Fluorouracil (Topical)

Brand Names : Efudex, Fluoroplex, 5-FU

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For topical fluorouracil, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fluorouracil.

Pregnancy - Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant. Although fluorouracil applied to the skin has not been shown to cause problems in humans, some of it is absorbed through the skin and there is a chance that it could cause birth defects. Be sure that you have discussed this with your doctor before using this medicine.

Breast-feeding - Although fluorouracil applied to the skin has not been shown to cause problems in nursing babies, some of it is absorbed through the skin.

Children - There is no specific information comparing use of fluorouracil on the skin in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. Although there is no specific information comparing use of fluorouracil on the skin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of fluorouracil on the skin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Other skin problems - May be aggravated