|
|
|
Fluorouracil |
|
|
What is Fluorouracil and why is it prescribed? Fluorouracil is prescribed for the treatment of actinic or solar keratoses. Such growths may develop into skin cancer. When conventional methods are impractical, as when the affected sites are hard to get at, the 5 percent strength of Fluorouracil is useful in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas, or slow-growing malignant tumors of the face usually found at the edge of the nostrils, eyelids, or lips. Fluorouracil is available in cream and solution forms. If you use an airtight dressing to cover the skin being treated, there may be inflammatory reactions in the normal skin around the treated area. If it is necessary to cover the treated area, use a porous gauze dressing to avoid skin reactions. How should you take Fluorouracil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Fluorouracil. Use care when applying Fluorouracil around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands immediately after applying Fluorouracil. If you miss a dose apply it as soon as you remember. If more than a few hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. If you miss more than 1 dose, contact your doctor. Store Fluorouracil away from heat, light, and moisture. Are there any Fluorouracil side effects? Fluorouracil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Fluorouracil side effects may include burning, discoloration of the skin, itching, and pain. Less common Fluorouracil side effects may include allergic skin inflammation, pus, scaling, scarring, soreness, swelling, and tenderness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Fluorouracil? If Fluorouracil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. There are no reported food or drug interactions. Are there any special warnings about Fluorouracil? Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays while you are under treatment with Fluorouracil. Skin may be unsightly during treatment with Fluorouracil and, in some cases, for several weeks after treatment has ended. If your solar keratoses do not clear up with use of Fluorouracil, your doctor will probably order a biopsy to confirm the skin disease. Your doctor will perform follow-up biopsies if you are being treated for superficial basal cell carcinoma. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
