I started using Efudex for about a week, applying it in the morning and again at night, which I don't think I should have done, but it worked quite well. Because of business obligations I discontinued it for 2 weeks, and my skin recovered and looked much better than at first. Now I've resumed on a once a day or once every two days schedule, and after a week my skin is very red and blotchy (as expected), but around one eye it is very red, skin broken, and crusty, and I'm getting a little swelling on my lips. These are both signs to stop and recover, so that's what I plan to do. Does anyone know what the effects are of 1 week on 2 weeks off (repeat) versus 8 weeks of continuous treatment?
Is Efudex as effective if used 1-2 weeks on, 2 weeks off?
Question posted by JimF sensitive skin on 17 April 2010
Last updated on 27 April 2010
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Answers
Marvell
27 April 2010
I haven't used Efudex myself so don't really know if you have that sort of regime. I would suggest you talk to your dermatologist for best advise.
JimF sensitive skin
27 April 2010
My experience is that available research is extremely limited, and doesn't answer questions like this. Doctors typically restrict their responses to what has clinically verified (almost nothing) and that pertains to exactly your situation (exactly nothing). In this case my dermatologist emphasized that she would like to see 4 weeks of continuous treatment, but had no information about (a) what are the ramifications of broken skin, or (b) swollen lips, or (c) very sensitive skin, or (d) cumulative effect of treatment versus intensity of treatment. Science just has not answered these questions yet. So the actual evidence collected by personal experience, though anecdotal, is far better (IMHO) than the lame advice of "we like to see four weeks of continuous treatment". I'd like to see that, too... if it wasn't for my actual situation 8^(
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Further information
- Efudex uses and safety info
- Efudex prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Efudex (detailed)
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