Efudex User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2018

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Just got done using this for a superficial basal cell on my nose. Week 1 wasn't bad, just a little redness and irritation at the end. By the end of week 2, it was red and very itchy. I can't say it was ever very 'painful,' just uncomfortable and irritated. It has felt like something crawling across my face/nose since the end of week 2, and itchy. Lots of trouble getting to sleep because of this. 2 weeks once a day, 3 weeks twice a day. It's still red and very itchy, and I'm told it will be for another week or two. Now I wait for follow-up."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2021

For Actinic Keratosis "I was prescribed Efudex for a spot on my cheek that refused to heal and would crack and bleed if stretching the skin to wash or apply makeup. I have fair skin. I was told it was pre-cancerous. Applied the cream as directed, but after two weeks of treatment, I started to become increasingly unwell, and by the end of 28 days, I had horrible gastric and bowel symptoms. I even had a test to make sure that I was not missing DPD, as I was so badly affected even two weeks after stopping treatment. I recovered, thankfully, and the spot on my cheek healed well, but I wouldn't go through it again. I'd opt for cryosurgery or surgery even if it left a small scar. This cream is seriously toxic to pets, incidentally, so please be very careful with it."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2022

For Skin Cancer "Have attempted this 4 times now and always get a systemic reaction immediately. This made me so ill, even though I was only using a small amount for a very small area on my face. Sickness, flu-like symptoms, pounding headache, fever, hair loss, and bedbound. I usually make it to day 18. The dermatologist has advised me to stop using this because of the severe systemic reaction. I can put up with the redness and blistering, no problem. I would much rather have surgical excision than this cream. For actinic keratosis, I just have cryosurgery. Tried Solareze recently for three months, but had no localized reaction, it just made me wheezy."

• BJ0...
• February 5, 2014

For Skin Cancer "I'm treating slightly raised warts which only partially respond to tea tree oil, EGCG cream, tazarotene, and many herbal ointments containing thuja plus etc. essential oils. To those wanting to use Efudex, there are articles stating 1% /0.5% are better tolerated compared with 5%. But Carac is magnitude more expensive. I guess the lower % is less irritating as normal cells are not absorbing as much. If you have deep growth, 5FU may cause significant inflammation/edema that may be excruciatingly painful. I found using oral Serrapeptase 120k Ux2 (empty stomach) helps a lot in terms of managing inflammation and pain. It seems the warts are responding dramatically."

• Eda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "Was told to use Efudex 5% 2x a day for 2 or 3 weeks, but pain would not let me do that. Used it for only 4 days and had a serious reaction to it. Had raised redness over 3/4 of my face, like welts. Had stinging and pain at 4 days, and the doctor said that 4 days was enough. Unusually fast reaction. Now I want to see how long it will take to get back to normal. Today is day 5. My sister and brother-in-law have also used it with good results."

• Joj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I had a small lump removed from below my lip and was prescribed Efudex to be applied twice a day for four weeks. I have just finished that time, so I don't know how effective it has been. I had no reaction for 9 days, then my lip became very swollen and weepy, cracked in the corner. My GP suggested that I put Vaseline around the spot before applying the cream, and that helped the lips considerably. I changed to paw-paw cream, which seemed to help. Now it is six days since I stopped applying the cream, and I still have what looks like a large cold sore, as well as the red crustiness under my nose, which started only when I stopped the Efudex. I am hoping this may go soon. I am not sure whether to put anything on them or not."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2021

For Keratosis "I’m a 73-year-old throat cancer survivor who never wore a hat or sunscreen but loved the beach and golf. I’m paying for that now after just finishing three weeks of Efudex to whole face. It was tough getting through radiation/chemo with tonsil cancer, and this is short of that discomfort but nevertheless challenging with the itching, burning, and soreness. Hiding under a hat and mask means I can go out without scaring the children. The biggest problem has been finding relief as the flaking and scabbing picks up speed in the week after treatment. I tried all of the recommended solutions I found on the net, but none really helped me enough to sleep more than an hour or two at a time. In desperation, I went to an Amcal chemist and asked for some Famigel, which I know works with burning from cancer treatments. He didn’t have any, but the pharmacist recommended a cooling, soothing, hydrating gel called Solosite. It worked, and I am so, so happy now."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "Was prescribed Efudix by the NHS to treat incorrectly diagnosed psoriasis (they thought it was Actinic Keratosis because I have AC on my arms/hands from growing up in a hot country) on my ankle. Used the cream for roughly 6 weeks in 2018 and stopped using the cream after the 6 weeks. Developed a case of discoid eczema which originated from the psoriasis spot and I've had it now for a year. Have to apply Epimax cream twice a day to contain the eczema, which is incredibly/unbearably itchy and causes red welts to appear on my legs below and on the knees. If you have a choice, I would not use Efudix."

• Sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I have BCC on my upper arm and SCC on my upper left hand. Unfortunately, after 6 weeks of treatment twice a day, the cream didn't work. So disappointed, and I'm now scheduled to have both surgically removed."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2021

For Keratosis "Have used before under the nose with good results - this time used all over the face for three weeks, dabbing on face twice a day as advised by doc - but not on forehead - first week not bad - second week really sore and painful - third week nearly unbearable, looked like a monster from the deep, face covered in scabs and peeling skin, so, so painful to touch, a few sleepless nights - rinsing face with lukewarm water was like putting acid on my face - now, three weeks after treatment and using a mild steroid cream to help healing, boy, was it worth it - told by my friends how it actually made my skin look younger and still getting better by the day. So stick with it, no pain, no gain in this case, never more true - just using good old E45 moisturizer to retain my new looks."

• Ben...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2023

For Skin Cancer "I have lived outdoors most of my life, helping on our farm as a youth and just being exposed to too much sun as an adult. As I reached my 60s, I began to see areas of my face that would become crusty and flake. When skin cancer screening came to my site of work, I was told that there were some areas in which I should get checked out by a dermatologist, and so I did. These areas were immediately recognized (and verified by biopsy) as being basal cell and one squamous cell carcinoma. After going through about five surgeries (over several years), I asked about any other way to catch and destroy this cancer before it came to the surface. That is when my doctor prescribed Efudex 5%. I used Aquaphor one hour after application to help calm the skin. After the 17 days of use, it healed nicely. Now, nearly two years after use, my skin is very soft and never peels or flakes like before. I have no hesitation as I head into round two, nearly two years after first usage."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2015

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am just about to start treatment for superficial BCC on my hands, feet, legs, and nose. Obviously, from all I have read, I am going to do it in stages. I am having to plan this around a conference, my children's exams, and prom dance! I know that it is going to get really painful. Has anyone done their hands or feet or both at the same time? I am doing a test patch on my arms at the moment to see how my skin reacts-on the advice of my doctor. Some guidance would be much appreciated."

• Tan...
• January 28, 2021

For Keratosis "Started Efudex on nose, lips, chin 3 weeks ago. Very red areas, ulcerated, pus, very painful. I had few instructions from derm or pharma. So, googled it. Seeing derm tomorrow. I was meant to do this for two weeks, twice a day, then two weeks, once a day. That's for center nose, lips, chin, as had SCC lip and excision 3x5cm. After this area, I do the same on one cheek, then other cheek, then forehead. Not all at once due to the danger of anaphylaxis. On the nose, it is a small area, very red, etc. Lip lower, all along and below, itchy, painful. Will post how it goes in a few weeks."

• Pip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2021

For Actinic Keratosis "After my 11th basal cell carcinoma, my dermatologist found some actinic keratosis on my nose and above my upper lip. I have been using fluorouracil for seven days. Today is the first day the redness has really appeared, especially above my upper lip. My skin is starting to itch and burn, mild right now. I am supposed to apply once daily for two weeks, then take 2 to 3 weeks off, and apply again daily for two weeks. I had one basal cell carcinoma on my lower leg two years ago. I used the Aldara cream on that and did not like it at all. I had systemic side effects and burning, painful skin for 23 weeks. I am hoping this experience with fluorouracil will be better."

• Sab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2024

For Actinic Keratosis "I've been using Efudex on my nose every morning as prescribed for 25 days now, and thankfully only a few more left to go. I decided to use castor oil on it at night to help heal the wound, and I really think it has worked. I use castor oil on everything as it really helps heal things quicker, and I believe this is what has saved me from experiencing the red hot burning sensations that others have gone through. I did stop for a couple of nights on day 19, and two days later, my nose was red raw and starting to look dreadful, so once again, I used my castor oil, and by the following morning, it was less red and itching, and the very mild burning sensation was gone. I can't imagine that the oil would counteract the cream, but I guess time will tell. I just didn't want to go through what everyone else on here went through! I shall report back to see if it has really worked."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2021

For Actinic Keratosis "The reviews posted are really helpful as I am two weeks into a 4-week course, and the effects of the cream were giving me concern. But looking at other people's experience, I am much relieved and will now see the course through. As with others, by applying the cream, it has exposed more damaged areas of my face I wasn’t aware of. Two weeks into the application, all areas are red blotches, some of which are ulcerated and very painful. At night, I’m having to have the electric fan directed at my face for a cooling effect as it’s on fire. With broken sleep and the pain, it’s hard going, but having read the reviews, it seems it is normal, so I will stick it out."

• Tyo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2022

For Actinic Keratosis "I had zero unpleasantness. I am in week 4, prescription was to use once a day for three weeks, break, then another 3. The second week in, I started twice a day on hands, arms, and nose. Side of my face did not look good, maybe headache first week. But no pain. Back of the hand slowly working. Will stop, then wait 3 weeks and go again. No pain or side effects."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2024

