Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Spo...
• April 20, 2020

"I was never told the clinical name of my condition. Only told 'precancerous.' On my face. I wanted to post because I see so many scary stories here, and so far my story is not scary at all. Just completed the prescribed 2 weeks of fluorouracil treatment. The first dermatologist I saw was a bit vague about where to put it. 'Cheeks and sides of nose.' She said unneeded areas would not be affected. When I called back to check, another dermatologist said, 'No, just on the visible spots.' But I'm kind of glad I first put it all over because it revealed a lot of spots I was totally unaware of. No pain, only some slight tingling and itchiness. Totally manageable! Some areas have developed minor scabbing, others just peeling a bit. I'm kind of wondering if I've done enough? Will check in with the doc to see."

• Jad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2015

"I'm into week three of six of Effudex all over my chest after living in the tropics for 45 years. I have been told to use it on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening before bed. By Saturday, it is so painful and itchy, but quietens down Sunday and Monday until I have to start again. I can't imagine what it must be like using it twice a day for six weeks. I'm using Aloe Vera in the mornings, which calms the itching. Now I am getting scabs and dry skin and having a hard time keeping my fingers away from picking at it. Last time I used it daily on a patch on my face and was left with a red patch for nearly two years. I'm wondering whether some of you are suffering unnecessarily from Effudex being overprescribed. I live in the UK and don't have to pay much."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2018

Fluorouracil topical "I've been using fluorouracil for 10 days. After the 1st application to my entire face, I started to see red spots, and lots of them! I'm using the 4% cream. There is very mild itching. My doctor said to use 1x per week for 4 weeks at night, and it's okay to apply moisturizer topped with zinc oxide sunscreen in the morning after washing my face. I don't expect to have problems with this med. I'm a redhead with fair skin."

• afo...
• January 15, 2018

Fluorouracil topical "I wish I had done my homework before using this medicine. I feel my dermatologist withheld the following key info from me: 1) Carac is topical chemotherapy 2) AK has less than 10% chance of ever becoming squamous cell cancer 3) Death from squamous cell cancer is extremely rare. Had I known those 3 things, I would have never used Carac. I had a terrible reaction from Carac. On Day 3, I became violently ill with vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and chills. I called the derm, and she said to stop using it until my symptoms subsided and then start again. I stopped for 3 days and then resumed. All of the side effects came roaring back. A year later, I still suffer from chronic diarrhea. This medication is way over-prescribed."

• Bka...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2016

"Definitely identified and treated multiple precancerous lesions on my face. Downside was a cold sore at the corner of my mouth and extremely irritated and burning lower lip even though the medicine was never applied to the mouth area."

• Big...
• May 29, 2016

"Used Efudex for 3 weeks per derm's direction. Derm said Efudex was the 'gold standard' and would leave normal skin untouched. I have very fair, thin skin and was left with a second-degree burn, permanently reddened wherever cream was applied and acquired rosacea from the new network of blood vessels."

• Goh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2020

"I applied fluorouracil to my entire face for 4 weeks (28 days) from mid-March to mid-April. It had caused several permanent hypopigmentation (white) spots on my forehead where cryotherapy was performed last year by my dermatologist to treat actinic keratosis. It has also caused severe inflammation and redness on my cheeks since I stopped taking it over 3 months ago. I now suffer from severe anxiety, stress, and depression. I think really dark thoughts every day. I wish that I had never heard of this medicine."

• Dr ...
• June 4, 2020

"I was prescribed fluorouracil in Dec 2019, 2x/day for 30 days. White male, medium skin tone. 48 and lived in AZ a few years and 20 years in SoCal. Never used sunscreen - ever. Started using on chest, arm, and both temples and a small cheek spot - turned bright red after a week. I’m now 20 days in, and the problematic spots have turned brown and are finally peeling. Waaaay more damage than me of the derms thought. Been putting Vaseline on for a week now, which helps. My face looks better when I wake up, but dry and patchy. Super, super bright red in the areas with no damage, so I’m stopping tonight after 21 days. 30 days seems aggressive, esp considering everyone else’s treatment plans listed here. Very glad I didn’t do my whole face at once, but my prior small patch face test results were stellar."

• Red...
• January 14, 2020

"Been doing blue light 2 times a year 30 days apart for years. I have a little of everything: precancerous AK, BC, SC. A couple areas didn't seem to diminish pink discoloration on spots, ones on my jawline, and an AK on my eyebrow. So now trying this 2 times a day for 2 weeks. That little area on my jaw spread. I could see specifically if branching out to specific areas each day like a river. Now it has increased to very obvious damages. I'm treating more and more each day. I did stop after 14 days in the original locations and kept up the newer areas a bit longer. I'm glad to use it, feel in control. Never would have known how bad it was without this cream. In the 1st week of healing and it is painful and ugly. Ice packs at night, aspirin, Aspercreme with lidocaine and Vaseline. Luckily to have these weeks off over the holidays, housebound with a sprained ankle. Wear makeup only when I have to be seen. Will probably go to more areas on my face another time and chest. I'll check back when healed."

