Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil)

Do’s

• Before starting the use of Efudex Cream, read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Before applying Efudex Cream to the skin, ensure that the affected area is cleaned and dried thoroughly.
• Wait for 10 minutes before applying a small amount of the medication to the affected skin, using just enough to cover the area with a thin film.
• Wash your hands immediately after applying the medication, even if gloves were used during application.
• The treated area may become unsightly during treatment and for several weeks after treatment. Check with your healthcare provider whether you may cover the treated area loosely with gauze.
• This medication may cause serious harm (even death) to pets. Keep it securely away from pets. Contact your vet immediately if your pet comes into contact with this medication.
• Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
• If your condition worsens or does not improve, consult your healthcare provider promptly.

Don’ts

• Do not cover the treated area with tight dressings or plastic bandages.
• Avoid applying this medication in or around the eyes or eyelids. Also, do not apply this medication inside the nose or mouth. If accidental application occurs in these areas, rinse with plenty of water.
• Do not allow pets to lick the area where the medication was applied. 
• Do not stop using this medication without consulting your healthcare provider. 
• Do not increase your dose or use this cream more often than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects will be increased.

• Temporary unsightly appearance and discomfort at the sites where the cream is applied
• Pruritus
• Urticaria
• Rash (local or generalized)
• Erythema
• Burning sensation
• Exfoliation
• Swelling
• Ulceration
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Blistering
• Alopecia
• General Discomfort

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people. Discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider and report any symptoms experienced during the use of Efudex Cream.

Avoid sunlight as much as possible while using Efudex Cream, as exposure to sunlight may increase side effects. If exposed to the sun, wear a hat and use sunscreen. 

Do not use other prescription or over-the-counter skin products without first talking to your healthcare provider during treatment with Efudex Cream. After using this cream, wait 2 hours before applying sunscreen or moisturizer to the treated area. Additionally, do not use other skin products, including creams, lotions, medications, or cosmetics, unless instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.

Efudex Cream is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components. 

Application of Efudex Cream to mucous membranes should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation and ulceration. Additionally, cases of miscarriage and birth defects have been reported when Efudex Cream was applied to mucous membrane areas during pregnancy.

Patients should be forewarned that the reaction in the treated areas may be unsightly during therapy and, usually, for several weeks following cessation of therapy. 

Patients should be instructed to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays during and immediately following treatment with Efudex Cream.

The information provided is based on reported experiences and medical guidelines. Individual responses to the medication may vary. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and advice regarding the use of Efudex Cream.