The Skin Center
26081 Merit Circle Suite #109
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949- 582-7699
(949) 582-SKIN
Fax (949) 582-7691

Diplomate, American Lath of Dermatology

Old Assistant Clinical Professor University of California, Irvine

Efudex (fluorouracil)

Efudex Program for sun damaged pare: The "Eraser"

Efudex ( fluorouracil)is a topical cream that has remained the Golden STANDARD for treatment of pre-cancers called actinic keratosis . It is an optional handling for off-white skin individuals with multiple or recurrent actinic keratosis. It is particularly useful for those with a history of strong sunday exposure or a personal or family history of pare cancer. Efudex is used for 2-6 weeks depending on the area being treated. It is a selective foam that attacks merely pre-cancers and early on basal cell cancers. Efudex acts like a private detective in that you care for an entire area and it selectively finds the damaged areas and treats them. If there is no pare damage, there is no reaction and no redness or irritation. If however, there is even invisible damage, it highlights these areas and treats them. Information technology really isn't as useful for more developed or advanced skin cancers and can't clear these like pre-cancers. The goal of your therapy with Efudex is to be pro-active and potentially cut downwards on your total number of pre-cancers and future skin cancers.

Nigh patients use the cream twice a mean solar day for 4 weeks from outset to cease. It is ordinarily all-time to treat an area and not spot treat. Most patients choose to treat the entire confront at once although a few prefer to treat one cheek or section at a time. The treated areas may begin to get itchy, red, irritated, or sensitive by ten-14 days. One time you terminate the full 4 calendar week treatment, the areas calm down over the next 1-3 weeks. There are multiple other treatment alternatives for patients who are unable or don't wish to have Efudex treatment. These include freezing ( liquid nitrogen), Photodynamic therapy or Blue Light ,Solaraze, Aldara, ALA/ light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation treatments, facial peels, etc.

 ii WEEK Photograph EFUDEX ON Chest: see more than 50-60 AK's that are being treated and erased.

ane. Only per your medico, begin Efudex cream twice a twenty-four hours to  one expanse only.

Typical treatment area may include the face, ears, scalp, chest, dorsum, shoulders, nose, arms, or back of the easily hands. Information technology is important to limit the treatment expanse and practise non treat more than than one expanse at a time.

(The lower lip is a special area and very sensitive pare: treatment is usually only once a day to lower lip for 7-10 days)

ii. Use a hat daily and avert intense lord's day exposure. Recommended sunscreens are zinc or titanium based not-chemical sunscreens like Physicians Circuitous SPF 30 w/ zinc, Neutrogena SPF xxx sensitive peel w/ Titanium, Presun zinc sunscreen.

3. Stop any other irritating creams such as glycolic acic products, retin A, Tazorac, etc. to the are a. You may utilise bland makeup/cover-up as long every bit it doesn't sting or cause you discomfort.

four. Use a topical cortisone to help decrease itching or irritation while using Efudex.


Utilise Locoid Lipocream, Cortaid, Desowen lotion, Desonide Balm, or Hydrocortisone cream, two to 3 times a solar day only if needed for itching or irritation. Don't need to utilise the cortisone foam if don't have whatsoever irritating symptoms when using Efudex. Its best to utilize the cortisone an 60 minutes or so afterwards applying the Efudex, non with the Efudex.

five. Render for your half way re -bank check with your dermatologist in 10-14 days AFTER you lot first Efudex. (VERY IMPORTANT)

half-dozen. If you are having a lot of trouble and other side effects, stop the cream then call us for a sooner date.

7. Do not apply the cream in or effectually your eyes and inside lips. Practise not use in crevices like corners of your mouth or the nasal folds. This can cause a rash and become very irritated.

viii. Please read your Efudex brochure. Telephone call for any questions (949) 582-7699.

SCALP: 1 of the most common areas for actinic keratosis in men.
Typical prescirption may utilise Efudex twice a solar day for 4 weeks for the scalp.

Chest: common area for actinic keratosis ( pre-cancers) specially in women.
Typical prescription from physician may use Efudex twice a 24-hour interval for iv weeks.

Call to Schedule an engagement at (949) 582-Pare

 Dr. Nili Alai is a Board-Certified Dermatologists.
For more information, please call (949) 582-7699 or visit the exercise website at world wide web.lagunaskincenter.com.

