Efudex User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• urpho...
• July 12, 2009

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

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

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."

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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."

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

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

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 !"

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

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."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2009

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

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."

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

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."

• wheeler...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I was prescribed Efudex for basal carcinoma on my leg. Used twice a day for 3 weeks. Excellent result. Now 6 weeks on and just left with red area which I assume will fade with time. I was also told to treat AK on my face, used cream once a day for 4 weeks (stopped 3 days short). As with other comments made, I was not informed by the dr that I would look absolutely monstrous. Immediate reddening of the entire face, followed by scabbing. Still at the scabbing stage. I could get a part in a horror movie. The cream seemed to migrate towards my eyes where I had not applied it. Would I have used Efudix if I had known what I would look like - probably wouldn’t have had the courage as people stare when I am out and about. Determined to continue with my life as normal. Think it’s better than it turning into cancer at a later stage. I await the results with bated breath, although I think this may be many months away."

• Nina
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I had a very tiny split on the side of my nose that wouldn’t heal. It was BCC. It was surgically removed. One of the most horrible experiences, emotionally. I used Efudex a year ago for a spot that appeared on my chest. It worked well, although painful and itchy. I am now using it on my forehead, nose and upper lip area. I was shocked at how many spots appeared! Extremely painful when touched, but otherwise just a little itchy on occasion. I am grateful for all the comments here....it gives me courage to keep going. Week 2....."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2018

For Keratosis "Have been using efudex now for two weeks. I have been putting my regular moisturizer on every day and my skin stays soft. I use pure Shea butter. Having a little itching but not bad. I thought users might try Shea butter to help keep the area moist."

• Philp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2017

For Skin Cancer "At 65yo and lifetime in the sun and numerous treatments including surgery, cryotherapy etc Doctor said will have to use Efudix to whole face as had untold AK's plus Bowens Disease. Told it was a ''brutal'' treatment. He was right. All I can say is that this treatment was the most painfull experience in my life. By week two I was in agony but forced myself to continue the three week treatment. A word of warning. Under no circumstances get this stuff on your genitals. I did and it was agonising. Pain so intense sent me into depression for 3 months. Results were excellent however and no regrets."

• Rudolf
• December 20, 2019

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I was prescribed this cream to treat BCC on my nose. I had a red spot with suspected basal cell carcinoma. My dermatologist wanted me to treat my entire nose, to get any spots that hadn't emerged yet. I put on twice daily for two weeks. It took about a week for anything to happen, but then the spot turned red. Soon my entire nose turned pink. At day 14 my nose was red, with purple areas, blisters, and depressions. I had to put Vaseline on it to tolerate the pain. It felt like someone had burned my face with a hot iron. The skin was pulled taught and I was afraid of scarring. It has been 8 weeks after the application stopped. It is still a little pink. Unfortunately it did not get my spot, it is not superficial enough. The cream redness lasts longer for me than I anticipated. It was an 8 week process for me and still have a pink nose. hope it isn't permanent."

• Zakatan
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2017

For Keratosis "Have applied for three weeks once a day. Increased to twice this last week. MY face is quite red and sore and I am amazed at how many spots have come out. Will continue for a few more days. This site has encouraged me. I wasn't sure whether to keep going."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2009

For Keratosis "I ended up in the hospital with a very serious allergic reaction to Efudex. Started with nausea and diarrhea, went into hives, swelling in my lips, mouth, all over my body. I have been out of the hospital for a week my voice is still hoarse, I still have a rash not feeling well at all. I'm on Prednisone to counteract the allergic reaction."

• Mango
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am up to my last day of treatment, day 21. I have treated my entire face once a day with efudix and would never do it again. After the first couple of days red spots start to appear, after a week my face looked like a severe case of sunburn and felt like it. The intensity of the redness increased along with constant burning. By day 12 I wad ready to give up but reminded myself I was over half way. I didn't know how I could bear to apply more efudix but perseverance and willpower has been on my side. It is a painful experience which I would only recommend as a last resort. Even today I dread putting the cream on for the last time but after that I know each day will be a slow pace of healing. I look forward to the end result and hope all the discomfort is worth it"

• Madpeg
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2019

For Keratosis "Been using Efudex for 3 weeks now applying it nightly on a small spot on the left cheek, the area of skin been scaly now really red and has spread to double the size , I have stopped applying it as the soreness has gone and will wait a month to see if it clears , the treatment gave me a funny taste , dicky tummy and terrible itching on my back for ten mins after a bath or shower , scored 5 at the moment because my cheek looks a mess with the redness but hope it will clear over the coming weeks , applying sudacrem hope it helps !"