Fluorouracil topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma User Reviews

• LTO...
• January 3, 2015

Fluorouracil topical "This is my second time around. I am on Day 10 of a 14-day regime, then steroid cream for another 14 days. I am in excruciating pain and I look horrific. I know it's a good thing, but it is so painful. I wanted to write here to help encourage others; I found this site because I needed encouragement. I use a dish towel with fringe to flap against my face, and that's the only relief I get. I forget how awful I look until I catch myself in a mirror."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

Fluorouracil topical "I've had surgery for basal cell over the years and had an area near my nose. I used Efudex as directed. Sure, it looked horrible after treatment, it was a bit lumpy, like it was scarred. I thought it didn't work. The area came back totally cancer-free and the lumpy look went away. You would never know it was treated. Well worth it. I'm currently using it on my cheek and hoping for the same result."

• Sno...
• January 31, 2020

Fluorouracil topical "Face was covered in about 7 areas after years of sun damage from working in the sun, used Efudex for 15 days applied 2 times a day till the 40mg tube ran out, week 2 the pain was not nice but honestly go through it, it is worth it. Like having a face lift looking 10 years younger! Believe me it is truth. Using it on my arms now just started. For anyone going through a course, it really is an impressive cream."

• Car...
• May 2, 2016

Fluorouracil topical "This is my third time over the past 10 years doing this treatment. I'm scheduled for 4-6 weeks treating my legs, stomach, and chest areas. I like that the medication seeks out and treats damaged skin only. My stomach has only 3 small spots. However, my legs and chest area that have been far more exposed to sun have a much more aggressive reaction. The pain, redness, swelling, and sores are extremely painful, however, my history reminds me that in 3-4 weeks, I will be finished, and my skin will look and be much better. Skin cancer gone and baby-smooth new skin. It's affordable and a more complete overall treatment that definitely works. Stick with the plan, you won't be disappointed!"

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2012

Fluorouracil topical "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!"

• Boa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2020

Fluorouracil topical "Ten years ago, I used Aldara over my whole face. 20 minutes of pain after each application and a violent reaction after nine days. My 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 three weeks on Efudex and three weeks healing. My skin looks like the proverbial baby's bottom, and I am very happy with the results. This time, I treated my whole face, ears, and parts of my neck. Applying the Efudex was less painful than the Aldara, even a little bit soothing. It was hard to sleep with sore ears. Tried all kinds of moisturizers, and they caused stinging for five to ten minutes. I used Vaseline two to three times daily, and it was by far the most satisfactory. Very pleased with the results. Also treated both arms at the same time. Used three tubes of Efudex in this session. Always worked outside and did lots of boating. I am 76 years young now after this treatment."

• Rud...
• December 20, 2019

Fluorouracil topical "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 it 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 taut, and I was afraid of scarring. It has been 8 weeks since the application stopped. It is still a little pink. Unfortunately, it did not get my spot, it is not superficial enough. The cream's redness lasts longer for me than I anticipated. It was an 8-week process for me, and I still have a pink nose. Hope it isn't permanent."

• Jul...
• July 30, 2019

"I'm an 'efudex veteran,' having applied the cream to different areas of my sun-damaged face four times in the last 5 years. I've found it very effective in accomplishing what it's supposed to do. The cream does sting and burn for about ten days, but I find the discomfort manageable. Those planning to use this should recognize that the affected area will be somewhat larger than the area that is treated - apparently, the med travels subdermally to neighboring tissues. Also, recognize that for at least 1-2 weeks you will look like hell - take this into account if you need to deal with the public (or closely with colleagues) as part of your work. Once you've developed a nice crust on top of your skin and it's turned brown, apply Vaseline liberally - you will find that you can slide the dead cells off your skin, which is a somewhat gross yet pleasant sensation since it means you're heading to the endpoint of the treatment. Good luck!"

• MrT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2014

"My doctor found what he thought might be burgeoning skin cancer on my bald head. First time, he 'burned' them off with whatever he sprayed on my head. Next visit (way later on), he said the spots hadn't gone away. He prescribed 'Carac' (fluorouracil) if I could afford it. Over $400/tube! But my insurance paid up to the $20 I had to pay, so I went for it. Four weeks of dabbing this stuff on my head, and the pre-cancerous spots are gone. During the treatment, my head got all scabby and red. I had to buy some cheapo pillowcases because I would end up bleeding on them at night. I guess the scabs got rubbed off as I tossed and turned. Anyway, I'm totally satisfied with the outcome and would recommend this cream to anyone who can afford it."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2020

Fluorouracil topical "I am up to my last day of treatment, day 21. I have treated my entire face once a day with Efudex 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 was ready to give up but reminded myself I was over halfway. I didn't know how I could bear to apply more Efudex, but perseverance and willpower have 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."

