Efudex (Fluorouracil) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 9, 2012

Efudex

Psoriasis »

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...

Read the Psoriasis article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Efudex User Reviews >>

Efudex

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

Quiz: Can You Identify These Skin Conditions?

Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

font size

EFUDEX
(fluorouracil) Topical Solutions and Cream

FOR TOPICAL USE ONLY - NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC, ORAL, OR INTRAVAGINAL USE.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Efudex (fluorouracil) Solutions and Cream are topical preparations containing the fluorinated pyrimidine 5-fluorouracil, an antineoplastic antimetabolite.

Efudex Solution consists of 2% or 5% fluorouracil on a weight/weight basis, compounded with propylene glycol, tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane, hydroxypropyl cellulose, parabens (methyl and propyl) and disodium edetate.

Efudex Cream contains 5% fluorouracil in a vanishing cream base consisting of white petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, polysorbate 60 and parabens (methyl and propyl).

Chemically, fluorouracil is 5-fluoro-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione. It is a white to practically white, crystalline powder which is sparingly soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. One gram of fluorouracil is soluble in 100 mL of propylene glycol. The molecular weight of 5-fluorouracil is 130.08 and the structural formula is:

Efudex (fluorouracil) structural formula illustration

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 Efudex »

What are the precautions when taking fluorouracil (Efudex)?

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 Efudex »

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/13/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.