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General Medication Fact Sheet for Efudex Cream
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Efudex Cream |
| Generic Name | Fluorouracil |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Must be applied by the patient with care to cancerous or precancerous areas. Occlusive dressing may increase inflammation. |
| Purpose | Treatment of actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinomas |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits thymidylate synthetase, disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells |
| Dosage Forms | Topical Cream |
| Available Strengths | 5% |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically applied once or twice daily for 2-4 weeks, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Redness, dryness, burning, itching, erosion, ulceration, pain at application site |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe inflammation, ulceration, allergic reactions, photosensitivity |
| Drug Interactions | No significant drug interactions are known, but use caution with other topical medications |
| Important Notes | Avoid sun exposure; monitor treated areas closely; wash hands thoroughly after application |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, away from heat and light |
| Missed Dose | Apply as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next application. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Imiquimod (Aldara), Ingenol Mebutate (Picato), Diclofenac (Solaraze), Cryotherapy |
Efudex Cream Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Imiquimod (Aldara) | Immune response modifier | Stimulates the immune system to attack abnormal cells. |
| Ingenol Mebutate (Picato) | Induces cell death | A gel applied for a shorter duration than Efudex. |
| Diclofenac (Solaraze) | NSAID; inhibits prostaglandin synthesis | May be used for actinic keratoses with less inflammation than fluorouracil. |
| Cryotherapy | Freezing with liquid nitrogen | A physical treatment option performed by a healthcare provider. |
Efudex Cream Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Redness at application site | Severe inflammation |
| Dryness | Ulceration |
| Burning | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Itching | Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight) |
Efudex Cream Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actinic Keratoses | Apply to affected area | Apply once or twice daily for 2-4 weeks | Apply a thin layer; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. |
| Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma | Apply to affected area | Apply twice daily for 3-6 weeks | Apply a thin layer to cover the lesion; monitor closely for excessive inflammation. |
Efudex Cream Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 – $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $300 – $500 |
| From CPS | $69.95 |