• Eas...
• February 5, 2020

"Can someone tell me, are the results from the cream similar to the blue light therapy? I've had blue light several times, and yes, it's painful, but works for a year or so. Anyone that's had both, if so, please share your experience with us. Due to business... I really don't need the down time. Thanks in advance."

• Han...
• April 10, 2020

"I put off using fluorouracil for about a year (upcoming social engagements/photo shoots and memories of previous experience) and finally took the plunge. It's a big commitment. You'll be out of commission for a while due to disfigured appearance/pain. Take it day by day and tell yourself that everything will work out. I found reading about other people's experiences was helpful and supportive. You are not alone with your suffering. I did the prescribed 2x/day for 21 days and am currently in day 2 of recovery. My experience was similar to many others who shared their own experiences: first few days calm before the storm. Day 5-8 facial discoloration. Day 9 to 21 disfigured with intense pain. Terrible lack of sleep. Painful talking and eating. Definitely blot dry after showering. No shaving yet. Still could place well in Halloween contest. Taking one day at a time. Staying out of the sun. Hang in there to those currently undergoing treatment and especially to those facing the therapy."

• Too...
• March 27, 2020

"After five years of refusing to use Efudex, I agreed to since I was working from home due to the COVID-19 crisis and would be at least through August. At the time of this message, I have concluded my tenth day of Efudex, and it’s a miserable and very painful experience. My lips are swollen and blistered, and my face is spotted with dark red and purplish spots where the precancerous tissues reside; many are beginning to crust, weep, and peel, while my lips are a complete mess, making it difficult to smile, drink, and eat. Swelling has spread to the tissues around my eyes as well. In a phone call, my dermatologist said to stop putting Efudex on my lips and allow them to heal (I forgot to mention the swollen skin around my eyes). I’m debating whether or not to continue the rest of the treatment or maybe just apply it to the suspect areas that are very easy to see. While I don’t want to go through another MOHS or other surgery, I also don’t want to use Efudex ever again."

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

Fluorouracil topical "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."

• Pal...
• May 12, 2020

"I used fluorouracil cream for the first time in 2018 for AK spots on my face. I applied a.m. and p.m. for 1 week. By the last day, my face burnt so bad I would almost cry when washing my face. I had more spots than I thought. I was told the cream would only affect areas that needed treatment, and I agree. The main spot I was treating didn’t completely go away, so the dermatologist told me to apply again this past December (2019). I was dreading it, and the dermatologist said the second treatment wouldn’t be as bad. I didn’t get as red or flaky, and the pain was pretty much nonexistent (except for the areas that I didn’t really get the first time). So, if you have to treat the same area again, it’s not going to be as bad as the first time. I have never really tanned, even though I tried really hard... grew up without sunscreen, slathered baby oil and iodine on, and used tanning beds for years after they first came out. Only in my 20s did I realize I needed to use sunscreen because I hated being burnt."

• Dic...
• February 3, 2017

"This is the fourth or fifth time I've used Fluorouracil in the past thirty years or so. I'm sixty-four, have spent a lot of time in the sun, with a lot of exposure on my arms and face. I started at age 35, the first time on my face, and went back three more times over the next twenty years, strictly on my face, ears, and back of hands. The first time, I freaked out after a couple of weeks. But after the four-week treatment, it peeled off and my skin underneath came in baby-butt smooth. I'm doing my arms now (hint: always do this in the depths of winter), but my arms were really damaged, and it's been almost five weeks now. I look like I survived Chernobyl, and long sleeve shirts hide it. I really recommend this for a widespread treatment."

• 42p...
• April 3, 2018

"FYI: Efudex is fluorouracil. It was discovered in the 1950s by a fellow that noticed liver cancer cells took it up readily. It works by not allowing a cell to replicate (divide). A cancer cell that cannot replicate dies. Yes, it does affect regular skin cells too, but cancer replicates much faster, so most skin cells are not affected, but the cancer cells are. I've used it on three BCCs, the common skin cancer. It works well. When treating one on my forearm, I'll do the whole arm. I've used 5% cream, a little goes a long way. A 20-gram tube will do my whole forearm over 40 days. It did not do much the first week, but by week 3, the cancer area had a scab and was getting smaller. By week 2, small 'other' areas lit up (turned red), which are probably actinic keratoses. I'd rate the reaction as mild and really not a bother at all. In fact, the carcinoma 'itched' terribly, and the Efudex/5FU stopped the itch. I have seen photos of pretty nasty reactions on the scalp and face."

