Product Details: Efudex cream (Florouracil)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: ICN

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antimetabolite used to treat actinic (solar) keratoses, which is a skin growth caused by exposure to sunlight. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

The cream should be applied twice daily with a nonmetal applicator or suitable glove in an amount of the cream sufficient to cover the lesion. When applied to a lesion, a response occurs with the following sequence: erythema, usually followed by vesiculation, erosion, ulceration, necrosis and epithelization. The lower frequency and intensity of activity in adjacent normal skin indicate a selective cytotoxic property. Medication should be continued until the inflammatory reaction reaches the erosion, necrosis, and ulceration stage, at which time use of the drug should be terminated. The usual duration of therapy is from 2 to 4 weeks. Complete healing of the lesion may not be evident for 1 to 2 months following cessation of fluorouracil therapy.

While the patient is undergoing topical fluorouracil therapy, consideration can be given to curettage, wound excision and removal of pathological tissue.

Cautions

The cream is preferably applied with a nonmetal applicator or suitable glove; if it is applied with the fingertips, the hands should be washed immediately afterward. Fluorouracil should be applied with care near the eyes, nose and mouth. To rule out the presence of a frank neoplasm, a biopsy should be made of those lesions failing to respond to treatment or recurring after treatment.

Side Effects

The most frequently encountered local reactions are pain, pruritus, hyperpigmentation and burning at the site of application. Other local reactions include dermatitis, scarring, soreness and tenderness. Insomnia, stomatitis, suppuration, scaling, swelling, irritability, medicinal taste, photosensitivity and lacrimation have also been reported.

Active Ingredients

Florouracil