The Peel Center
26081 Merit Circumvolve Suite #109
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949- 582-7699
(949) 582-SKIN
Fax (949) 582-7691

Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology

Former Assistant Clinical Professor University of California, Irvine

Efudex (fluorouracil)

Efudex Plan for sun damaged skin: The "Eraser"

Efudex ( fluorouracil)is a topical foam that has remained the GOLD STANDARD for treatment of pre-cancers called actinic keratosis . It is an optional handling for off-white skin individuals with multiple or recurrent actinic keratosis. It is peculiarly useful for those with a history of potent sun exposure or a personal or family history of skin cancer. Efudex is used for 2-6 weeks depending on the area beingness treated. Information technology is a selective cream that attacks only pre-cancers and early basal cell cancers. Efudex acts like a individual detective in that you lot care for an unabridged surface area and it selectively finds the damaged areas and treats them. If there is no peel harm, there is no reaction and no redness or irritation. If however, there is even invisible damage, it highlights these areas and treats them. It actually isn't as useful for more than developed or avant-garde skin cancers and tin't clear these similar pre-cancers. The goal of your therapy with Efudex is to be pro-active and potentially cut downwards on your total number of pre-cancers and futurity skin cancers.

Nigh patients utilise the cream twice a day for 4 weeks from start to finish. It is usually best to care for an area and not spot care for. Virtually patients choose to care for the entire face at once although a few prefer to treat i cheek or department at a fourth dimension. The treated areas may begin to get itchy, ruddy, irritated, or sensitive by 10-14 days. Once you terminate the full 4 week handling, the areas at-home downwardly over the next 1-3 weeks. There are multiple other treatment alternatives for patients who are unable or don't wish to have Efudex treatment. These include freezing ( liquid nitrogen), Photodynamic therapy or Blue Calorie-free ,Solaraze, Aldara, ALA/ laser treatments, facial peels, etc.

 ii WEEK Photo EFUDEX ON CHEST: see more than 50-60 AK'due south that are being treated and erased.

1. Only per your physician, begin Efudex cream twice a day to  one expanse simply.

Typical treatment area may include the face, ears, scalp, chest, dorsum, shoulders, nose, artillery, or back of the hands hands. It is of import to limit the handling surface area and do not treat more than one expanse at a time.

(The lower lip is a special area and very sensitive skin: handling is usually simply once a twenty-four hours to lower lip for 7-ten days)

two. Use a hat daily and avoid intense sun exposure. Recommended sunscreens are zinc or titanium based non-chemical sunscreens similar Physicians Circuitous SPF thirty w/ zinc, Neutrogena SPF thirty sensitive skin w/ Titanium, Presun zinc sunscreen.

three. Cease any other irritating creams such as glycolic acic products, retin A, Tazorac, etc. to the are a. You lot may use banal makeup/cover-up as long equally it doesn't sting or cause y'all discomfort.

4. Use a topical cortisone to help subtract itching or irritation while using Efudex.


Apply Locoid Lipocream, Cortaid, Desowen lotion, Desonide Balm, or Hydrocortisone cream, two to 3 times a day only if needed for itching or irritation. Don't demand to use the cortisone cream if don't accept whatsoever irritating symptoms when using Efudex. Its best to utilize the cortisone an hr or so after applying the Efudex, not with the Efudex.

5. Return for your one-half style re -check with your dermatologist in ten-14 days AFTER you start Efudex. (VERY IMPORTANT)

vi. If you are having a lot of trouble and other side furnishings, cease the foam and then call us for a sooner appointment.

vii. Do not apply the foam in or around your eyes and inside lips. Do not apply in crevices like corners of your mouth or the nasal folds. This can cause a rash and become very irritated.

8. Please read your Efudex brochure. Call for whatever questions (949) 582-7699.

SCALP: one of the most common areas for actinic keratosis in men.
Typical prescirption may use Efudex twice a day for iv weeks for the scalp.

Chest: common area for actinic keratosis ( pre-cancers) particularly in women.
Typical prescription from physician may use Efudex twice a mean solar day for four weeks.

