Efudex User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• fro...
• November 19, 2009

For Keratosis "This is my second time around with Efudex. I swear by it for effectiveness. Side effects are bad: breaking out looks unsightly, itching makes you feel like you want to scratch off your skin. The best relief I have found is Tylenol for pain and Calendula Cream (Marigold Cream) for the relief of irritated skin. That's keeping me sane and I am on week 4 overall: 16 days using medication the remainder trying to overcome side effects. Good luck to everyone. I still have more to go..."

• Flo...
• January 20, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I am grateful for Efudex, although the treatment is quite difficult, because it is effective, comprehensive and empowering! Skin cancer surgeries are another kind of difficult I hope to avoid! I’ve used Efudex three times on my face...the first two weeks are the easiest, the second two are more challenging. Plan to stay at home week 4 and the first week of healing. If you are using around your mouth, it will be hard to comfortably eat and drink. Eat soft foods and use a straw. With supervision, my doctor directed me to use Efudex on my lips, which was the most challenging of all applications! Because lips are a more sensitive area, I only needed to apply for 7-10 days....I made it to 8 and could do no more. No doubt Efudex is challenging to use, but it beats multiple surgeries where hunks of your face are removed! I plan to use in the future where issues emerge....because the “bad” cancer causing cells will keep appearing. And, now I can do something when they do!"

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2009

"I am currently using Efudex for the second time. My first experience was 11 years ago. The issues were exactly as shared by many others. I was a mess! It is very mentally challenging to go through this, but I can assure you it is very much worth making the commitment to complete a full course of therapy. It was absolutely amazing how clear, smooth, and clean my face looked about a month after stopping treatment (I used a topical steroid afterwards). People actually thought I had some plastic surgery (face lift?). I am at it again, just having completed my first week. While I remain self-conscious about how bad I look, it bothers me much less because I know the outcome will be well worth it. Hang in there!"

• Sir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2020

For Skin Cancer "After completing my Efudex treatment, my skin seemed to get better, and then it turned out to get worse and worse, with red spots where I had applied the cream. My doctor could not understand why and prescribed me cortisone cream, which turned out to be much worse. Another doctor said I am cancer-free, but from now on, I have constantly broken capillaries on my face, and I am not able to do any inversions or put my head down. My skin is still irritated after 6 months since I stopped using Efudex. With very sensitive skin, you should be aware that this cream is not always the best option."

• coo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2016

For Actinic Keratosis "I was prescribed Efudex to treat various Actinic Keratoses on my forehead and balding front pate. Firstly, my overall rating is that the treatment is very effective, and I now have a beautiful forehead of smooth skin after 2 weeks and 2 days of treatment and 2 weeks of recovery post-treatment. It may be that my skin damage was mild. In any event, I found the process quite bearable. I applied the cream sparingly at night and in the morning, and there was little to see for 3 or 4 days, the skin then reddened and peeled/flaked - no ulceration or discharge. Although unsightly (looked like a bright rash), as a male, I was still happy to go out and socialize. I used my wife's hair colorant plastic protective gloves but still washed hands thoroughly after use. Happy."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "One of the most painful experiences of my entire life. I thought childbirth was the worst pain I ever experienced, but this pain is indescribable. I'm at 5 weeks now. Hope to come off soon. Just opening my mouth to try to eat is excruciating. My doctor never warned me about any of this, nor did he tell me I was going to look like a monster."

• Phi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "Male, 52, having had ongoing AK issues on the scalp and face, regularly frozen with dry ice over the past several years. Started using Efudex 2x daily on the scalp for the past 3 weeks; some mild irritation, but not at all problematic. After 2 weeks, crusty areas fell away (I did slightly agitate, which I know I shouldn't), and I will continue to use for another 1-2 weeks. So far, so good; material improvement in scalp and tenderness has subsided substantially. Now starting to try a small area on the forehead below the hairline, before doing the entire face... just to see if the reaction is very different, but this is just SO much better than having intermittent freezing. Will definitely do a second cycle on the scalp after a break. Highly recommend based on 3 weeks' usage. Will update further after using on the face. Thanks for all the other posts!"

• ETa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2019

For Skin Cancer "Used Efudex on my whole face 10 years ago. I think it was for 4 weeks. Week 2 the redness turned into lesions on my whole face, especially my left side (driver's side). Hurt like hell. I play poker sometimes at a casino. I didn't have to look at me so my appearance wasn't my problem. After the lesions healed, my face was as smooth as a baby's butt. A couple of the players were surprised I was still alive because I looked like I had full-blown AIDS. I recommend it as I had no idea my face was such a mess. It is an ordeal. Using it on my ear now, started 6 weeks ago and in the last few days. Fingers crossed. Not pleasant but hopefully I can avoid surgery and plastic surgery."

