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Buy Efudex Cream or Generic Fluorouracil Online

A prescription is required for this item.
GENERIC ALTERNATIVE LISTING - Fluorouracil
Dosage Pack Size & Price Qty
5%
BRAND LISTING - Efudex Cream (Fluorouracil)
Dosage Pack Size & Price Qty
5%
Product description medically reviewed by Dr. Ami Patel, PharmD (Mar 10, 2020)

What is Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil?

Efudex cream or generic Fluorouracil cream is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of medications dubbed antineoplastics and/or antimetabolites. These medications are chemotherapy agents that may help prevent, slow down, or stop the development of tumors. These agents work by killing off or inhibiting abnormal cells that contribute to cancer growth.

Efudex is a topical cream that is most often used in the treatment of a type of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma. It may also be used to treat actinic or solar keratosis, a skin condition that may lead to skin cancer. People who are dealing with either of these conditions may be prescribed Efudex cream or generic Fluorouracil. In some cases, doctors may prescribe this medication for other conditions.

After it's absorbed through the skin, the active ingredient in Efudex (Fluorouracil 5%) is incorporated into the cancerous cells' DNA, which is essential for the cells to grow, repair themselves, and multiply. By interfering with these processes, Fluorouracil increases the odds that the cancerous cells will die off.

Drugs similar to Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil include:

Conditions treated by Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil

Topical Efudex cream or generic Fluorouracil may be prescribed for several conditions related to low-risk types of skin cancer or the possible development of skin cancer. These conditions include basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic or solar keratosis.

One of the most frequent Efudex cream uses is the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, which is a common type of skin cancer that typically develops on skin that receives a lot of sun exposure (such as the head, neck, or backs of the hands). Efudex 5% cream is usually prescribed for BCC when there are multiple lesions or if treatment sites and/or surgical procedures might prove impractical.

Actinic or solar keratosis is considered a precancerous skin condition because it has a high likelihood of developing into skin cancer. The condition is characterized by skin damage (often in the form of scaly or crusty lesions) that generally results from many years of sun exposure.

Medical professionals may also prescribe Efudex for additional purposes not listed here.

What to know before using Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil

Prior to using Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil, keep the following in mind.

  • Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you deal with and any medications you take so they can make sure it's safe to prescribe Fluorouracil topical cream.

  • Because Efudex may cause harm to a fetus and may be passed through breastmilk, pregnant or nursing women will generally want to avoid using Efudex Cream.

  • Do not apply the cream to areas of broken skin, as the active ingredient could enter your bloodstream and provoke serious side effects. For similar reasons, do not allow the cream to enter the eyes, nostrils, or mouth.

  • Wash affected area then wait ten minutes before applying Efudex Cream. Wash hands immediately after applying Efudex. Apply to clean skin and allow it to absorb fully for two hours before applying other skin care products such as creams or lotions.

  • Minimize exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, or other sources of UV light immediately after applying the medication and as much as possible for the duration of treatment.

  • Do not cover the treated area unless advised to do so by a medical professional. It's generally important to allow air to flow over the treatment site.

  • Be prepared for the fact that the treatment site may take on an unsightly appearance during treatment and occasionally for a period of time after treatment.

  • Know that it may take several weeks for Efudex Cream to make a noticeable impact on your condition.

  • Carefully follow your doctor's directions for applying Efudex. Continue using this medication for the prescribed period even if your condition improves. See your doctor regularly while using Efudex or generic Fluorouracil; they will tell you when to stop Fluorouracil treatment.

Possible side effects of Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil

Potential Efudex cream side effects and/or Fluorouracil side effects include:

  • Allergic reactions

  • Emotional irritability

  • Fever or chills

  • Insomnia

  • Odd taste in the mouth

  • Rash

  • Skin darkening, flaking, peeling, or scarring

  • Small blood vessels under the skin

  • Burning, inflammation, itching, irritation, and/or redness at the treatment site

  • Skin redness followed by dryness and/or crusting at the treatment site

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects including:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Open skin sores
  • Severe burning, irritation, or itching at the treatment site
  • Severe pain and/or swelling at the treatment site
  • Shedding of dead skin
  • Vomiting
  • Fever or chills

This is not a complete list of possible Fluorouracil cream side effects. If you experience these or any other side effects, contact a medical professional.

Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil FAQs

  • What is the proper dosage of Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil?

    The proper Fluorouracil dose depends on the patient and condition being treated, so it's important to carefully follow your doctor's instructions. Efudex Cream is available in 40g tubes that contain a concentration of 5% Fluorouracil. In most cases, patients will be instructed to apply the cream twice daily for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

    If you miss a dose, apply the dose as soon as you remember unless it's near the time of your next scheduled dose, in which case you should proceed with the next dose at the appropriate time. Do not double up on doses. Contact Poison Control or an emergency medical center if you overdose.

  • What is the difference between Efudex Cream and generic Fluorouracil cream?

    Both brand name Efudex Cream and generic Fluorouracil cream contain the same active ingredient—Fluorouracil—which is an antimetabolite that helps eradicate cancerous cells. The generic version is likely to cost less than brand-name options. If you are unsure whether a brand name or generic option is right for you, consult your doctor or NorthWestPharmacy.com pharmacist. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand-name product.

  • What's the proper way to store Efudex Cream or generic Fluorouracil cream?

    Store Fluorouracil or Efudex Cream at room temperature and away from moisture, heat, cold, or direct sunlight (not in the bathroom). Keep the tube tightly sealed when it's not in use.

    Make sure the medication is not accessible to children or pets. Be aware that if a pet comes in contact with a treatment site, the medicine may cause serious side effects.

    When you're ready to dispose of your medication, do not flush it down the toilet or drain. Consult your pharmacist to learn how to safely dispose of the medication.

    • The information provided on the NorthWestPharmacy.com website is intended to facilitate awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions generally but it is not a substitute for professional medical attention or advice. You should always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any prescription or non-prescription drug.