Fluorouracil topical for Keratosis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Che...
• April 22, 2015

"Works great, the only issue was that after 4 days, I could not drink enough, lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks, checked my blood sugar, and it was well over 300. I was not a diabetic and haven't been diagnosed as one yet. Went to the doctor to have things checked out, and we're watching things closely, still not on medication for diabetes, but blood sugar has dropped to normal range 4 weeks after stopping this medication. The nurse at the dermatologist's office stated that it's just me, it's not the medication. My blood sugar now varies from 86 to 113 for the most part."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2021

Fluorouracil topical "Have used before under the nose with good results - this time used all over the face for three weeks, dabbing on face twice a day as advised by doc - but not on forehead - first week not bad - second week really sore and painful - third week nearly unbearable, looked like a monster from the deep, face covered in scabs and peeling skin, so, so painful to touch, a few sleepless nights - rinsing face with lukewarm water was like putting acid on my face - now, three weeks after treatment and using a mild steroid cream to help healing, boy, was it worth it - told by my friends how it actually made my skin look younger and still getting better by the day. So stick with it, no pain, no gain in this case, never more true - just using good old E45 moisturizer to retain my new looks."

• dou...
• June 10, 2011

"So glad to find this forum. I'm 8 days into treatment and boy, am I splotchy bright red on my face. I can tell it's working, but I didn't follow my doctor's suggestion that I wait until late fall to start treatment. About my 3rd day of treatment, I slathered Banana Boat SPF 30 sunscreen right after applying fluorouracil. It burned for 3 days. I'm 60 and have a fair complexion. I've spent many hours on the water, and my forehead, nose, and temples were cracking and scaly, often bleeding when irritated. The doctor said my damage was too widespread for other methods of treatment. I think it's working, but I'm sure looking forward to getting this next week over. I'm using baby oil and Neosporin, as well as some fancy oil my wife gave me to keep my skin moist."

• Tan...
• January 28, 2021

Fluorouracil topical "Started Efudex on nose, lips, chin 3 weeks ago. Very red areas, ulcerated, pus, very painful. I had few instructions from derm or pharma. So, googled it. Seeing derm tomorrow. I was meant to do this for two weeks, twice a day, then two weeks, once a day. That's for center nose, lips, chin, as had SCC lip and excision 3x5cm. After this area, I do the same on one cheek, then other cheek, then forehead. Not all at once due to the danger of anaphylaxis. On the nose, it is a small area, very red, etc. Lip lower, all along and below, itchy, painful. Will post how it goes in a few weeks."

• ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2023

Fluorouracil topical "I have been using Tolak for 8 days, and my skin is red and hot. My doctor's instructions for use and the medication's instructions for use were conflicting. The medication says to use it once daily in the evening, however, my doctor prescribed using it twice daily. I started twice daily, then stopped after reading more about it. I can't imagine myself lasting 4 weeks. Will see how I feel after 2 weeks and make a decision if I continue with it."

• mas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

"Using fluorouracil for the second time. This time on the hands and neck, the first time was on the face only. The first time I went 2x/day for 3 weeks on the face. Very, very sore and uncomfortable, but it did heal and worked very well. The hands take a bit longer to show any spots. I applied 2x/day for 3 weeks, getting some crusting and scabbing now, but wonder if I should have gone longer. The neck is acting like the face did and is very spotty and quite sore. I only went 2 weeks on the neck, but I think that will do it. I'll repost after I heal and find out whether it was long enough."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2019

"My dermatologist prescribed this for me after I complained about having dry, flaky skin spots that are caused by sun damage. Being very cautious, I applied only a very small amount to the right side of my nose. Immediately, my right eye began to twitch, and then I could taste the fluorouracil in my system. I tried to wash it off, but hours later, I can still feel it and taste it."

• Jpl...
• April 21, 2017

"My first time using this cream, and man, it's no fun, but it's effective. I apply it twice a day on my forehead and the left side of my face. About 10 days later, now it's pretty red and peeling in places. Hope I won't have to take time off work. Don't think my hat will cover it up enough soon as a delivery driver. I'm only 31, I'm too young to be having these problems."