• For...
• November 26, 2020

"I'm a Caucasian, blue-eyed, 74-year-old woman. I live in CA, at 3,500 ft. elev. A lot of my youth (pre-sunscreens) in San Diego, CA at the beach-lots of sunburns! I lived in New Mexico at 5,414 ft. elev. for 20 yrs. I asked for this cream because of a couple of spots on my forehead that wouldn't heal. I've been using the cream for about 3 weeks-at first, to the areas I suspected were a problem. Skin is warm, so when the cream is applied, it softens and seeps into other areas. A few surprises developed. I now have a 'T' from across the top of my eyebrows, down both sides of my nose, to my chin-a spot on my bottom lip (I was a smoker). I apply the cream 2x a day. Afterward, the pain is very intense for about 15-20 minutes, then it stops. 2-3 hours before each application, my face will start to itch and become uncomfortable. Last night-NO PAIN! It may take longer than I thought-but it's nearly winter, so the best time to tackle this problem. My Covid-19 mask helps conceal most of the redness."

• Tim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2019

"I just completed a fluorouracil 14-day/2x per day treatment on my forehead for actinic keratosis. Progressive reaction during this and three previous treatments in the past 15 years have been consistent and typical: redness, dry crustiness, mild discomfort in the last few days. End results a month after treatment have been good: smooth, normal color skin. I’ve never experienced side effects until now. On the first day after treatment, swelling began in both eyelids and in the area below both eyes. On the second day, today, swelling is less in lids but severe below one eye. I thought the ointment may have gotten in my eyes via my bed pillow. My dermatologist says probably not and that swelling will resolve over the recovery period. I hope he is correct."

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

Fluorouracil topical "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."

• Eda...
• April 27, 2020

"I used fluorouracil 8 years ago on the left side of my face only. It worked well, and nothing has returned since then. I did notice my skin color there turned a lighter shade, but really only noticeable to me. Over the years, I’ve used it sparingly on certain little spots on my forehead. I didn’t want to do the whole thing because I had to be in public and didn’t want to look like a monster. My derm recommended Picato cream because it was a 3-day dosage. I used it but can honestly say it doesn’t work as well as fluoro. I even had some brown sun spots remain after using it. Since I’m now working from home with the COVID crisis and not seeing anyone, I decided to go all in and do the remainder of my face with fluoro. I’m day 9 and doing alright. I’ve been taking Advil and using some Aquaphor, which helps. I’m not doing my lips or chin since I’ve never had issues there. I’m only going to do 5 more days...14 total. I’ll report back after my skin heals."

• Gus...
• November 3, 2017

Fluorouracil topical "I am in the middle of a Carac cream treatment (2 weeks of twice a day, then 2 weeks off, then 2 more weeks of treatment). This is my 4th time using the cream (face, chest) over the years. The results will be good, but the treatment can be challenging. Here is what I have found to be helpful: ice packs make all the difference for me. Whenever I feel the itch coming on, I grab ice and leave it on the area until the itch subsides. Also, triamcinolone cream really helps. My doctor prefers the ointment, but I find it difficult to remove. The cream goes on easily, helps with the itch and the healing. On the worst days, I took a prescription pain pill, which saved me. My doctor recommended it."

• Blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2018

Fluorouracil topical "Used this once daily for two weeks on my cheek. After the last day, I was out in December sun for approximately an hour in LA, with sunscreen. However, days later, I developed swelling and then large blisters, which healed with large scabs. Thankfully, when they fell off, I was left with only red skin, with a few blood spots under the skin. All healed over in three weeks. Unfortunately, this experience has left me weary of using it again."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2021

Fluorouracil topical "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2023

Fluorouracil topical "On day 12 of applying Tolak on my nose once daily. It took a few days for the redness and swelling to appear, but then BAM! Much better experience with this cream than others I tried. On day 7, I started to experience mild headaches and nausea, but they are bearable. The burning and itching are also tolerable - nose is starting to crust over. Hopefully, will leave good results, and the nausea and headaches stay at a minimum."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2022

Fluorouracil topical "I was having dry spots on my face that didn’t go away with any amount of cream/treatment. My dermatologist prescribed Tolak… 2 weeks use applying a thin layer to the entire face at night. I have just completed my 2 weeks. Areas on my face and forehead show up red, blotchy and are beginning to scab up. I feel it is working. Plan to do it again in about 6 months."