Fluorouracil topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• frogh...
• November 19, 2009

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Keratosis "This is my second time around with Efudex. I swear by it for effectiveness. Side effects are bad: breaking out looks unsightly, itching makes you feel like you want to scratch off your skin. The best relief I have found is Tylenol for pain and Calendula Cream (Marigold Cream) for the relief of irritated skin. That's keeping me sane and I am on week 4 overall: 16 days using medication the remainder trying to overcome side effects. Good luck to everyone. I still have more to go...."

• urpho...
• July 12, 2009

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Keratosis "Efudex works great but is very painful and itchy after about two weeks. I tried many creams to relieve the symptoms between applications of the Efudex. One cream that REALLY helped was Traumeel. What a sanity saver. Just thought I would pass this on for others to get some relief. I hope it can help you too."

• Florida...
• January 20, 2020

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Actinic Keratosis "I am grateful for Efudex, although the treatment is quite difficult, because it is effective, comprehensive and empowering! Skin cancer surgeries are another kind of difficult I hope to avoid! I’ve used Efudex three times on my face...the first two weeks are the easiest, the second two are more challenging. Plan to stay at home week 4 and the first week of healing. If you are using around your mouth, it will be hard to comfortably eat and drink. Eat soft foods and use a straw. With supervision, my doctor directed me to use Efudex on my lips, which was the most challenging of all applications! Because lips are a more sensitive area, I only needed to apply for 7-10 days....I made it to 8 and could do no more. No doubt Efudex is challenging to use, but it beats multiple surgeries where hunks of your face are removed! I plan to use in the future where issues emerge....because the “bad” cancer causing cells will keep appearing. And, now I can do something when they do!"

• Boatman
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2020

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Ten years ago I used Aldara over my whole face. 20 minutes of pain after each application and a violent reaction after 9 days. Face looked as though I had been in a bad fire and scared the kids at school. It did heal and I looked 10 years younger. I have just finished 3 weeks on Efudex and 3 weeks healing. Skin looks like the proverbial babies bottom and very happy with the results. This time I treated whole face, ears and parts of neck. Applying the Efudex was less painful than the Aldara, even a little bit soothing. Hard to sleep with sore ears. Tried all kinds of moisturisers and they caused stinging for 5-10 minutes. Used vaseline 2-3 times daily and it was by far the most satisfactory. Very pleased with the results. Also treated both arms at the same time. Used 3 tubes of Efudex on this session. Always worked outside and lots of boating. 76 years young now after this treatment."

• Simon
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 16, 2019

For Keratosis "I have been using this off and on for a long time. The part that puzzles me is people just applying to their whole faces, lesions or not, I’ve never done that. Little rough looking red patches show up and I know that’s a pre cancerous lesion and apply the cream just to that area to kill it. If you catch it immediately, it only takes like 3 times a week for a couple weeks. Why would you draw them up and make your face a mess? I spot treat and it works quite well. If you catch early as soon as they pop up much less aggravation with the treatment."

• Sirius
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2020

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Skin Cancer "After completing my EFUDEX treatment my skin seemed to get better and then it turned out to get worse and worse, red spots where I had applied the cream. My doctor could not understand why and prescribed me cortisone cream, which turned out to be much worse. Another doctor said I am cancer free but from now on I have constantly broken capillaries on my face and I am not able to do any inversions or put my head down. My skin is still irritated after 6 months that I stopped using Efudex. With a very sensible skin you should be aware that this cream is not always the best option."

• coolo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2016

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Actinic Keratosis "I was prescribed Efudex to treat various Actinic Keratoses on my forehead and balding front pate. Firstly my overall rating is that the treatment is very effective and I now have a beautiful forehead of smooth skin after 2 weeks 2 days of treatment and 2 weeks of recovery post treatment. It may be that my skin damage was mild. In any event I found the process quite bearable.I applied the cream sparingly night and morning and there was little to see for 3 or 4 days, skin then reddened and peeled/flaked - no ulceration or discharge. Although unsightly (looked like a bright rash) as a male I was still happy to go out and socialise. I used my wife's hair colourant plastic protective gloves but still washed hands thoroughly after use. Happy."

• JMe
• January 18, 2020

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Skin Cancer "Two weeks after efudex and my skin looked incredible - soft and everyone asked if I got a peel! 1 day later day 15 there was burn abrasions, raised cuts and I went to my scheduled two week check in with dr and she said it’s “working Beautifully” and continue for two more weeks. During week 3 I had small “cuts” all over my face where I applied cream 2x a day. Small scabby cuts also appeared on my scalp, chest even though I didn’t apply the medication there. The dr said that was strange, but I read in the leaflet it’s plausible. Horrible taste in mouth and sick to my stomach within 20 min of applying still. I’m in horrible pain, look awful and two more weeks to go. Had SCC with two Mohs surgery then reconstruction of Nose and head earlier last year. I'm 47 years old and grew up in cal sun. Hope this prevents future SSC"

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2009

Efudex (fluorouracil) "I am currently using Efudex for the second time. My first experience was 11 years ago. The issues were exactly as shared by many others. I was a mess! It is very mentally challenging to go through this, but I can assure you it is very much worth making the commitment to complete a full course of therapy. It was absolutely amazing how clear, smooth, and clean my face looked about a month after stopping treatment (I used a topical steriod afterwards). People actually thought I had some plastic surgery (face lift?). I am at it again, just having completed my first week. While I remain self-conscious about how bad I look, it bothers me much less because I know the outcome will be well worth it. Hang in there!"

