For more than 30 years, doctors have prescribed fluorouracil, also known as Efudex, to treat actinic keratoses. These growths are caused by exposure to the sun. This drug has been prescribed for 14 million patients. Yet, it has been associated with numerous safety concerns. According to Michael Cohen, president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, the medicine can enter the body just like a pill.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy is an in-office treatment that uses a special wavelength of blue light to destroy precancerous cells. Patients usually undergo one or more treatments, and may experience side effects such as pain or redness. Although this treatment is not a substitute for efudex, it can be very helpful in the treatment of sun-exposed areas. Patients may also experience cosmetic benefits after the treatment.
5-fluorouracil
Efudex belongs to a class of drugs called antimetabolites, which act on cells and interfere with normal cells. They target cells at specific stages of their life cycle. This makes it difficult for them to divide. The drugs work by inhibiting the production of DNA in the treated cells.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is an alternative treatment for cancer. Unlike radiation therapy, this treatment freezes a tumor, destroying the cancer cells inside. The procedure, however, can leave a scar. While there is no guarantee that it will cure cancer, it may improve survival.
Solaraze
The use of Solaraze gel is an alternative treatment for eczema. This topical treatment contains diclofenac sodium and fluorouracil, both anti-inflammatory drugs. It is typically applied twice daily for two to three months. It is the least inflammatory of the two drugs. The amount of redness and pain are proportional to the precancerous changes, with peak redness and pain occurring on day three.
Other topical treatments
Efudex is a topical treatment for NMSCs. It is usually used to treat superficial skin lesions, such as acne, but is not effective for deeper lesions. The drug causes inflammation, blistering, swelling, and scaling, and it may also trigger an immune response. It may not be effective for everyone, however.
Pregnancy category X
Efudex is a prescription medication used to treat keratosis, which is caused by too much exposure to sunlight. The drug is contraindicated for pregnant women who may become pregnant during treatment. It is important for pregnant women to discuss the risks and possible alternatives with their health care provider.
Side effects
The FDA has a program for reporting medical mistakes, and one example of a recent error is the prescription of a cancer drug — Efudex — to a woman with hemorrhoids. The drug is an antimetabolite, preventing the growth of cells and preventing them from dividing. It is used as a topical cream that is applied to the skin with a non-metal applicator or with the fingers. It must be applied carefully, and patients must wash their hands before and after application.
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