Fluorouracil topical for Skin Cancer User Reviews (Page 2)

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

Efudex (fluorouracil) "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 60's 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 basil cell and one squamous cell carcinoma. After going through about 5 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 1 hr 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."

• Rick...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2022

"Age 77 Now: I used it about ten years ago. I did one side of my face, then the other side and then my chest. The skin turned red and lots of scaring. There was oozing and I called it zombie skin. It took much longer than anticipated-- into months. I did do one section and then another once I was finished with one section. So that it why it too so long. The skin healed fine. I just started again on both forearms, back of my neck, and top of head. I had buzz cuts as a kid so I guess there was no protection. The by the 8th day the itching, stinging and burning were so unbearable I had to stop. The typical redness and bumps are there, but the itching is constant. I take pain meds and use ice packs. I know that I have to continue. Tomorrow I will see what the doctor can recommend. The bad reactions mean I really need it, but when the itching, burning and stinging are constant something has to be done to give relief. This is not something one can just "tough it out.""

• Portl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2023

"Having been using Flourouracil for 9 days between my nose and upper left lip for two precancerous areas. I have been extremely careful to use a Q-tip to apply and not get any on my hands or in my nose or mouth. I have experienced additional redness and tightness in the area and can feel my heartbeat in the affected area as well. I’ve been using a straw to drink fluids for the past 9 days so as not to get any residue in my mouth and only apply after brushing teeth and not eating for several hours or at bedtime. However, upon the beginning of day 10 I experienced extreme pain my in intestines, diarrhea, cold sweat, dizziness, very hard stomach and fatigue, exactly matched (with exception of vomiting) toxic poisoning either from ingesting, or touching (which I have never touched the medicine) the Flourouracil. So I have stopped use of this drug as of day 10. I was able to fully recover after a few hours with a lot of fluids and rest. The affected area on my face is red & tight."

• Carol
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2018

"I am using fluorouracil for the second time. This time I am not doing my whole face, I am only doing my nose and side of cheek. The first time I did not realize how many bad cells I would have. My entire face turned black and scabbed off. It was so painful and barely able to tolerate. I have had so many skin cancers removed, and I would rather endure the cream than have more surgery! I had squamous cell going in my tear duct, had to remove my upper eye lid and use for skin graft. The surgeon was amazing! I am so happy there is this cream, as I am refusing any more surgeries on my face!"

• Caral...
• July 17, 2016

"Tolak 4%. I used it for three weeks every night. Also used hydrocortisone 2.5 every morning. Treating my chest-this had been so, so painful for me. Couldn't wear clothes. The itching and burning at times were so unbearable. I avoid moving, it hurts so bad. Applying Vaseline from the fridge gave me about 2 seconds of relief. I'm in the 4th week, and my chest is still burning and itching so bad. Hard to eat, hard to sleep. I hope this agony was necessary and worth doing."

• JimB
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2020

"This is my second round of skin cancer treatment with Efudex - I did a similar timeline of treatment in 2019. I have a history of BCC and SCC with multiple MOHs procedures and other excisions. I can honestly say this treatment is effective; however, it can be painful at times. All of my treatment areas have been scalp, forehead and cheeks. The cheeks tend to be worse, especially in weeks 3 & 4. This poses a big issue when it comes to shaving. Other than not shaving for a few weeks, has anyone found a way to avoid basically flaying yourself?"

• Tucker
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2019

"Just finished two weeks on top of head. Ten days on nose and one cheek. Seems the wider the area I spread the more pops up..Just started on a 4x4 area on chest to see if anything comes up there. Don't know what the end result will be but seems to be working good..No pain or suffering so far.. Just some red blotches and some sores on the oldest parts.. 5% fluorouracil I'm giving an 8 only because I don't know what the end result will be but probably good."

• Scared
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2018

"I had significant Mohs surgery about 7 years ago which left me a bit disfigured. The doc actually wanted to do a flap from my forehead but I refused. Anyhow about 1 or 2 years later diagnosed again with basal cell carcinoma (BCC). I went to different Dermatologist who used flourouracil. I started on nose and cheek but spots started showing up all over especially right side of face so I used there. Looked like a monster and hurt bad. Took long time to heal but looked younger and cleaner. Well I just got a couple small spots again but has been about 5 years and wanted to use cream again. It is not so bad. I only had a couple spots and using four weeks now and bearable. I think the cream is great My only concern is I just noticed a grayish spot on my nose. Doesn't hurt and looks nothing like the Actinic keratosis (AK) or BCC or Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) I've had. I'm really scared it might be melanoma but they are usually dark colours. I'll do some research on Dermnetnz.org Anyone have any spot like that and know what can be. Its not open or raised and very light. Like I said just appeared."

• David...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2022

"I tried Fluorouracil 12 years ago with great results and applied it on my face again 5 years later. The first time my whole face was red with blotchy sores. The second time the areas were less sore. Yes, I looked hideous and was self-conscious in public. I did this around Halloween to fit in. I am using it again to clean up any new spots. Each time there are less sun-damaged areas. It is a bit painful for the 2-3 weeks I apply it, and I feel like a freak in public, but the results are incredible! No more scaley and dry spots. No more getting zapped with liquid nitrogen. Some of my sores from the cream bled a little and scabbed over. I also treated my arms the first 2 times with great success. It isn’t an enjoyable experience, but the results are well worth it! It rejuvenated my skin with new, softer, and healthier-looking skin. My treated skin truly is soft as a baby’s bottom. Many agree with me. Truly a miracle cream. Do it!"

