Drug: Fluorouracil (5-FU) | Class: Topical Pyrimidine Antimetabolite / Chemotherapy | Brand: Efudex 5% (Valeant); Fluorac 5% (Sun Pharma India), Flonida 5% (Menarini) | Indication: Actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease — pre-cancerous and early cancerous skin lesions | Dose: Actinic keratosis: apply twice daily × 2–4 weeks
Quick Answer — What is fluorouracil 5% cream used for?
Fluorouracil 5% cream treats actinic keratoses (sun-damaged precancerous skin lesions) and superficial basal cell carcinoma on the face and scalp. During treatment, the cream causes a strong inflammatory reaction (redness, crusting, erosion, pain) which is expected and indicates the drug is working — destroying precancerous cells. Clearance rates of 80% for actinic keratosis and 90%+ for superficial BCC make it one of the most effective topical treatments available.
Fluorouracil Cream 5%-10g – Topical Pyrimidine Antimetabolite / Chemotherapy
Fluorouracil Cream 5%-10g contains Fluorouracil (5-FU), a topical pyrimidine antimetabolite / chemotherapy for actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, bowen’s disease — pre-cancerous and early cancerous skin lesions. FDA-approved; Cochrane: 5-FU cream 80% clearance for actinic keratosis; field therapy prevents field cancerisation; NICE-listed.
Product Information
| Attribute |
Details |
| Generic Name |
Fluorouracil (5-FU) |
| Drug Class |
Topical Pyrimidine Antimetabolite / Chemotherapy |
| Brand Reference |
Efudex 5% (Valeant); Fluorac 5% (Sun Pharma India) |
| Indication |
Actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease — pre-cancerous and early cancerous skin lesions |
| Standard Dose |
Actinic keratosis: apply twice daily × 2–4 weeks. Superficial BCC: apply twice daily × 3–6 weeks. Significant inflammatory reaction is expected — indicates treatment working |
| Form |
Topical Cream |
| Route |
Topical |
| Prescription |
Yes |
| Evidence |
FDA-approved; Cochrane: 5-FU cream 80% clearance for actinic keratosis; field therapy prevents field cancerisation; NICE-listed |
How It Works
Inhibits thymidylate synthase blocking DNA synthesis; rapidly dividing cells (pre-cancerous keratinocytes) accumulate 5-FU at higher concentrations and undergo apoptosis.
People Also Ask
Why does fluorouracil cream cause such inflammation?
The redness, burning, crusting, and erosion during 5-FU treatment are caused by the drug selectively attacking rapidly dividing abnormal cells — exactly the intended action. Areas with more precancerous cells react more intensely. The reaction typically peaks at weeks 2–3 then resolves. This is not an allergic reaction but the therapeutic response. Treatment must be continued through the inflammatory phase.
How long does fluorouracil cream need to be used?
Actinic keratosis: 2–4 weeks twice daily. Superficial BCC: 4–6 weeks twice daily. Healing after stopping takes 2–4 additional weeks. A treated area may appear worse before it looks better — this is normal.
Can fluorouracil cream cause scarring?
Correctly used fluorouracil cream typically heals without scarring. However, if the inflammatory reaction is severe or becomes infected, some residual textural change is possible. Sun protection after treatment is essential — treated skin is more photosensitive.
What is field therapy for actinic keratosis?
Field therapy treats a large area of sun-damaged skin rather than individual lesions — addressing visible and subclinical precancerous cells (‘field cancerisation’). Fluorouracil cream applied to the entire forehead/scalp/face treats all precancerous areas simultaneously, preventing future progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
Does fluorouracil cream treat melanoma?
No — 5-FU cream is only indicated for superficial non-melanoma skin cancers (actinic keratosis, superficial BCC) and Bowen’s disease. It is not appropriate for melanoma, nodular BCC, or invasive squamous cell carcinoma — these require surgical or systemic treatment.
Storage
Store at 15–30°C away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
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