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Carac

Psoriasis facts

  • Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease.
  • Psoriasis has no known cause.
  • The tendency toward developing psoriasis is inherited in genes.
  • Psoriasis is not contagious.
  • Psoriasis gets better and worse spontaneously and can have periodic remissions (clear skin).
  • Psoriasis is controllable with medication.
  • Psoriasis is currently not curable.
  • There are many promising therapies, including newer biologic drugs.
  • Future research for psoriasis is promising.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin condition that produces red, dry plaques of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid proliferation of skin cells that is triggered by abnormal lymphocytes from the blood . Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.

Some people have such mild ps...

Carac

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Carac® Cream, 0.5%
(fluorouracil) Cream

FOR TOPICAL DERMATOLOGICAL USE ONLY
(NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC, ORAL, OR INTRAVAGINAL USE)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Carac® (fluorouracil cream) Cream, 0.5% , contains fluorouracil for topical dermatologic use. Chemically, fluorouracil is 5-fluoro-2,4(1H, 3H)-pyrimidinedione. The molecular formula is C4H3FN2O2. Fluorouracil has a molecular weight of 130.08.

Carac® (fluorouracil)  Structural Formula Illustration

Carac Cream contains 0.5% fluorouracil, with 0.35% being incorporated into a patented porous microsphere (Microsponge®) composed of methyl methacrylate / glycol dimethacrylate cross polymer and dimethicone. The cream formulation contains the following other inactive ingredients: carbomer 940, dimethicone, glycerin, methyl gluceth-20, methyl methacrylate / glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer, methylparaben, octyl hydroxy stearate, polyethylene glycol 400, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sorbitan monooleate, stearic acid, and trolamine.

What are the possible side effects of fluorouracil topical (Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex)?

Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using fluorouracil topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).

Fluorouracil topical may cause skin irritation, dryness, scaling or peeling (exfoliation), rash, and other local reactions. Eye irritation has also been reported. If these side effects are excessive or worsen with continued treatment, contact your doctor.

Side...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Carac »

What are the precautions when taking fluorouracil (Carac)?

Before using fluorouracil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain enzyme deficiency (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase - DPD).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: red/irritated/infected/open sores on skin.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective...

Read All Potential Precautions of Carac »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Carac - User Reviews

Carac User Reviews

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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