• Lee
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2020

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Actinic Keratosis "I am on day 15 of the Efudex cream. I was terrified to start. I was actually prescribed the cream two other times and chickened out due to the photos that I had seen on YouTube. I am doing very well so far. It is super tight and red around my mouth, very hard to smile. I have spots all over my forehead and a few on my cheeks. It’s always a shock to see my face in the mirror. But without looking at myself it feels like I put on one of those peel off face masks just tight. So far I sleep just fine. I don’t however use Vaseline I use calendula it’s for burns and has worked well. I have also used makeup when I had to go out in public. It is definitely convenient being in lockdown because everyone is wearing a mask so it hides my super red chin. I have 6 more days of cream, I am taking this one day at a time. The only side effect so far that I have had is two different days I felt extremely tired."

• Annie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2019

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Actinic Keratosis "One of the most painful experiences of my entire life. I thought childbirth was the worse pain I ever experienced, but this pain is indescribable. I'm at 5 weeks now. Hope to come off soon. Just opening my mouth to try eat is excruciating. My Dr never warned me about any of this, nor did he tell me I was going to look like a monster."

• still...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2015

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Keratosis "Had very adverse reaction after 8 days of applying cream to chest ended up with severe open skin wounds needed antibiotics, lidocaine gel, silvadine creme, prendisone, oxicodone, altrax, and ambien to sleep sooooooo painful."

• Oilpa...
• December 25, 2014

For Keratosis "I was on Fluorouracil two times a day for two weeks. It wasn't too bad for the first 10 days then it continued to burn more with every application. The most painful part of the Fluorouracil treatment was after I completed the applications. A nurse recommended that I mix %u2153 cup of white vinegar with 6 cups of water and place the mixture in the refrigerator until chilled. Then, use a very soft wash cloth and the vinegar solution to cleanse my face. She also said to take the damp wash cloth and place it over my face for 15 minutes 4 times daily. Contrary to what I thought, the vinegar solution did not burn, it soothed incredibly."

• flyboy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "My dermatologist prescribed a 14 day treatment of Fluorouracil Topical Cream 5%, applied 2 times daily, to treat actinic keratosis on my face, forehead and temple areas and the beginning of a lesion on my face. During the first few days there wasn't much different feeling to the skin but on day 5 the skin started turning red. On day 6, the burning feeling commenced. On day 8, the flaking and peeling started and it even burned to wash my face but what I finally found out worked well. After applying the medication, I washed it off after 2 hours as my dermatologist said that's OK because the medication works during the first 2 hours of application. I then applied to the areas a broad spectrum SPF 50 liquid sunscreen, letting it dry, and then a moisturizer, Vanicream Lite Lotion. After stopping treatment it took about 7 to 10 days for the redness, burning feeling, flaking and peeling to stop. Now, there are no indications of any actinic keratosis and the affected areas are all clear."

• ETano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2019

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Skin Cancer "Used Efudex on my whole face 10 years ago. I think it was for 4 weeks. Week 2 the redness turned into lesions on my whole face , especially my left side (drivers side). Hurt like hell. I play poker sometimes at a casino. I didn't have to look at me so my appearance wasn't my problem. After the lesions healed my face was as smooth as a baby's butt. A couple of the players were surprised I was still alive because I looked like I had full blown aids. I recommend it as I had no idea my face was such a mess. It is an ordeal. Using it on my ear now. started 6 weeks ago and in the last few days. Fingers crossed. Not pleasant but hopefully I can avoid surgery and plastic surgery ."

• Philip
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2020

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Actinic Keratosis "Male 52, having had ongoing AK issues on scalp and face, regularly frozen with dry ice over past several years. Started using Efudex 2x daily on scalp for past 3 weeks; some mild irritation but not at all problematic; after 2 weeks crusty areas fell away (I did slightly agitate which I know I shouldn't) and will continue to use for another 1-2 weeks. So far so good, material improvement in scalp and tenderness has subsided substantially. Now starting to try small area on forehead below hairline, before doing entire face...just to see if reaction is very different, but this is just SO much better than having intermittent freezing. Will definitely do a second cycle on scalp after a break. Highly recommend based on 3 weeks' usage. Will update further after using on face. Thanks for all the other posts !"