Call to Schedule an engagement at (949) 582-Peel

 Dr. Nili Alai is a Lath-Certified Dermatologists.
For more than data, please telephone call (949) 582-7699 or visit the practice website at www.lagunaskincenter.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my physician prescribed EFUDEX®?
Because it'due south the leading topical treatment for treating precancerous actinic keratoses (AKs) and superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a common course of skin cancer.one These lesions are acquired by sun exposures.
Is EFUDEX® merely for older people?
No. EFUDEX® is for any developed. All the same, it is non approved for use in children. Younger people are beingness diagnosed with sBCC resulting from sunday exposure and are being treated with EFUDEX®.ix
How many people accept used EFUDEX®?
Over xiv million prescriptions have been written for EFUDEX® over the terminal xxx years.5
Where can I find EFUDEX®?
EFUDEX® is available in most retail pharmacies. Simply take your prescription to the pharmacy you normally use.
How successful is EFUDEX® in treating precancerous actinic keratoses (AKs)?
In medical studies, upward to 86% of visible lesions treated with EFUDEX® were completely eliminated.1
How successful is EFUDEX® in treating superficial basal cell carcinoma?
EFUDEX® v% Cream or Solution has a 93% success rate for sBCC lesions.1
When is the best fourth dimension of day to utilise EFUDEX®?
Morning and evening, every bit part of your normaly daily routine, or as instructed past your doctor. Patients being treated for AKs typically employ EFUDEX® twice a day for 2 to iv weeks. For sBCC, patients would use EFUDEX® twice a day for at least 3-6 weeks, and up to ten-12 weeks.
How exercise I use EFUDEX®?
  • EFUDEX® Cream: Utilise it to the affected areas twice a solar day – once in the morning and one time in the evening. Utilise enough foam to cover the lesions, and be conscientious when applying near the optics, nose, and mouth.
  • You may apply EFUDEX® Cream with a nonmetal applicator, a suitable glove, or your fingertips. Be sure to launder your hands thoroughly later each application.
  • EFUDEX® Solution: Hold the container, which has a built in applicator, confronting the affected areas and squeeze until a modest amount reaches the skin. Be conscientious when applying it virtually the optics, nose, and mouth.
How much EFUDEX® should I apply?
Every case of AK and sBCC is unique, and then your doctor volition give you specific instructions for using EFUDEX®. More often than not, though, apply enough EFUDEX® to completely cover the lesions.
What will happen to my peel when I apply EFUDEX®?
You will come across the effect of EFUDEX®on your skin in four phases:
  • Early inflammatory stage: During the showtime week of awarding, mild inflammation occurs
  • Inflammatory phase: During post-obit weeks, redness, and swelling occur with some crusting and burning
  • Tumor disintegration phase: Lesions resolve as the skin exfoliates
  • Healing phase: Over i to 2 weeks, new skin grows into the treatment area
How can I tell the deviation between a normal reaction to EFUDEX® and an allergic reaction?
Itching, called-for, soreness, tenderness, scaling, and swelling are mutual reactions to EFUDEX® therapy. An allergic reaction should be suspected when a patient complains of marked itching and discomfort. If you are concerned about the side furnishings y'all're experiencing, talk to your doc. He or she tin can best appraise the situation and more fully answer your questions.
Will EFUDEX® cause scarring to my skin?
Unlike other treatment options, EFUDEX® is not probable to leave scars or make patches of peel permanently discolored. In fact, many patients take reported that, after handling, their peel was smoother, with a more even tone.
Will my face bleed or peel?
During the starting time ii to 4 weeks of treatment with EFUDEX®, the treated areas will probably turn red and look and experience irritated. This is typical and should not cause concern. The red means information technology's working. You volition probably experience crusting and peeling simply not haemorrhage.
Does EFUDEX® cause any side effects?
The most frequent side furnishings of EFUDEX® Topical Solutions and Foam occur locally and may include itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, rash, scaling, scarring, photosensitivity, and swelling. If any of these occur, contact your doctor; he or she may have ideas for how to minimize these effects.
What do I say to people who ask why my face is bright reddish and peeling?
Tell them you're using a topical drug that treats your pare for AKs and sBCC. The drug makes your confront ruby-red while information technology eliminates unhealthy cells, and leaves you with healthy skin.
Can I utilize EFUDEX® anywhere on my body?
EFUDEX® is the only topical treatment approved by the FDA to exist used almost anywhere on the peel, including the face, scalp, hands, arms, shoulders, and trunk. Even so, application of EFUDEX® to mucous membranes should be avoided.ane In addition, EFUDEX® should non exist applied in the eyes.
Can I use EFUDEX® on hairy areas of my torso?
When AKs or sBCC occur in your hair, your doctor may recommend EFUDEX® Solution, which can easily penetrate through hairy areas. Only concord the container, which has a congenital-in applicator, confronting the affect areas and clasp until a small amount reaches the skin.
I noticed some spots on my legs that I forgot to show my doctor. Can I use EFUDEX® there, likewise?
Only your doctor can determine if the "spots" you have are AKs or sBCCs and can be treated with EFUDEX®. This is why it is and so important to use EFUDEX® only as directed and discuss any questions you may have with your medico.
Can I apply cosmetics or other pare products while using EFUDEX®?
Patients are advised not to use cosmetics or whatever other skin products, including creams, lotions, and medications, while on EFUDEX® therapy unless instructed by their physician.
Should I avert the sun while using EFUDEX®?
During EFUDEX® handling, you should practice everything possible to stay out of the dominicus. However, with an active lifestyle, this isn't ever possible. So be certain you take every precaution to protect your skin. Wear long sleeves and a hat when you lot get outside, and inquire your doctors about the use of sunscreen on areas that aren't covered by clothing.
What should I do if I forget an application of EFUDEX®?
Simply resume using information technology as prescribed past your doctor. Practise not increase or double your dose.
Are in that location people who should not use EFUDEX®?
EFUDEX® should not exist used in women who are or may become pregnant during therapy because it may cause impairment to the fetus. If you are nursing, be sure to let your medico know because it is non known whether EFUDEX® is excreted in human milk. As well, EFUDEX® should not be used by people who are known to exist allergic to any of its components.
Is there annihilation else I demand to know about EFUDEX® therapy?
  • Do non cover the treated areas with bandages or gauze unless your medico advises you to do so.
  • Exercise non share this medication with others, even if they appear to have the same condition as y'all.
  • The most frequent side effects of EFUDEX® Solutions and Cream occur locally and may include itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, scaling, and swelling. If any of these side effects are astringent, contact your doctor.
  • Application to mucous membranes (rima oris, eyes, vagina, anus) should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation, ulceration, and necrosis.
What kind of follow-up care Is needed?
You should visit your doctor afterward therapy to programme your follow-upward care, including regular appointments to make certain new lesions are not developing.
What should I exercise with any EFUDEX® that is left over later on I complete therapy?
Discard whatsoever unused portion of EFUDEX® later you have completed therapy.

