What cream is used to treat skin cancer?
The creams used to treat basal cell skin cancer are imiquimod and 5-FU (fluorouracil). They contain powerful medicines that cause a painful irritation in the treated area. The skin gets inflamed and crusts over as it heals. You apply the cream every day or two for several weeks.
How long does it take for fluorouracil cream to work?
This usually takes at least 3 to 6 weeks, but may take as long as 10 to 12 weeks. During the first few weeks of treatment, the skin lesions and surrounding areas will feel irritated and look red, swollen, and scaly. This is a sign that fluorouracil is working.
How do you know when to stop applying fluorouracil?
After continued application, the damaged skin becomes painful and inflamed with a beefy-red appearance with erosions and crusting. At this point, the medication should be stopped.
Can you put Vaseline over fluorouracil?
Once you finish the medication, the area of skin treated will be red and raw. It generally takes about 3-4 weeks for all of the inflammation to resolve. You may use Vaseline or Eucerin cream to soothe the skin.
Does fluorouracil cause weight gain?
Weight gain, weight loss, dehydration. Dizziness. Changes in taste, voice. Abnormal body movement.
Is there a generic for fluorouracil?
Fluorouracil is the generic name for the trade name drug Adrucil®. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Adrucil® when referring to the generic drug name fluorouracil. Drug type: Fluorouracil is an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug.
What is fluorouracil cream 5 used for?
FLUOROURACIL, 5-FU (flure oh YOOR a sil) is a chemotherapy agent. It is used on the skin to treat skin cancer and certain types of skin conditions that could become cancer.
How effective is fluorouracil?
Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of widespread multiple AK lesions has cure rates of more than 90 percent. The associated skin irritation, however, may lead patients to prematurely discontinue treatment.