• Anonymous
• June 13, 2017

"Fluorouracil worked fine on the AKs and wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, except I experienced 'hand foot syndrome'-burning of the palms of hands and soles of feet (even though the medication never touched those areas)."

• Low...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2022

Fluorouracil topical "At 75 years of age, had eczema all my life, then developed skin cancer on my arms, chest, back, and neck. I done a full treatment on both arms at separate times, went through a lot of pain, took 6 weeks to slowly clear up, then started to look great, so pleased, then noticed it coming back slowly, a lump here and there. Now the arm looks bad again, but took 6 months, so disappointed. Don't know what to do now, and I am so emotional. Thank you."

• Hel...
• September 13, 2021

Fluorouracil topical "My husband was using Efudix cream 5% for 2 weeks. Though painful and itchy, too extreme, he was prepared to see it through the course. Last night was traumatic as he awoke shaking uncontrollably at around 4 am. He soothed his face with cool water and a soft cloth, reapplied cortisone (Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.02%) cream, and took more Panadol Forte (paracetamol 500 mg plus Codeine 30 mg) before going back to bed. It’s now just past midday, and he’s taking more pain tablets and going to sleep after a light lunch. He said he’ll now try Efudix on a small area soon on the back of his forearm and see how it goes. Due to see the dermatologist in 2 months' time. We know of other people who have benefited from using Efudix and feel it’s really worth trying more for a good outcome. Thank you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2022

Fluorouracil topical "I have been prescribed fluorouracil cream for SK on my face. I have been using it for 3 weeks and not sure if it is working because my skin doesn't sting when I apply it. It just looks dry. Not sure if I should get another treatment."

• Dut...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2020

"2 weeks of applying cream to my face only probably has pushed me into early peri-menopause. Started having some unusual bleeding about 8 days after starting treatment; saw doctors and had ultrasounds, etc. Nobody thought there was a link to the Efudix cream, and I finished my 2 weeks of applying. It is now 12 months later, and it is confirmed I am in peri-menopause, for which I've been put on medication as I am only 43. I have since found information that Efudix cream can cause menopause; just Google the two together and you'll find it. If you don't absolutely need this treatment, don't have it before your normal menopause. I wouldn't have if I had known."

• Fem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2023

Fluorouracil topical "I used Efudex for 6 weeks in total. I did stop the treatment at intervals when the blistering became too bad. I used it at night and put makeup on during the day to cover all the redness. It is the worst experience I have had with my skin. But looking at my face now, it was worth it. It is 2 months since I stopped, and I still have slight redness in certain areas. However, the improvement in my skin has been wonderful. I will always use 50 factor sun cream when I go out. Heliocare is very good. I hope and pray that I never will have to use Efudex again."

• geb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2021

Fluorouracil topical "This is my second time using the Carac! I have light skin and very light blue eyes. As a child, if we went to the beach, I would always get blisters on my shoulders. So that's how delicate my skin is. I also love the beach and raised my children on Cape Cod in Mass. So the beach was in walking distance and we loved it. I was always under an umbrella. But between swimming laps and skiing all over the USA, the sun has done its damage. The first time I was in my 40s, and it was really hard because I was a hairdresser and could not take a lot of time off work. But I saved my vacation time for the last two weeks. Now I am in my 70s and in the FL hot sun and started a week ago with Carac, and wow... My skin looks like it was burnt by fire. But I know in 3 weeks I will have gotten rid of all the red spots that would have taken a lot more money and my time running back and forth to the DR to have him burn off two or three spots and say, see you in a month... HAPPY IN FL. THANK YOU CARAC... MY TUBS LASTED FOREVER!"

• Mil...
• June 17, 2024

Fluorouracil topical "This is my 3rd time using Efudex cream. I have been told by my dermatologist to use Efudex cream 2 times a day for 2 weeks on lower lip, forehead (1 spot), between upper lip and nose (1 spot), and both hands. I have very fair pale skin. My skin reacted really quickly to the cream. In 5 days, my skin was red with blisters and itchy, very uncomfortable. Now I am on day 10 and my hands are swollen, itchy, with scabs, very dry, and uncomfortable. I am applying fresh aloe vera gel from my yard 2 to 3 times a day. I am not sure I can make it to 14 days. I will write to let you know the results."

