How to Stop Efudex

Efudex, generically known as fluorouracil, is a topical cream used for the treatment of solar or multiple actinic keratoses, which are rough-textured lesions that form on the outermost layer of the skin after years of exposure to ultraviolet light, such as sunlight. Efudex is also indicated for superficial basal cell carcinoma when other treatments have not worked. Efudex is thought to work by killing rapidly dividing cells such as those present in carcinomas and keratosis. While using Efudex, the skin will progress through several stages, at times appearing worse than when treatment was first started. It is important to continue using Efudex until the therapy is complete.

Things You'll Need

• Nonmetal applicator
• Medical gloves
• Efudex cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply Efudex twice daily until the treatment is complete. Enough cream should be applied to cover your lesions.

• 2

  If you are using Efudex for actinic or solar keratosis, continue using the cream until the lesions have peeled off. Typically, this should take approximately two to four weeks. Your lesions may not completely heal for one to two months after you have stopped applying Efudex.

• 3

  If you are using Efudex for superficial basal cell carcinoma, continue using the topical cream until your lesions have disappeared. Generally, this should occur in three to six weeks, although in some cases 10 to 12 weeks may pass.