Often Asked Questions
Why has my doctor prescribed EFUDEX®?
Considering it's the leading topical handling for treating precancerous actinic keratoses (AKs) and superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a mutual form of skin cancer.1 These lesions are caused by sunday exposures.
Is EFUDEX® merely for older people?
No. EFUDEX® is for whatsoever adult. All the same, it is not canonical for use in children. Younger people are being diagnosed with sBCC resulting from dominicus exposure and are being treated with EFUDEX®.9
How many people have used EFUDEX®?
Over fourteen million prescriptions have been written for EFUDEX® over the last 30 years.v
Where tin I find EFUDEX®?
EFUDEX® is available in most retail pharmacies. Simply accept your prescription to the chemist's shop you commonly use.
How successful is EFUDEX® in treating precancerous actinic keratoses (AKs)?
In medical studies, upwardly to 86% of visible lesions treated with EFUDEX® were completely eliminated.1
How successful is EFUDEX® in treating superficial basal cell carcinoma?
EFUDEX® five% Foam or Solution has a 93% success rate for sBCC lesions.1
When is the all-time time of day to apply EFUDEX®?
Morn and evening, as office of your normaly daily routine, or as instructed by your medico. Patients being treated for AKs typically apply EFUDEX® twice a day for two to 4 weeks. For sBCC, patients would use EFUDEX® twice a day for at least 3-half dozen weeks, and upwardly to 10-12 weeks.
How practice I use EFUDEX®?
  • EFUDEX® Cream: Use it to the afflicted areas twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Employ enough cream to cover the lesions, and be careful when applying most the eyes, olfactory organ, and mouth.
  • You may apply EFUDEX® Foam with a nonmetal applicator, a suitable glove, or your fingertips. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after each application.
  • EFUDEX® Solution: Concord the container, which has a built in applicator, against the affected areas and clasp until a small amount reaches the skin. Exist careful when applying information technology near the eyes, nose, and rima oris.
How much EFUDEX® should I utilize?
Every case of AK and sBCC is unique, so your medico will requite you specific instructions for using EFUDEX®. By and large, though, apply enough EFUDEX® to completely cover the lesions.
What will happen to my skin when I employ EFUDEX®?
You will see the effect of EFUDEX®on your skin in 4 phases:
  • Early inflammatory stage: During the first calendar week of application, mild inflammation occurs
  • Inflammatory phase: During post-obit weeks, redness, and swelling occur with some crusting and burning
  • Tumor disintegration phase: Lesions resolve as the peel exfoliates
  • Healing phase: Over 1 to ii weeks, new skin grows into the handling area
How can I tell the deviation betwixt a normal reaction to EFUDEX® and an allergic reaction?
Itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, scaling, and swelling are common reactions to EFUDEX® therapy. An allergic reaction should exist suspected when a patient complains of marked itching and discomfort. If yous are concerned virtually the side effects yous're experiencing, talk to your dr.. He or she can best appraise the situation and more fully answer your questions.
Will EFUDEX® cause scarring to my skin?
Different other handling options, EFUDEX® is not likely to leave scars or make patches of pare permanently discolored. In fact, many patients have reported that, later on treatment, their skin was smoother, with a more even tone.
Will my face drain or peel?
During the first two to iv weeks of treatment with EFUDEX®, the treated areas will probably turn crimson and look and feel irritated. This is typical and should non cause business organization. The cerise ways it'southward working. You will probably experience crusting and peeling just not haemorrhage.
Does EFUDEX® crusade any side effects?
The most frequent side effects of EFUDEX® Topical Solutions and Foam occur locally and may include itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, rash, scaling, scarring, photosensitivity, and swelling. If any of these occur, contact your doctor; he or she may have ideas for how to minimize these effects.
What do I say to people who ask why my confront is bright cherry-red and peeling?
Tell them you're using a topical drug that treats your skin for AKs and sBCC. The drug makes your face reddish while it eliminates unhealthy cells, and leaves y'all with healthy skin.
Can I use EFUDEX® anywhere on my body?
EFUDEX® is the only topical handling approved by the FDA to be used nigh anywhere on the skin, including the face, scalp, hands, arms, shoulders, and trunk. Nonetheless, application of EFUDEX® to mucous membranes should exist avoided.1 In improver, EFUDEX® should not be applied in the optics.
Tin I use EFUDEX® on hairy areas of my torso?
When AKs or sBCC occur in your pilus, your doctor may recommend EFUDEX® Solution, which can hands penetrate through hairy areas. Merely hold the container, which has a congenital-in applicator, against the affect areas and clasp until a small corporeality reaches the peel.
I noticed some spots on my legs that I forgot to show my doctor. Can I use EFUDEX® at that place, too?
Only your physician can determine if the "spots" y'all have are AKs or sBCCs and can exist treated with EFUDEX®. This is why it is then of import to use EFUDEX® just as directed and hash out any questions you lot may have with your doc.
Can I use cosmetics or other peel products while using EFUDEX®?
Patients are advised not to apply cosmetics or whatever other skin products, including creams, lotions, and medications, while on EFUDEX® therapy unless instructed by their doctor.
Should I avoid the sun while using EFUDEX®?
During EFUDEX® treatment, you should exercise everything possible to stay out of the sun. However, with an agile lifestyle, this isn't always possible. And so be sure you take every precaution to protect your skin. Clothing long sleeves and a lid when you lot go outside, and ask your doctors about the use of sunscreen on areas that aren't covered by clothing.
What should I do if I forget an application of EFUDEX®?
Simply resume using it as prescribed past your doctor. Practise not increment or double your dose.
Are in that location people who should not use EFUDEX®?
EFUDEX® should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant during therapy because information technology may cause impairment to the fetus. If y'all are nursing, be sure to permit your doc know because it is not known whether EFUDEX® is excreted in human milk. Also, EFUDEX® should not exist used past people who are known to be allergic to any of its components.
Is at that place anything else I need to know well-nigh EFUDEX® therapy?
  • Practise non cover the treated areas with bandages or gauze unless your doctor advises you to do so.
  • Do non share this medication with others, fifty-fifty if they appear to have the same condition every bit y'all.
  • The about frequent side effects of EFUDEX® Solutions and Cream occur locally and may include itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, scaling, and swelling. If whatsoever of these side effects are astringent, contact your doctor.
  • Application to mucous membranes (oral fissure, eyes, vagina, anus) should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation, ulceration, and necrosis.
What kind of follow-up intendance Is needed?
Y'all should visit your doctor afterward therapy to program your follow-up care, including regular appointments to make sure new lesions are not developing.
What should I do with whatever EFUDEX® that is left over after I complete therapy?
Discard whatever unused portion of EFUDEX® after you have completed therapy.

