Efudix is a chemotherapy drug that has been used in the treatment of many forms of cancer for a long time. Efudix cream is treatment that you apply at home for skin conditions such as pre-cancerous sunspots (solar keratosis) and early stages of SCC (Bowen’s disease or intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma). You might have accumulated enough ultraviolet exposure in the past decades that you are at risk of continuing to develop these conditions in the future. Sunspots are very common in fair skinned people in Australia and occur because of the effects that UV radiation can have on the immune system and damaging effect on DNA.
HOW DOES EFUDIX WORK?
Efudix interferes with cell ability to reproduce. Because the precancerous cells grow faster than normal cells, they absorb the cream much faster than surrounding healthy cells; like a selective weed killer, the drug will destroy the abnormal cells while having less effect on healthy skin.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Do not use Efudix cream if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you become pregnant during therapy, stop using Efudix immediately and inform your doctor
HOW DO I APPLY THE CREAM?
There are a variety of methods for using the cream. Most of these involve applying it once or twice a day, for 3-4 weeks. The cream can be applied with a clean finger, a gloved finger or a non-metal applicator. You should take care to avoid applying the cream in the eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly after each use.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
During treatment, the area of your skin that have sunspots will look and feel irritated. Some people have a mild reaction, others a severe reaction. The redness, inflammation, irritation, crusting and peeling you see are signs of efudix is working to eliminate the abnormal cells. While this stage of treatment might be unattractive and uncomfortable, it is important that you do not stop the treatment without checking with your doctor first. You may notice redness and inflammation in nearby areas of skin that did not appear to have any abnormalities. This is because of the invisible abnormal cells in your skin. If you have many abnormal cells and lesions you can expect to develop more redness and inflammation than a person who has a single area of abnormality.
Expected progress
week 1 ……………………………..mild redness
week 2 to 3 ……………………… red, crusted and uncomfortable
week 3 to 4 ……………………….peeling, blistering
If you have a severe reaction ( like ulceration) it may be appropriate to reduce the frequency with which you are applying the cream. Doctor will usually see you after 2 weeks of treatment. If you develop significant pain and/or ulceration during the treatment then temporarily stop using the cream and request an urgent review with your doctor. If you stop applying the cream your skin will gradually return to normal.
It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your skin to return to normal after you finish applying the cream. This varies according to the duration of your therapy and the severity of your skin reaction. Your skin may remain pink for up to 2 months after you finish the treatment.
Other rare side effects are depigmentation at the site of the original lesions, sun sensitivity and developing small blood vessels. Occasionally patients report systemic symptoms such as mild nausea, loss of appetite and tiredness during treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure during and immediately after treatment.
- Take care if applying the cream to the fold between the nose and cheek, as this area is very sensitive to irritation.
- Do not use the cream on your face at bedtime, as contact with pillow may cause undesirable spreading of cream to your mouth and eyes.
- Do not start the treatment on your face few weeks before important social engagements (such as wedding, overseas travelling).
- Do not use other creams, lotions or cosmetics on the area of skin you are treating with Efudix cream.
- Do not double the dose or apply it more frequently to make up for it if you forget to apply the cream one day.
- Do not use left over cream to treat other spots on yourself or others, even if you are sure they are exactly the same thing. Only use the cream on the direction of a doctor.
- Do not cover the areas of treatment.
- Avoid application to the mouth, eyes, vagina and anus.
- Treatment is very effective, but you may need to repeat the treatment in the future for new skin lesions.
- If a sunspot does not clear with therapy it will require biopsy and possibly a surgical excision;
Patients Stories:
Kirstie, aged 31 (face)
Efudix (5 FluoroUracil) is a topical cream that has been effectively used in treatment of early skin cancers an precancerous lesions. Duration of treatment is usually 2 -3 weeks causing skin reactions e.g. redness, peeling and some times, pain, swelling and crusting.
I have found that some people are very concerned about the side effects of treatment. I though to put up this blog to share your experience with Efudix.
Please write your personal experience with this treatment.