• JMe...
• January 18, 2020

For Skin Cancer "Two weeks after Efudex, my skin looked incredible - soft, and everyone asked if I got a peel! One day later, on day 15, there were burn abrasions, raised cuts, and I went to my scheduled two-week check-in with the doctor. She said it’s “working beautifully” and to continue for two more weeks. During week 3, I had small “cuts” all over my face where I applied the cream twice a day. Small scabby cuts also appeared on my scalp and chest, even though I didn’t apply the medication there. The doctor said that was strange, but I read in the leaflet that it’s plausible. I had a horrible taste in my mouth and felt sick to my stomach within 20 minutes of applying it. I’m in horrible pain, look awful, and have two more weeks to go. I had SCC with two Mohs surgeries and then reconstruction of my nose and head earlier last year. I'm 47 years old and grew up in California sun. Hope this prevents future SCC."

• Iso...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I am 70, with chestnut hair, fair skin, and blue eyes. My doctor diagnosed actinic keratosis on a small lesion on my face. He recommended Efudix twice a day for 3 weeks. I used a cotton bud to apply the cream as it seemed easier to apply it thinly that way than with my finger. During the first two weeks, the lesion started to become red and enlarged slightly. Towards the end of the second and throughout the third week, yellowy crusts started to form and the lesion felt tender and raw. If I went out in the sun, I put a small plaster over it for protection. After the treatment, a scab formed over the whole area that took two weeks to fall off. Then new skin appeared, and I have been applying Calendula to aid the recovery. I am left with a pink streak, which hopefully will fade with time. Until then, I will use 'hide the blemish' make-up, which I would think a man could also use, if need be. Overall, very pleased with the result."

• Boa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Ten years ago, I used Aldara over my whole face. 20 minutes of pain after each application and a violent reaction after nine days. My face looked as though I had been in a bad fire and scared the kids at school. It did heal, and I looked 10 years younger. I have just finished three weeks on Efudex and three weeks healing. My skin looks like the proverbial baby's bottom, and I am very happy with the results. This time, I treated my whole face, ears, and parts of my neck. Applying the Efudex was less painful than the Aldara, even a little bit soothing. It was hard to sleep with sore ears. Tried all kinds of moisturizers, and they caused stinging for five to ten minutes. I used Vaseline two to three times daily, and it was by far the most satisfactory. Very pleased with the results. Also treated both arms at the same time. Used three tubes of Efudex in this session. Always worked outside and did lots of boating. I am 76 years young now after this treatment."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I am on day 15 of the Efudex cream. I was terrified to start. I was actually prescribed the cream two other times and chickened out due to the photos that I had seen on YouTube. I am doing very well so far. It is super tight and red around my mouth, very hard to smile. I have spots all over my forehead and a few on my cheeks. It’s always a shock to see my face in the mirror. But without looking at myself, it feels like I put on one of those peel-off face masks, just tight. So far, I sleep just fine. I don’t, however, use Vaseline, I use calendula, which is for burns and has worked well. I have also used makeup when I had to go out in public. It is definitely convenient being in lockdown because everyone is wearing a mask, so it hides my super red chin. I have 6 more days of cream, I am taking this one day at a time. The only side effect so far that I have had is that on two different days, I felt extremely tired."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2009

For Keratosis "I tried the Traumeel another user suggested. It did nothing to help with the pain. The only relief I have found so far is Tylenol, Extra Strength, and Aquaphor once everything has been pulled to the surface. Of course, keeping the affected areas uncovered is a huge help. I sleep on a beach towel over my sheets so the shedding and peeling are 'contained'. It's the only way I don't itch throughout the night, and even if I do, the roughness of the towel helps to get it off the skin. Hope this helps."

• sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2015

For Keratosis "Had a very adverse reaction after 8 days of applying cream to the chest. Ended up with severe open skin wounds and needed antibiotics, lidocaine gel, Silvadene cream, prednisone, oxycodone, altrax, and Ambien to sleep. It was so painful."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I had a very tiny split on the side of my nose that wouldn’t heal. It was BCC. It was surgically removed. One of the most horrible experiences, emotionally. I used Efudex a year ago for a spot that appeared on my chest. It worked well, although painful and itchy. I am now using it on my forehead, nose, and upper lip area. I was shocked at how many spots appeared! Extremely painful when touched, but otherwise just a little itchy on occasion. I am grateful for all the comments here... it gives me courage to keep going. Week 2..."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I am using Efudex, and the spots were getting raised and crusty as expected, but then it got damp in the shower and came off with a bit of bleeding. It has settled down now. But I was worried if this has set back the process. I would appreciate your comments."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2018

For Keratosis "I have been using Efudex now for two weeks. I have been putting my regular moisturizer on every day, and my skin stays soft. I use pure shea butter. I am having a little itching, but it's not bad. I thought users might try shea butter to help keep the area moist."