Rapid Clearance of AKs

Efficacy is achieved in as little equally two weeks1

  • Cures upward to 86% of visible AK lesions in just 2-4 weeks1
  • Additional AK lesions were also detected and resolved during treatmenthalf-dozen,7

Benefits of EFUDEX®

  • Starts working inside the first week of handling8
  • Provides rapid resolution of AK lesionshalf-dozen,7
  • Offers excellent cosmetic outcomevii

Solar of Actinic Keratoses (AK) may Develop into Squamous Cell Carcinoma2

  • AKs represent the earliest stages of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)2
  • Since the 1960′s, the incidence of SCC has been increasing 4% to eight% per twelvemonth9
  • Squamous prison cell pare cancer affects about 100,000 Americans each year9
  • ii,000 to 2,500 Americans die each twelvemonth due to SCC of the skinii
  • Patients may accept up to 10 times equally many subclinical/undetected lesions for each visible AK10
  • Younger patients are developing AKsiii

Proven Efficacy in sBCC(5% Strength)1The Cure Charge per unit for EFUDEX®is consistently high

  • 93% cure charge per unit in sBCC1
  • At least 3-6 weeks, and up to 10-12 weeks sBCC treatment duration

EFUDEX® offers benefits when conventional methods are impractical

  • Minimizes the risk of hypopigmentation11
  • Provides an effective pick for large and difficult to treat areas11
  • Treats surrounding AK lesionsane

sBCC is among the most common types of peel cancer

  • BCC makes up virtually 80% of all peel cancers9
  • An increased incidence of sBCC in younger patients may be due to greater sun exposure3
  • sBCCs represent approximately 15% of BCCs12

Trust the experience of EFUDEX® in both sBCCs and AKs

  • Over 30 years of proven clinical experience8
  • Over xiv million prescriptions since 1972five
  • EFUDEX® is the #1 prescribed topical 5-FU13

Important Safety InformationEFUDEX® is contraindicated in women who are, or may become, significant during therapy considering of potential hazards to the fetus. Cases of miscarriage and birth defects accept been reported in women who are pregnant. The most frequent agin events occur locally and may include itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, rash, scaling, scarring, photosensitivity, and swelling. Awarding to mucous membranes should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation and ulceration.

Information in this publication and site is not intended to serve equally medical advice. Individuals may use the data as a guide to hash out their treatments with their own physicians. This site does not promote nor endorse the unauthorized exercise of medicine past non-physicians or state licensed wellness care providers.

Medicine is a constantly irresolute science and non all therapies are clearly established. New research changes drug and treatment therapies daily. The authors, editors, and publisher of these articles accept used their best efforts to provide information that is up-to-date and accurate and is generally accepted within medical standards at the time of publication. However, equally medical science is constantly changing and human error is always possible, the authors, editors, and publisher or any other party involved with the publication of this article do non warrant the information in this commodity is accurate or consummate, nor are they responsible for omissions or errors in the commodity or for the results of using this data. The reader should confirm the data in this article from other sources prior to use. In particular, all drug doses, indications, and contraindications should be confirmed in the package insert.
Copyright © 2003-2010 The Peel Center. All rights Reserved.