• Pan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 19, 2015

"I have been using Carac for over 10 years. After reading the recent comments, I was in shock on the prescribed treatment cycles and application. Carac cream has removed many points of keratosis on my face. Also, it has eliminated several basal cell carcinoma. What works best for me, from experience, is, on keratosis, 2 to 3 times a week, before bedtime, on specific areas. For BCC, a regimen of daily for 5 days only, 10 to 15 days without (allows time for skin recovery) and proceed as needed, bedtime. All under recommendation from one of the nation's top dermatologists. The whole face for 14-18 days, that is completely unheard of. I hope this helps."

• Itc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2020

Fluorouracil topical "I'm 69 and using Efudex for the second time. Just as in 2008, I have been recommended for 21 days of Efudex cream, 2 applications per day, followed by 21 days of twice a day applications of Desonide 0.05%. I am applying the cream broadly on my forehead back to my receded hairline, my sideburn area, and my nose. After the first week, most areas turned blotchy red and grew increasingly sore and itchy. I have experienced mild stomach upset, and my face feels hot. It started to affect my ability to sleep around day 16. Almost packed it in on day 19 but read these posts and decided to persevere for 3 more days. It worked very well back in 2008, and I'm looking forward to the ordeal ending and getting similarly good results."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2016

Fluorouracil topical "I have basal cell carcinoma on my cheeks and face had lumps. I have Scottish skin. Started Efudex treatment, and after day 3, I became violently ill. For 10 days, I couldn't hold any food down, whatever. Both exit body points were hammered with oozing duck poop-like stuff I have never experienced before. Bloated stomach, gas buildup, and always on the toilet. After day 10, the symptoms eased, and I started to hold some food down. Currently on day 16 of treatment and my face looks like an iron has been applied to both cheeks. Very painful and still feel unwell. This better work because I have researched this product before commencing, and there were no side effects listed like I have had. Met another patient of Efudex with similar side effects."

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2018

Fluorouracil topical "Just got done using this for a superficial basal cell on my nose. Week 1 wasn't bad, just a little redness and irritation at the end. By the end of week 2, it was red and very itchy. I can't say it was ever very 'painful,' just uncomfortable and irritated. It has felt like something crawling across my face/nose since the end of week 2, and itchy. Lots of trouble getting to sleep because of this. 2 weeks once a day, 3 weeks twice a day. It's still red and very itchy, and I'm told it will be for another week or two. Now I wait for follow-up."

• AJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2019

"TIP: I highly recommend using Neosporin and Cetaphil moisturizer during recovery days, it helped a lot with healing and irritation. I have 5-6 pre-cancerous lesions on my face. My doctor recommended this cream. She prescribed using it on my forehead to start. Twice a week at night for 8 weeks. This allows the skin to recover in between. I have found it to be irritating to my whole forehead, dries out your skin, which becomes itchy, red, and scaly, and a little swollen. The morning after application is the worst, with it becoming very irritated. It is a little uncomfortable, but not unbearable. I am in week 3, and now the skin around my eyes is swollen and so it's not pretty, but by day 2, your skin is recovering but still scaly and red. I can use makeup to cover if I need to go out. I'll keep you posted on my progress."

• AGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2019

"Had a few basal cell lesions on my face removed by freezing and Mohs surgery in my early sixties. At age 67, topical fluorouracil was prescribed by a dermatologist due to wide-area precancerous facial lesions that I was not even aware existed. Applied daily over most areas of my face for twelve days - doctor prescribed two weeks, but skin ulcerated so badly I had to stop. Red spots then bled and my whole face looked so bad I didn’t want to leave the house! After another week or so, the skin scabbed over, and within another week or two, I started to look presentable. About six weeks or so after I started treatment, my face looked great. The doctor was pleased and could find no precancerous areas. Moral of the story is that after six decades of sun exposure, my skin had been irradiated badly, and I had no idea that basal cell cancer was about to erupt everywhere. I recommend applying over portions of my face instead of trying to do the whole job at one time. Medication is a miracle drug!"