Rapid Clearance of AKs

Efficacy is achieved in as little as 2 weeks1

  • Cures up to 86% of visible AK lesions in only ii-4 weeks1
  • Additional AK lesions were besides detected and resolved during handlingvi,seven

Benefits of EFUDEX®

  • Starts working within the first week of handlingviii
  • Provides rapid resolution of AK lesions6,7
  • Offers excellent cosmetic outcome7

Solar of Actinic Keratoses (AK) may Develop into Squamous Cell Carcinomaii

  • AKs represent the earliest stages of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)ii
  • Since the 1960′s, the incidence of SCC has been increasing 4% to 8% per year9
  • Squamous jail cell skin cancer affects about 100,000 Americans each year9
  • 2,000 to 2,500 Americans die each year due to SCC of the skinii
  • Patients may have up to x times as many subclinical/undetected lesions for each visible AKx
  • Younger patients are developing AKs3

Proven Efficacy in sBCC(5% Forcefulness)1The Cure Rate for EFUDEX®is consistently high

  • 93% cure rate in sBCCane
  • At least iii-6 weeks, and up to 10-12 weeks sBCC treatment elapsing

EFUDEX® offers benefits when conventional methods are impractical

  • Minimizes the risk of hypopigmentation11
  • Provides an effective pick for large and difficult to care for areaseleven
  • Treats surrounding AK lesionsone

sBCC is amongst the most common types of skin cancer

  • BCC makes upwardly virtually 80% of all skin cancersnine
  • An increased incidence of sBCC in younger patients may be due to greater sun exposureiii
  • sBCCs represent approximately fifteen% of BCCs12

Trust the experience of EFUDEX® in both sBCCs and AKs

  • Over 30 years of proven clinical experienceeight
  • Over fourteen 1000000 prescriptions since 19725
  • EFUDEX® is the #i prescribed topical v-FU13

Of import Safety InformationEFUDEX® is contraindicated in women who are, or may become, significant during therapy because of potential hazards to the fetus. Cases of miscarriage and nascency defects accept been reported in women who are pregnant. The well-nigh frequent adverse events occur locally and may include itching, called-for, soreness, tenderness, rash, scaling, scarring, photosensitivity, and swelling. Awarding to mucous membranes should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation and ulceration.

Information in this publication and site is not intended to serve equally medical communication. Individuals may apply the information every bit a guide to talk over their treatments with their own physicians. This site does not promote nor endorse the unauthorized practice of medicine by not-physicians or state licensed health intendance providers.

Medicine is a constantly changing science and not all therapies are clearly established. New research changes drug and treatment therapies daily. The authors, editors, and publisher of these manufactures have used their best efforts to provide information that is up-to-date and accurate and is generally accepted inside medical standards at the time of publication. Yet, every bit medical scientific discipline is constantly changing and human error is always possible, the authors, editors, and publisher or any other party involved with the publication of this article do not warrant the information in this article is accurate or complete, nor are they responsible for omissions or errors in the article or for the results of using this information. The reader should confirm the information in this commodity from other sources prior to use. In item, all drug doses, indications, and contraindications should be confirmed in the package insert.
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