For Actinic Keratosis "I am a 63-year-old female who was prescribed this for precancer on my face. My dermatologist didn't explain a thing, told me to use it for 30 days, take 30 days off, and repeat until my face didn't have any more bumps or dry patches. Thank goodness for my pharmacist! He explained what was going to happen and sent me to a few websites. This is the 3rd month on the cream and by far the most painful reactions. Within 7 days, I had crusted red spots, it has seeped onto my lips, making everything hard: talking, eating, brushing my teeth. I have worked through it all. Thankful that my co-workers are social workers and between them and my husband, family, and friends, I have a great support team. Today is day 25, and I am quitting early this time. When I came home, I started to shake, I am so cold, and my throat hurts, either new symptoms or I am catching a cold, either way, blowing my nose can't be done without tears. It is March, I will see how my face is in the fall, after camping season."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2021

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "My partner and I started applying Efudix at the same time. Me on my nose and forehead, he on the back of his neck. We've both used it before on specific lesions and had good results. He started showing red spots within 5 days. I had to wait 10 days before anything showed up, and I've taken photos of our journey together! His skin is far more reactive (skin damaged?) than mine, and after 3 weeks the back of his neck is a red, sore mass with oozing parts. Time for him to stop treatment and move to recovery. I've applied Efudix to the odd BCC on his back, and his skin has responded well and cleared up beautifully. I'm interested to see how the larger area of his neck will respond. Me, I'm still going. Some areas have reached the erosion stage and are itchy, while a couple of new red spots have just emerged. Looks like I'll be applying for another week until they scab over. Looking forward to the new skin!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2022

For Actinic Keratosis "I am using Efudex on my chest. I thought I had 5/6 spots diagnosed, but after being told to use Efudex cream again, my chest is now covered in far more than I thought. They are very itchy red spots. It drives me crazy at night, but I’m determined to stick it out. I’m almost at the end of my twice-a-day treatment for 3 weeks. I can see they are drying up now too. I’ve used the cream once before when I had just one or two keratosis, so I know it works. Don’t be put off by how awful it looks. If it goes very red and itchy, that shows it’s working, just be patient. It should be worth it."

• kh7...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2024

For Skin Cancer "The best thing ever. Minimal to no pain (I didn't even need aspirin). Great reaction. I can't understand why doctors would want to sit and watch things when they have this in their arsenal. It is unsightly, but so is a lesion eating away at your face."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2022

For Actinic Keratosis "As expected, this treatment is horrendous. Week 1 was not too bad. Week 2 was extremely difficult, lack of sleep, etc. Week 3, truly awful! Extreme pain, care must be taken when showering. I used lukewarm water on my face, I found this helped, but then the skin went tight. After applying Efudix, I waited an hour or so before applying a moisturizer (Nivea for Men Sensitive, alcohol-free). Sleep is extremely difficult due to the terrible itch - scratch - itch! Week 4. I had to stop using Efudix! Swollen face, half-closed eyes, however, it has definitely worked, with blistering, weeping, and peeling beginning. Because of the swelling around my eyes, I rang my doctor, and we agreed to cease any further application, as Efudix has done the job! I am now experiencing bouts of severe itching - tried all sorts of lotions and potions, but alas, no relief. Nivea seems to give a little relief. I've read you often feel worse when you stop using Efudix, and it's true!"

• Low...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2022

For Keratosis "At 75 years of age, had eczema all my life, then developed skin cancer on my arms, chest, back, and neck. I done a full treatment on both arms at separate times, went through a lot of pain, took 6 weeks to slowly clear up, then started to look great, so pleased, then noticed it coming back slowly, a lump here and there. Now the arm looks bad again, but took 6 months, so disappointed. Don't know what to do now, and I am so emotional. Thank you."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2021

For Actinic Keratosis "I'm using Efudex on my forehead - the second time that I have been asked to treat this area for AK - although previously I was prescribed a stronger lotion that had a more sudden reaction. Anyway, I am now in week 3. My forehead feels very tight and hot (some discomfort sleeping), and yes, it feels sore and looks awful with very red blotches. What is surprising is the patches being worked on are lower on my forehead than I anticipated - I had felt the sun damage areas higher up on a receding hairline but not these just above and to the sides of my eyebrows. Yes, it is painful and looks horrid (but shows that it's working), but I've invested in a flat cap to hide at least some of the horrors. I also volunteer at a cancer charity, so I know that staff and probably customers too will be understanding whilst treatment is ongoing. I encourage everyone to try to keep going and to stay the course, but of course to speak with your GP or the skin clinic if you are finding it very hard. Take care, folks!"

• Aus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2021

For Actinic Keratosis "Used Efudix full face treatment for AK and Bowen's disease. Twice daily for three weeks. I was one who suffered severe reaction. From week two, I suffered intolerable pain for three weeks. My face was a total mess of raw flesh. Sleeping was impossible. Pillow and sheets stained with body fluids seeping from my face. Sent me into a depression for three months. Worst experience of my life. Having said that, the results were fantastic. Baby smooth, blemish-free skin [age 70]. I am glad I persevered, BUT I recommend the following: Do not do the whole face at once. Break it up into halves, which reduces pain and makes sleeping easier. That pillow really hurts. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, etc., as believe me, you will suffer! Put only a thin film on, as that's all you need. If the doctor states to use it for three weeks but you start to ulcerate and erode at two weeks, then stop because you're done. Don't extend the agony. Mine is the worst-case scenario. Your experience may vary. Good luck."