• Ani...
• July 12, 2022

Fluorouracil topical "I am using it for a week, and the spots (precancerous spots) on my face are very red. Everyone that I know is asking what happened to my face. I am hoping that this is a good sign and is going to work. I keep you posted."

• car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2024

Fluorouracil topical "I was prescribed Efudex for erosion on my face, used it every day for 3 weeks. My skin didn't go red or sore. I don't know why. I thought it can't be working as I didn't have any reaction to it, but it has worked, the skin cancer has gone now."

• Dol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2023

Fluorouracil topical "I used Efudex for 6 weeks in total. I did stop the treatment at intervals when the blistering became too bad. I used it at night and put makeup on during the day to cover all the redness. It is the worst experience I have had with my skin. But looking at my face now, it was worth it. It is 2 months since I stopped, and I still have slight redness in certain areas. However, the improvement in my skin has been wonderful. I will always use 50 factor sun cream when I go out. Heliocare is very good. I hope and pray that I never will have to use Efudex again."

• Pal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2021

"My doctor gave Carac to me to clear up AK above my eyebrow. I used it morning and night for 3 weeks. By then, I had a cracked, bleeding little spot, and my doctor said I could stop. I should say that I didn’t know I should’ve been more careful to only put Carac right on the spot-but I was sloppy with it, so it made a much larger red area than needed. It was probably the size of a thumbprint on my forehead when the AK was only the size of a pea. After treatment, I put vitamin E oil on it religiously and was left with a clean pink spot that I easily covered with makeup for 6 months until the pink was gone. There is no trace of AK on the spot. If I had had that removed with a laser, it would have left a white scar forever. I think this cream is great, and well worth the annoyance of a pink spot for a few months. Also, my doctor gave me a $100 coupon to give to the pharmacist for the cream. I can’t remember how much it cost me out of pocket."

• Bus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2025

Fluorouracil topical "Used for 6 weeks in total, but with only 4 weeks application to any one place. Started with hands, then forearms, back of neck and face. After completing all these, I am now doing my ears for the next 2 weeks. My skin quickly covered with horrible red blotches. I had lots of weeping from the back of my neck (and now ears), especially when in contact with a pillow. The red patches eventually scabbed over but still oozed fluid initially before drying and were extremely itchy the entire scab time. I looked like a monster from a 1950s horror film the whole time. Uncomfortable - yes! Worth it - yes!!!!! I knew I had massive skin damage and it was good to see it exfoliated. Most of the scab is now off my hands and arms (due to scratching and pulling at scale), and the underlying redness of the new skin is starting to fade. My left hand and forearm have the deepest and most enduring scabs, while my neck, face, and right hand/arm are already scab free."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2025

Fluorouracil topical "I am a 72-year-old woman. Following a skin examination whilst on vacation in Australia, I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and prescribed Efudix cream. On returning to Scotland and requiring a repeat prescription for the cream (which is working well), I’m being told it has been withdrawn by the manufacturer!? Is this also the case in other countries? I’m so disappointed as I’m now beginning to be hopeful of a good result from Efudix."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2023

Fluorouracil topical "Used on nose, cheeks, and chin every night for 18 nights when scabbing became apparent, so stopped using. From today, June 3, I can use Canestan steroid cream on the affected areas. Also using oatmeal cream, which is very mild. Areas are very red and unsightly with scabbing and some tightness. Redness and tightness have moved towards my eyes, and this is quite uncomfortable. Persevering. Can’t comment on the outcome as the process is still ongoing."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2024

Fluorouracil topical "Prescribed once a day for 3-4 weeks. I used it all over my face and chest... by day 13, I needed a break and stopped for two days! 21 days in and my chest is very painful, raw, swollen, and feels like paper cuts opening all over when I move. My face hasn't been too bad pain-wise, but I'm scaring not only the children but adults too ;-) Try to keep the cream away from the sides of the nose as it will crack the thin layer of skin that joins to the upper lip, and it's not pleasant! Not sure if I've gone as far as I'm supposed to, but the sores are starting to peel... I don't want to do this again and get it right the first round."

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2009

Fluorouracil topical "Efudex works great to eliminate actinic keratosis. I have used it before and unfortunately am using it again. It becomes VERY unsightly.. blotchy, swollen, very painful, etc, but it works."