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2012

Carac (fluorouracil) for Basal Cell Carcinoma "I've been using Carac off and on for over a year. I did my face for three weeks, then my chest, then my back. I am now going back over specific areas of my face. This cream is amazing. It is somewhat painful and quite unattractive visually as you are going through the treatment, but the results are worth it. My skin doesn't have rough red patches of scaly skin anymore and no more discoloration. I would definitely recommend it!"

• day
• December 29, 2009

Carac (fluorouracil) for Keratosis "I am on day 14 of using Carac. My face is extremely red, tight, itchy and a little sore, but I've had serious eczema in the past and this isn't nearly as bad as that was. It took about a week to show up on my forehead but then a couple more days they started intensifying on my cheeks, chin and sides of my face. It is a little unsightly but once I explained to people what was going on and that it wasn't permanent or contagious they seemed to relax. I tried Vaseline for moisturizing but that seems too greasy. Products with zinc oxide in them seem to give me relief and protect me from the sun as well. Please do not spend ANY time in the sun when using this. The doctor told me it could permanently make your skin darker in those areas!"

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2010

Carac (fluorouracil) for Keratosis "I just finished a 14 day usage of Carac, as prescribed by my skin doctor. After the first two days my skin started to turn red, by the 7th it started to flake and the areas that I needed to apply it to ( cheeks, temples and forehead ) turned dark red, like a bad sunburn. Days 8 -14 were the worst as to pain on these areas when showering in lukewarm water or washing from sink bowl, either way I could feel a burning sensation, as well as light bleeding at some areas on the next to last day. Flaking of skin and itchy feeling now that treatment is done. I wonder how long before my skin color returns to normal. Would I do this again? Yes"

• Isobel
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2020

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Actinic Keratosis "I am 70, with chestnut hair, fair skin and blue eyes. My doctor diagnosed actinic keratosis on a small lesion on my face. He recommended Efudix twice a day for 3 weeks. I used a cotton bud to apply the cream as it seemed easier to apply it thinly that way than with my finger. During the first two weeks the lesion started to become red and enlarged slightly. Towards the end of the second and throughout the third week yellowy crusts started to form and the lesion felt tender and raw. If I went out in the sun I put a small plaster over it for protection. After the treatment a scab formed over the whole area that took two weeks to fall off. Then new skin appeared and I have been applying Calendula to aid the recovery. I am left with a pink streak which hopefully will fade with time. Until then I will use a 'hide the blemish' make-up which I would think a man could also use, if need be. Overall very pleased with the result."

• MHers...
• November 7, 2009

Carac (fluorouracil) for Skin Cancer "I have used Carac for 4 weeks. After the 1st week I began seeing flakiness, redness, burning and itching. Taking a warn shower was painful, being in a car with the heat on was painful. But I've gotten through it. Layers and layers of skin have peeled off. Underneath my skin is as soft as a baby's bottom and clear. Compared to having these lesions continually burned off, this short term uncomfortable condition was a better method."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2009

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Keratosis "I tried the Traumeel another user suggested. It did nothing to help with the pain. The only relief I have found so far is Tylenol, Extra Strength and Aquaphor once everything has been pulled to the surface. Of course keeping the affected areas uncovered is a huge help. I sleep on a beach towel over my sheets so the shedding and peeling are "contained". It's the only way I don't itch throughout the night and even if I do, the roughness of the towel helps to get it off the skin. Hope this helps. "

• Granny
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2020

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Actinic Keratosis "I am using efudex and the spots were getting raised and crusty as expected but then it got damp in the shower and came off with a bit of bleeding. It has settled down now . But I was worried if this has set back the process. I would appreciate your comments."

• island...
• August 4, 2015

Carac (fluorouracil) for Keratosis "62 year old blonde with blue eyes and fair skin. Spent 50 years in CA and HI getting sunburned. Now....paying the price. I have used Efudex and Carac cream treatments, both burn like crazy, peeling several layers, and red, red, red. I did my whole face at one time, but had to stop after 18 days applying once a day. Had blisters and bleeding, crying quite a bit. It took two months after stopping the treatment for the pinkness to disappear. Using sf 50 every day now under my makeup. Get lots of compliments on how young my skin looks. :o) Now I am doing my chest. ten days into the treatment with 18 day plan. Not as painful as my face since the skin is thicker. Still very red and starting to peel today. Using ibuprofen."

• Joffa
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2019

Efudex (fluorouracil) for Keratosis "Treatment with efudex on both arms for keratosis, caused damage, had bad reaction creating auto-immunity situation; still being treated by dermatologist after 12 months. Itching unbearable on arms, bleeding after scratching and left with watery mess. Relief from ice-packs help and then moisturising. Treatment from Prednisolone, Cyclosporin lasts for a few weeks and then I break out again. Been around this way 6 times now! Efudex: seek all the info you can before treatment."