Efudex
Efudex is fluorouracil cream, sold here as generic tubes in 1% and 5% strengths for actinic keratoses (sun-damaged scaly patches) and superficial basal cell carcinoma.
All strengths and pack prices
- Category
- Oncology Support · Skin Care
- Active ingredient
- Fluorouracil
- Route
- Topical
- Form
- Cream
- Strengths
- 1/5%
You will receive a quality generic equivalent, depending on stock.
Shipped in a discreet, unmarked envelope.
Details
- Conditions
- Actinic keratosis · Basal cell carcinoma
- Therapeutic Class
- Antimetabolite
- Pharmacological Class
- Antineoplastic
- Minor Side Effects
- Redness, Peeling, Pain, Burning
- Moderate Side Effects
- Crusting, Erosion
- Dosage Forms
- Cream
- Administration Route
- Topical
- Originator
- Valeant
- Storage Instructions
- Store at room temperature away from heat.
- Age Restrictions
- Not for paediatric use.
What you will receive
Efudex is the originator brand name, made by Valeant. We use it to identify the medicine; the pack you receive is a generic equivalent, not the original Efudex.
- The same active ingredient (Fluorouracil) at the same strength.
- The exact brand supplied depends on what is in stock when your order ships.
FAQ
Which Efudex strengths and pack sizes can I order?
Efudex comes as generic fluorouracil tubes in 1% and 5%. Pack sizes range from 2 to 5 tubes for each strength. This is generic fluorouracil, not the original Efudex. Larger packs cost less per tube.
How is Efudex delivered to Hong Kong?
Every Efudex order ships in plain, unbranded packaging with nothing outside about the contents. Tracked courier takes 5 to 9 business days with online tracking. Standard airmail takes 14 to 21 business days, or 30 at most, and is untracked.
What is another name for fluorouracil?
Efudex is a brand name of fluorouracil, which is also sold as Adrucil, Carac and Tolak. Here, fluorouracil can be bought online as generic Efudex. These are generics, not the original brand.
Can I use Efudex on my face?
Yes. Facial actinic keratoses are one of the most common reasons fluorouracil cream is used, along with patches on the scalp, ears and backs of the hands. Apply it carefully around the eyes and nostrils, and wash your hands afterwards so the cream does not end up on skin you did not mean to treat.
What happens if I miss an application?
Put it on as soon as you remember, then carry on with the usual routine — do not double the next dose to catch up. An odd missed day will not undo the treatment, though the skin reaction builds best when the cream goes on consistently.
Can I treat more than one patch at once?
Yes. A whole area such as the forehead, a balding scalp or the backs of both hands can be treated in a single course. A wider area absorbs more of the cream, so expect a stronger reaction than with one small patch.
Which Efudex strength is used for actinic keratosis?
The 5% cream is the strength most often used, applied once or twice a day for a few weeks. The 1% cream contains less fluorouracil and suits situations where a gentler reaction is wanted, such as a wide treatment area or thin, sensitive skin.
About Efudex
Fluorouracil cream for sun-damaged skin
Actinic keratoses are rough, dry, scaly patches that build up after years of sun exposure — most often on the face, scalp, ears, backs of the hands and forearms. They are not usually serious, but a small number develop into skin cancer, which is why they get treated. Fluorouracil cream is one of the standard treatments for them. It is also used on superficial basal cell carcinoma (a slow-growing skin cancer in the outer layer of skin) and on Bowen's disease.
Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite. It interferes with the way fast-dividing skin cells copy their DNA, so the abnormal cells die and healthy skin grows back in their place. Normal skin is less affected, but the treated patch will still look inflamed while the cream is doing its work.
How to apply it
Spread a thin layer over the patch with a fingertip or cotton bud, once or twice a day. Courses for actinic keratoses run about two to four weeks, and superficial basal cell carcinoma takes longer. Wash your hands afterwards, and keep the cream away from the eyes, nostrils, lips and broken skin.
What the skin does while you use it
The treated patch usually turns red, sore and crusted, and may blister or weep. It often looks worse before it looks better. That reaction is the medicine working, so it is not a reason to stop. Healing takes a week or two after the last application, and the skin can stay pink for longer.
Sun protection matters more than usual. Treated skin burns easily, so cover up, stay out of the strong midday sun, and use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher once the cream has dried.
Side effects worth knowing
Burning, stinging, itching, redness, peeling and crusting where the cream is applied are common. Serious problems are rare. A spreading skin infection, severe ulceration, or fever and feeling unwell — signs that the medicine has been absorbed into the body — need urgent attention. Fluorouracil is not used during pregnancy.
Efudex or generic fluorouracil?
Efudex is the brand name that fluorouracil cream is best known by. The tubes sold here are generic fluorouracil in 1% and 5% — the same medicine at two concentrations, with the strength printed on the tube. The application routine is identical for both.
Sources
- Fluorouracil Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses) - NHS — NHS