• Susans
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2019

"I have a small place on bridge of nose squamous carcinoma dr office called this morning and called in cream prescription. I am not sure where I am suppose to put it anyway I was so relieved I didn’t have to have surgery I didn’t ask a lot of questions. Now that I have read about it I am terrified. My drug store has to get the cream so I haven’t started yet."

• NAH
• February 24, 2014

"Used Efudex 7 years ago. Now using Carac 0.5%. Apparently the same dosage of fluorouracil but in a different cream base. My dermatologist said that the Carac seems to be less aggressive. Only use once a day versus twice with Efudex. From my memory of Efudex, Carac seems much less raw so far. Still have the redness and tenderness but much more tolerable. One more week to go. Not sure on cost. Insurance covered it, luckily. (Using tazarotene with Carac on scalp, which helps absorption - skin is tougher)"

• John
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2020

"Week four of six week treatment on my forehead. Week three I started developing hard lumps under skin where the cream is. This week the lumpy, hard mass has dropped down as far as my cheeks, my eyes are puffy slits. I have stopped applying it but can't get to the docs till next week. Anything I can do?"

• Eliza...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2022

"I was given fluorouracil after diagnosis of a few solar keratosis on my chest which for sometime I thought was prickly heat. I had to use the cream for a month. I was shocked to see within a week how many angry spots appeared on my chest far more that when I went to see consultant. They were so red and very itchy at night so much so it often kept me awake. However after 2/3 weeks of using the cream they started to crust and dry up. After I finished the cream my chest was still red in parts but now about a month after finishing you can’t see anything - this cream is amazing. Don’t stop the treatment finish the full course even if it’s painful it’s so worth it but you mustn’t stop . I used Vaseline and bio oil after finishing to help redness - amazing cream ."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 15, 2023

"Using once per day on chest area for precancer treatment. This is my 3rd round in approximately a 6 year time span. I'm on week 2 of 3. The itch and burn stage becomes almost unbearable, I have been taking ibuprofen for about 4 days. Woke up at 3:40 am, could not sleep due to itch and pain. It's now 5:30 am and I have an ice pack on top of two layers of t-shirt. Wearing high neck shirts doubled. I wear some of the lower cut t-shirts backward to keep upper chest covered. I feel itchy in areas close to the application site as well. Even feeling a little itchy on lower cheek area from time to time. This will pass and it is totally worth it. One more week to go. I can do this. I apply one hour before bedtime per instruction from my dermatologist. The ice pack seems to be giving some relief. Hang in there. And please stay out of the sun. Tell your kids and grandkids to use sunscreen and not worship the sun. I didn't listen as a teen. Wish I would have."

• Rita
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 23, 2023

Efudex (fluorouracil) "A sun worshipper from my teen years and up... I had/have spots of skin cancer on my face/arms/chest. I was sent to a plastic surgeon and had a spot surgically removed from between my brows (not a good experience). I am now using Efudex. I am tolerating the pain, itching, and side effects, but I find it helps. I have used it on my face, arms, and chest with good results. I have been using it intermittently for 1.5 years and will continue until my skin cancer is gone. It may be a while."

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2023

"I have been using this on my scalp and ears. I had surgery on my scalp for some skin cancer. My new doctor gave me the cream to use on the other spots. This saved another surgery. The spots have nearly gone, same with the ears, those spots are gone. I think more doctors should prescribe this rather than surgery every time."

• William
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2023

"I’ve used this cream three times with good results. However, I got ripped off the last time. I paid $110 for a tube at Costco. Halfway through my three week treatment I discovered the tube had a big air pocket in it. So, in order to complete my treatment I had to order another tube."

• Bosh
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2022

"Couldn't have a Squamous Cell Carcinoma surgically removed because of elasticity of location so Dr. agreed to let me try Fluorouricil cream. Used it religiously daily for 7 weeks and it cleared up beautifully there after. I applied it in am and pm after shower. I am very pleased with the outcome. It can look nasty for a while during the treatment but that means it's working so don't give up on it."

• kh77
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2024

Efudex (fluorouracil) "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."

• olyfo...
• September 25, 2008

Efudex (fluorouracil) "This product works very well to eliminate skin cancers. It becomes quite irritating after a few days, and very irritating at about 10 days, but it gets rid of the skin cancer in a couple of weeks."

• Nadine
• September 26, 2013

Carac (fluorouracil) "I have found this cream is fantastic. There is a good deal of pain when using it but it kills the precancer cells. Read the directions and follow them."

• terap...
• February 25, 2009

Carac (fluorouracil) "This stuff is working great. I still have a long way to go but the results of one month of this applied daily has made a world of difference."

• Jan
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2023

"I had a deep ongoing cough, extreme fatigue and loss of appetite."

• Scand...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2021

"CeraVe healing ointment( blue tube) soothes and heals better than Aquaphor. Treated my lower lip for 7 days. CeraVe soothes the sting while healing the following weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2023

"I have over many years had positive results with cream clearing cancer bearing skin lesions. I would not be without it."