Efudex Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Efudex is an anti-cancer drug which has the chemical name 5-fluorouracil. It is used to treat actinic keratoses. An actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin lesion that may be caused by sun damage. Actinic keratoses are not skin cancer, but they often turn into skin cancer.

Efudex Dosage

You should apply efudex cream or solution 2 times a day, or carac cream once a day. The usual length of treatment is from 2 to 4 weeks.

Uses of Efudex

• It is used to treat actinic keratoses, which is a skin growth caused by exposure to sunlight.
• It may also be used to treat various types of skin cancer or other medical conditions those are listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Efudex

Before taken efudex medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor.  If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking efudex. Side effects may include:

• Burning
• Itching
• Pain
• Irritation
• Dryness
• Swelling

Warnings and precautions before taking Efudex:

• You should also be avoided prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays while you are taking this medicine.
• Skin may be unsightly while you are taking Efudex and, in some cases, for several weeks after treatment has ended.

Drug Interaction :- There are no known drug interactions with topical fluorouracil. But if you are taking Efudex with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Efudex with other drugs.

Overdose

After taken Efudex if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of Efudex overdose may include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomatitis

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