for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) since the 1950s. Through many years of actual use, Efudex has been shown to be a reliable, safe and effective therapy. It requires, however, a high level of patient compliance and is known to produce a strong inflammatory reaction when actinic keratoses are treated. It has the distinct benefit of identifying precancerous skin lesions not evident on clinical inspection or palpation.

During the first two to four weeks of therapy, the areas of your skin affected by AK or sBCC lesions will possibly turn red and look and feel irritated. This is normal and should not trigger distress. The redness, crusting, and flaking are signs that EFUDEX is working to eliminate the unhealthy cells. Even though this phase of therapy may be unattractive and rather uncomfortable, it is important that you do not cease the therapy.

Some patients may be troubled with the inflammation associated with EFUDEX therapy. Talk to your physician, he or she can best assess the state and counsel you.

Areas of your skin where there were no lesions may become red and irritated. This is because abnormal cells can become inflamed even if the cells were not previously noticeable on the skin's surface. The more AKs you have, the more redness and inflammation you can expect during therapy.

Efudex  can interact with different types of food and medicines. Therefore your doctor should be informed about other medications, which you or the patient is undergoing. Some of the drugs prescribed for skin problems interact with efudex and can increase the intensity of the side effects.

Wash hands immediately after applying the medication.