• Joj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2016

Fluorouracil topical "I had a small lump removed from below my lip and was prescribed Efudex to be applied twice a day for four weeks. I have just finished that time, so I don't know how effective it has been. I had no reaction for 9 days, then my lip became very swollen and weepy, cracked in the corner. My GP suggested that I put Vaseline around the spot before applying the cream, and that helped the lips considerably. I changed to paw-paw cream, which seemed to help. Now it is six days since I stopped applying the cream, and I still have what looks like a large cold sore, as well as the red crustiness under my nose, which started only when I stopped the Efudex. I am hoping this may go soon. I am not sure whether to put anything on them or not."

• Car...
• February 21, 2017

"Had a basal cell right under my eyelid. My dermatologist insisted I go see a Mohs surgeon. I took a doctor (internist) in my family with me to see the surgeon. The surgeon wanted to cut. When the internist told him that there is very little tissue under my eye and I could lose my eye, he said well there is always a chance. The internist said how about fluorouracil? He said no. Of course, he said no - he is a surgeon and only makes his money on cutting. The internist wrote the prescription for 0.5% fluorouracil cream to use for 3 weeks - apply at bedtime. After 2 weeks, the area was very red and oozed and swelled up. I continued for the 3rd week. It has been 10 weeks since I stopped the cream. The basal cell is gone and the area is just a little pink."

• Sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

Fluorouracil topical "I have BCC on my upper arm and SCC on my upper left hand. Unfortunately, after 6 weeks of treatment twice a day, the cream didn't work. So disappointed, and I'm now scheduled to have both surgically removed."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2015

Fluorouracil topical "I am just about to start treatment for superficial BCC on my hands, feet, legs, and nose. Obviously, from all I have read, I am going to do it in stages. I am having to plan this around a conference, my children's exams, and prom dance! I know that it is going to get really painful. Has anyone done their hands or feet or both at the same time? I am doing a test patch on my arms at the moment to see how my skin reacts-on the advice of my doctor. Some guidance would be much appreciated."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2018

"I saw my primary care doctor, and he prescribed the generic form made by TARO 5%, which cost me a tiny copay. He sent me to a dermatologist who told me not to use it! He then cut out the basil cell carcinoma on my shin bone, and it took 3 months to heal. The spot was about a third of an inch and couldn't be sewn up due to the location. So then I noticed another little red burning spot on my leg, and this time I decided to treat it myself with the cream. I used it twice a day for two weeks using a Q-tip to apply it. It's now gone. It did turn red and crusty and then healed. I showed it to my PCP, and he was happy for me, saying 'isn't that stuff great?' Long story short, I think the dermatologist just wanted to make a buck (or hundreds) on me. I can't recommend this cream highly enough!"

• GIH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2019

"Follow-up after 5 weeks. 5-1/2 weeks since I started the application twice a day. One area near the tip of my nose and two areas on the forehead. The crusty scab that started developing after about 2 weeks has mostly come off the forehead areas now. But not the nose. That area developed into a fairly good-sized scab/crust. Evidently, it had more pre-cancerous cells in the surrounding areas. Rather strange looking in such a prominent location on your face. To be honest, I wouldn't be brave enough to apply it all over my face as some people have described. No telling how many areas might react to it, and that's likely to look rather frightening. So far, no serious unexpected side effects. Some people reported a loss of taste. A couple things do seem to taste different to me, but nothing more significant. So far, so good in that regard. I'll be glad when this big scab finally comes off."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2010

"I'm on the second round treating my face. I had some suspicious spots that were all removed with the first treatment. I'm doing it again for maintenance and only have a few spots. I highly recommend trying this product. I'm grateful that my GP prescribed it and wonder why my dermatologist did not."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2020

"Been on fluorouracil for 1 month, can't take it any longer, the pain and fully unbearable itching, sleep is impossible. This is not a treatment, it's torture. I would never put myself through this again."

• Gig...
• January 18, 2017

Fluorouracil topical "A few months after one basal spot on my nose was removed with Mohs surgery and plastic surgery to correct the dime-sized divot, my dermatologist prescribed Carac for three weeks, applied once a day to my nose. I had read many reviews and experiences and dreaded starting the prescription. Thankfully, I had very little reaction, with only one spot that appeared like an irritated whitehead and that drained and disappeared after about 3 days. The rest of my nose, although a little dry, had no reaction at all. I will say my stomach was a little sensitive about an hour after I applied the lotion for a couple of days, so I made sure I drank plenty of water and ate something within the hour or so of applying it."