All about Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil

Also known as 5FU, Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy medication used for the treatment of several types of cancer such as:

  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Pancreas and stomach cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Thymic cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Neuroendocrine tumors
  • Hepatobiliary cancer
  • Basal cell cancer

The medicine can be given in two ways- Fluorouracil injection infused intravenously or as a bolus and Fluorouracil cream, which is a topical ointment that requires to be applied to the affected skin lesions. The drug is classified as an antimetabolite. It is cytotoxic in nature. 

Fluorouracil- Uses and Dosage

If it has been prescribed to the patient for skin conditions such as actinic or solar keratoses caused due to sunburns, Fluorouracil cream is applied to the particular areas of the skin properly. Let it dry well for 10 minutes and apply another thin film of Fluorouracil cream on it. The objective of this medication is to kill the fast-growing or abnormal cells and control disease progression.

Continue treatment until you notice that the lesions are starting to peel off easily. Usually, Fluorouracil 5 cream takes about 2 to 4 weeks to show improvement. However, the lesions won’t be completely healed after a couple of months, you’ve stopped using the cream. 

The healing time depends on the type of condition you’ve developed. For instance, if the patient is using Fluorouracil 5 cream for basal cell carcinoma, it might take as long as 10 to 12 weeks for complete healing. 

For colorectal cancer, it is given as adjuvant therapy for about 3 to 6months. For pancreatic and stomach cancer, the medicine is general given with folinic acid and oxaliplatin. In the case of bladder cancer, Fluorouracil with Mitomycin is seen to be effective. 

Mechanism of action: Fluorouracil interferes with the abnormal cell growth by stopping them from developing the DNA and, as a result, destroying them. Keep in mind that if the lesions and surrounding areas are irritated or looking red and scaly during the first few weeks of treatment, it means that the medicine is working. 

Precautions for Fluorouracil

  1. Fluorouracil or Edufix 5 cream is to be applied by wearing gloves. Even after that also, immediately wash your hands after you are done. 
  2. You are not to bandage or treat the affected areas with dressing while using Edufix cream. In some cases, doctors suggest covering the area loosely with gauze.
  3. If the cream comes in contact with the mouth, eyes, or nose, immediately wash it off carefully. 
  4. If you have had DPD and enzyme deficiency, tell your doctor before starting treatment. 
  5. If the patient has become pregnant during the course of treatment, it is necessary to inform the doctor as there is a chance that the drug can harm the fetus. 
  6. Unnecessary or prolong exposure to sunlight while using Fluorouracil cream usp 5 is absolutely not allowed because the medicine makes your skin even more sensitive to sun rays or UV rays. 
  7. Always wear protective clothes, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen while going out. 
  8. Try avoiding moisturizers or sunscreen to the affected area. If you, at all, need to at least wait for 2 hours.
  9. Before using any other skin products like cosmetics and medicated lotions, consult your doctor. 
  10. Showering immediately after applying Edufix cream because it can wash off the layer.
  11. Make sure to apply it in all of the skin and not just on the lesions that are visible. 

Side effects of Edufix

The following side effects are noticed commonly in patients, but they are manageable and not prolong:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mouth inflammation and sores
  • Diarrhea 
  • Skin irritation 
  • Burning sensation
  • Dryness of skin
  • Pain, swelling, and skin tenderness
  • Temporary hair loss
  • Irritability 
  • Redness of skin and itching 

If the side effects are prolonged (especially the skin conditions) and not seem to be dealt with over time, mention it to your doctor. It can either mean that the medication isn’t working or you have to decrease the amount you’re applying. 

Patients can also experience eye irritation. Remember not to bring your fingers close to the eye while applying this; otherwise, it can cause permanent damage. Wherever practical, the cream must be applied under an occlusive dressing. While it is used for repairing sun-damaged skin, the cream can also affect normal skin. 

Final Words

Fluorouracil was approved by the FDA in 2000. While it is suitable for all age groups, the amount or dosage may be specified by the doctor depending on your condition. It is cytotoxic and needs to be applied carefully, maintaining the dosage that has been recommended by the doctor. Edufix cream price is $72.14 in the current market. The success rate is as high as 93%, according to medical research studies conducted on patients with lesions. 


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