Efudix cream is a topical preparation containing the fluorinated pyrimidine 5-fluorouracil, an antineoplastic antimetabolite. It is used to treat actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma. Here are some details about the product, its ingredients, and possible side effects:
Product Details:
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Efudix Cream contains 5% fluorouracil in a vanishing cream base consisting of white petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, polysorbate 60, parabens (methyl and propyl), and purified water.
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Efudix Cream is available in 40 g tubes containing 5% fluorouracil in a vanishing cream base consisting of methylparaben, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, stearyl alcohol, and white petrolatum.
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Efudix is usually a well-tolerated medicine with minimal risks when used correctly.
Positive Effects:
- Efudix works by blocking the growth of abnormal cells that cause the skin condition.
Negative Effects:
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The most frequent adverse reactions to Efudix occur locally and are often related to an extension of the pharmacological activity of the drug. These include burning, crusting, allergic contact dermatitis, pruritus, scarring, rash, soreness, and ulceration.
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Skin irritation, burning, redness, dryness, pain, swelling, tenderness, or changes in skin color may occur at the site of application. Eye irritation (such as stinging, watering), trouble sleeping, irritability, temporary hair loss, or abnormal taste in the mouth may also occur.
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The most common side effects of Efudix are a sign that the medicine is working and include pain, itchiness, darkening or reddening of the skin, burning or ulceration at the site of application, crusting, irritation, inflammation, increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun, rash, dermatitis, scarring, and soreness. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
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Discontinue Efudix immediately and contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects: stomach problems such as severe pain, cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, swelling and soreness of the mouth and tongue, fever, and chills. These are serious side effects, and you may need urgent medical attention.
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Temporary or permanent hyper or hypopigmentation may occur.
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Any treatment that causes a lot of inflammation in the skin has a risk of scarring. Efudix is no exception to this. The risks of scarring with Efudix are low, but not zero.
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A very small amount of people have a condition known as DPD. These people cannot break down efudix properly. It may increase their risk of developing toxic reactions.
It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Efudix cream and to report any side effects that you experience.