• Jof...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2019

For Keratosis "Treatment with Efudex on both arms for keratosis caused damage, had a bad reaction creating an auto-immunity situation; still being treated by a dermatologist after 12 months. Itching unbearable on arms, bleeding after scratching and left with a watery mess. Relief from ice packs helps and then moisturizing. Treatment from Prednisolone, Cyclosporin lasts for a few weeks and then I break out again. Been around this way 6 times now! Efudex: seek all the info you can before treatment."

• Phi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2017

For Skin Cancer "At 65 years old and a lifetime in the sun and numerous treatments including surgery, cryotherapy, etc., the doctor said I would have to use Efudex on my whole face as I had untold AKs plus Bowen's Disease. I was told it was a 'brutal' treatment. He was right. All I can say is that this treatment was the most painful experience of my life. By week two, I was in agony but forced myself to continue with the three-week treatment. A word of warning: under no circumstances get this stuff on your genitals. I did, and it was agonizing. The pain was so intense it sent me into depression for 3 months. Results were excellent, however, I have no regrets."

• Rud...
• December 20, 2019

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I was prescribed this cream to treat BCC on my nose. I had a red spot with suspected basal cell carcinoma. My dermatologist wanted me to treat my entire nose to get any spots that hadn't emerged yet. I put it on twice daily for two weeks. It took about a week for anything to happen, but then the spot turned red. Soon my entire nose turned pink. At day 14, my nose was red, with purple areas, blisters, and depressions. I had to put Vaseline on it to tolerate the pain. It felt like someone had burned my face with a hot iron. The skin was pulled taut, and I was afraid of scarring. It has been 8 weeks since the application stopped. It is still a little pink. Unfortunately, it did not get my spot, it is not superficial enough. The cream's redness lasts longer for me than I anticipated. It was an 8-week process for me, and I still have a pink nose. Hope it isn't permanent."

• whe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I was prescribed Efudex for basal carcinoma on my leg. Used twice a day for 3 weeks. Excellent result. Now 6 weeks on and just left with a red area which I assume will fade with time. I was also told to treat AK on my face, used cream once a day for 4 weeks (stopped 3 days short). As with other comments made, I was not informed by the doctor that I would look absolutely monstrous. Immediate reddening of the entire face, followed by scabbing. Still at the scabbing stage. I could get a part in a horror movie. The cream seemed to migrate towards my eyes where I had not applied it. Would I have used Efudix if I had known what I would look like - probably wouldn’t have had the courage as people stare when I am out and about. Determined to continue with my life as normal. Think it’s better than it turning into cancer at a later stage. I await the results with bated breath, although I think this may be many months away."

• Zak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2017

For Keratosis "I have applied it for three weeks, once a day. I increased it to twice this last week. My face is quite red and sore, and I am amazed at how many spots have come out. I will continue for a few more days. This site has encouraged me. I wasn't sure whether to keep going."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2009

For Keratosis "I ended up in the hospital with a very serious allergic reaction to Efudex. Started with nausea and diarrhea, went into hives, swelling in my lips, mouth, all over my body. I have been out of the hospital for a week, my voice is still hoarse, I still have a rash, not feeling well at all. I'm on Prednisone to counteract the allergic reaction."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I chose to apply my treatment over 2 periods separated by 6 months. Half of the face and right arm this time and in 6 months will do the other half. 53 years old, Scottish descent, growing up in Queensland, Australia. Too late to chip my parents about that. Skin: Fitzpatrick Type 1. I had a good (severe) reaction within 3 days, applying three times per day against the advice of 2 times per day. Within 1 week, yellowish crusting, weeping, etc. kept it up for two weeks in total, then stopped and another 2 weeks to recover. Good result. Pain intense, and I was fortunate enough to have a GP that prescribed some decent painkillers and a mild sedative (5 mg Diazepam) to help me get through the night. Tried to persevere without the drugs, but they proved to be a godsend. Would recommend to do this treatment in Winter and off work or working from home. (Trivial note: started treatment at the same time as working from home due to Covid-19)"

• Din...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I am on my 18th day of using Efudex. I am only using it on the tip of my nose. This morning, a horrible crusty scab of blistering came off, and it is now red and raw. I am still using it as I was told to stop on day 21. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow to see how things are going and whether I should carry on for longer. No pain, just a sort of tingling, and I look like Rudolph the Reindeer, but coping fine. Sleep well and no real side effects."