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What is Efudex
FluorouracilThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCapecitabine is a medicine used to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It works by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to make copies of themselves, by blocking the enzyme needed for DNA synthesis.
Efudexis the brand name
Efudex Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Efudex
Fluorouracil
1970
62
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Fluorouracil, also known as Efudex, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses like Actinic keratosis .Actinic keratosis
Used to treat hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis in combination with Salicylic acid
Effectiveness
How Efudex Affects PatientsFluorouracil is a drug used to treat cancer. It works by preventing the body from using certain molecules (the building blocks of DNA) during the cell cycle, which stops cells from growing and dividing. This drug blocks an enzyme needed to make DNA and also prevents the body from creating new DNA.
How Efudex works in the bodyFluorouracil is thought to work by binding to thymidylate synthase, which helps make DNA and RNA. When it binds to this enzyme, it stops the formation of thymidylate, which prevents DNA and RNA from being made. It can also be incorporated into RNA in place of uridine triphosphate, which disrupts RNA processing and protein synthesis. This leads to cell death.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested measure of Efudex is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Actinic Keratosis, Verruca (Warts) and non-immunocompromised. The quantity of dosage shifts, as indicated by the technique of administration (e.g. Solution - Topical or Injection, solution) shown in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Colon Cancer
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Stomach Cancer
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Pancreatic Cancer
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Actinic keratosis
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Actinic Keratosis
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Breast Cancer
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Rectal Cancer
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Verruca (Warts)
, 50.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.04 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 5.0 %, 1.0 %, 0.5 %, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 4.0 %, 100.0 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution, Solution - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Kit, Injection, Injection - Intravenous
Warnings
Efudex ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Efudex Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Fluorouracil is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Fluorouracil is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Fluorouracil is combined with Abetimus.
Acenocoumarol
Major
The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Fluorouracil.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Fluorouracil is combined with Acteoside.
Efudex Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of this drug in mice has been found to be 230mg/kg when taken orally.
Efudex Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Efudex?
1138 active clinical trials are presently being conducted to assess the potential of Efudex for the management of Stomach Cancer, Colon Cancer and Rectal Cancer.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Breast Cancer
712 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Colon Cancer
66 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Pancreatic Cancer
227 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Verruca (Warts)
0 Actively Recruiting
Actinic keratosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Actinic Keratosis
11 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1
Stomach Cancer
124 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Rectal Cancer
51 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Efudex Reviews: What are patients saying about Efudex?
5Patient Review
10/8/2019 I was apprehensive about this treatment after reading a lot of negative reviews online. I'm glad I didn't let that dissuade me, because it was actually really easy to use and very effective.
5Patient Review
4/28/2022 This treatment is very effective, but it is also quite painful. I did my treatment by applying the cream to one arm twice a day for 21 days, and then repeating the process with the other arm. My skin became very red and swollen, and I had to use ice packs to help with the pain. I also took Benadryl at night to relieve the itching so that I could sleep. The results are worth it though; my skin is now baby-smooth, and all of my basal cell carcinomas are gone. During the healing phase, I used Aquafor ointment to help speed up the process
5Patient Review
7/21/2018 It's crucial to wash the area before using this cream. I found that it speeds up the process and helps with scabbing. Make sure you let the area dry completely before applying the cream.
4Patient Review
8/20/2019 My dermatologist has a different approach for his patients. Once a week for a month then twice a week for 5 months. Few side effects. I'll finish next week. Dr said none of his patients would use it the other way.
4Patient Review
5/23/2021 I experienced a quick reduction of redness, burning, and irritation. So much so that I had to stop after only seven days. My skin began peeling within ten days, but it was worth the temporary discomfort because my face has improved significantly.
3.3Patient Review
1/21/2020 I have found that every time I use Efudex, I feel mildly nauseated and my skin gets painfully dry. Doctors keep telling me that this isn't caused by the Efudex, but I'm not so sure.
3Patient Review
3/28/2022 I've been using the cream on my upper chest and neck for ten days now. I was expecting some redness and inflammation, but what I wasn't expecting was the watery diarrhea. It's not bloody, but it is very uncomfortable and has been going on for about eight days now. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them!
2Patient Review
11/21/2021 I would rather endure one hundred paper cuts than use this cream again. It was incredibly painful, burning, and caused my skin to bleed and stiffen.
Patient Q&A Section about efudex
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How long does Efudix take to heal?
"The healing process generally takes 1-2 months following the end of treatment. The skin around the treated area may briefly turn red, but should soon return to its normal coloration once treatment ceases."
Answered by AI
What does Efudex do to your skin?
"Fluorouracil is a medication used to treat pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths. It is classified as an anti-metabolite, which means it inhibits the growth of abnormal cells."
Answered by AI
Does Efudex damage healthy skin?
"The cream shouldn't do any damage to healthy skin. People should keep using it until there's a noticeable inflammatory response from the treated area, which is a good sign that the treatment is working, especially if there's some erosion in the case of pre-malignant conditions. If the treatment is causing severe discomfort, people can try using topical steroid cream to see if that helps."
Answered by AI
How long does it take for Efudix cream to work?
"After a few weeks, your skin will be red, crusty, and uncomfortable. This is what we want to happen. In some cases, it might take longer to get to this stage. The cream can then be stopped, to allow healing."
Answered by AI