Question 1

will efudex (fluorouracil) have any affect at all on a melanoma or just basal?

Accepted Answer

No effect: Efudex is a topical chemotherapy composed of an older chemo drug called 5-fluorouracil or 5-fu. It has no efficacy in treating melanoma.

Question 2

does efudex (fluorouracil) cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Efudex (fluorouracil) is the brand name for topical (cream) 5-fu chemo. It is used to treat certain types of skin cancer. There is no evidence that topical 5-fu such as Efudex (fluorouracil) causes cancer.

Question 3

will scarring or skin discoloration from efudex disappear? if so, how long?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: can disappear over time, but there may be some residual redness. The end results of this tx is usually far better than the original appearance of the treated lesions.

Question 4

what pre cancers does efudex (fluorouracil) target?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer: Efudex (fluorouracil) is used in treatment of actinic keratosis, a precurser of squamous cell skin cancer.  It is also used in treatment of superficial basal cell skin cancers.

Question 5

what's the difference between efudex (fluorouracil) and carac creams?

Accepted Answer

Same: Both are commercial or trade names for the medication Fluorouracil it is also called adrucil, (fluorouracil) fluorplex.  All are the same fomulation.

Question 6

how can i get rid of efudex (fluorouracil) scars?

Accepted Answer

No one answer.: Scars of any kind need to be carefully evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon skilled in multiple techniques and treatment options for scar revision. Regardless of the original cause of the scar, a scar may be visible due to one or more of the following reasons: color, texture, or shadows created by mismatched edges. Treatment recommendations will depend on the nature of your scars.

Question 7

just diagnosed with precancerous squamish cell cancer. on efudex (fluorouracil) . what else should i do?  i am male, balding, 64, live in ottawa, canada.

Accepted Answer

Easy to handle: Squamous precancers are called actinic keratoses and often (but not always) result from sun exposure. Efudex (fluorouracil) is hugely effective in changing their environment so they usually just go away without danger to you. They'll kill only if badly neglected. Here in the states, balding guys like to wear ball caps. Have somebody keep an eye on your head and other sun-exposed places as you'll likely get more.

Question 8

i'm treating a basal cell carcinoma on the side of forehead w/efudex cream& since then it's been bleeding. normal? when can i expect bleeding to stop?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: It is not unusual for bleeding to occur maybe from trauma e.g. rubbing to hard on the lesion but may also portent sometime more serious. You must return to the physician who prescribed the  Efudex and have him/her re-evaluate the lesion.

Question 9

i am 3 days post efudex (fluorouracil) treatment on forhead, temples and bridge of nose and have significant swelling,  is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Depends: without an exam, I can only give general information, general swelling everwhere wouldn't be usual. Swelling/irritation at the area of treatment is pretty common but can require modification of treatment.
cannot say in your particular case, dermatologic conditions are hard to discuss without seeing them.

Question 10

using efudex 5% for genital warts (penis shaft) once every 10 days for 10wks. i put efudex on then apply small piece of plastic over area w/ bandaid overnight. bad or good idea? dr., what is your opinion on proper application & use of efudex for hpv.

Accepted Answer

Genital wart Rx: Efudex (fluorouracil) is not a normally recommended treatment for genital warts. It often would work, but other treatments often are preferred. Occlusive treatmetn will increase side effects. Whatever treatment is used, if it doesn't work after 3-4 weeks,, another should be tried. See a doctor to reconfirm the diagnosis and advice different treatment. Several others are available. Good luck!

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Doctor answers about:

Efudex occlusion pack medication

A member asked:

Will efudex (fluorouracil) have any affect at all on a melanoma or just basal?

A member asked:

Does efudex (fluorouracil) cause cancer?

A member asked:

Will scarring or skin discoloration from efudex disappear? if so, how long?

A member asked:

What pre cancers does efudex (fluorouracil) target?

A member asked:

What's the difference between efudex (fluorouracil) and carac creams?

A member asked:

How can i get rid of efudex (fluorouracil) scars?

A member asked:

Just diagnosed with precancerous squamish cell cancer. on efudex (fluorouracil) . what else should i do? i am male, balding, 64, live in ottawa, canada.

A member asked:

I'm treating a basal cell carcinoma on the side of forehead w/efudex cream& since then it's been bleeding. normal? when can i expect bleeding to stop?

A member asked:

I am 3 days post efudex (fluorouracil) treatment on forhead, temples and bridge of nose and have significant swelling, is this normal?

A member asked:

Using efudex 5% for genital warts (penis shaft) once every 10 days for 10wks. i put efudex on then apply small piece of plastic over area w/ bandaid overnight. bad or good idea? dr., what is your opinion on proper application & use of efudex for hpv.

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