This article describes fluorouracil topical cream’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to apply it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for fluorouracil. To learn more about fluorouracil topical cream, talk with your doctor.
Fluorouracil topical cream is a generic version of the brand-name drugs Carac and Efudex.
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Form and strengths of fluorouracil
Fluorouracil topical cream comes as follows:
- Form: cream that you apply to the skin
- Strengths: 0.5% and 5%
Dosage of fluorouracil
This article describes the recommended dosages for fluorouracil topical cream. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of fluorouracil topical cream without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of fluorouracil in adults
Fluorouracil 0.5% and 5% topical creams are used to treat actinic and solar keratoses (rough, scaly patches of skin caused by long-term sun exposure), which can be an early form of skin cancer. Doctors may also prescribe fluorouracil 5% topical cream for basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer).
The dosage depends on the strength of the fluorouracil topical cream that you’re using.
Dosage of fluorouracil 0.5% topical cream
The recommended dosage of fluorouracil 0.5% topical cream for actinic and solar keratoses is:
- Dose: apply a thin film to the lesions
- Frequency: once per day
Apply fluorouracil 0.5% topical cream 10 minutes after washing, rinsing, and drying the affected area. You can apply it with your fingertips, but wash your hands right away afterward. Typically, this medication is applied for up to 4 weeks.
Dosage of fluorouracil 5% topical cream
The following table shows the recommended dosages of fluorouracil 5% topical cream.
| Condition | Recommended dosage | Typical treatment length |
|---|---|---|
| actinic and solar keratoses | apply a sufficient amount to cover the lesions twice per day | 2 to 4 weeks |
| basal cell carcinoma | apply a sufficient amount to cover the lesions twice per day | 3 to 12 weeks |
You should apply fluorouracil 5% topical cream with a nonmetal applicator or glove. If you apply it with your fingers, wash your hands right away afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about fluorouracil topical cream and its dosage.
When should I stop fluorouracil treatment?
It depends. Your doctor will decide how long you need to apply fluorouracil. This can depend on the severity of your condition and how it responds to the drug.
You can apply fluorouracil 0.5% topical cream for up to 4 weeks.
You can typically apply the 5% topical cream for 2 to 4 weeks for actinic and solar keratoses (rough, scaly patches of skin caused by long-term sun exposure) or until your lesions reach the erosion stage. (The erosion stage is when the upper layer of your skin is lost.) Doctors prescribe it for up to 12 weeks for basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) or until your lesions are gone.
At any point during fluorouracil treatment, if you experience severe side effects or side effects that don’t go away, tell your doctor. Examples include stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or chills. They can determine whether you need to stop fluorouracil treatment.
Talk with your doctor to see how long you should apply fluorouracil.
Can you put sunscreen over fluorouracil topical cream?
Yes. Sunlight can increase your risk of side effects from fluorouracil topical cream. Try to limit your exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet light while using fluorouracil topical cream. When you’re going out in the sun, be sure to wear a hat and use sunscreen.
You can apply a moisturizer or sunscreen 2 hours after you apply fluorouracil 0.5% topical cream. But avoid using any other skin products, such as lotions, creams, medications, or cosmetics, unless instructed by your doctor.
The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether you can apply sunscreen over fluorouracil 5% topical cream.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about using sunscreen over fluorouracil topical cream.
How long does it take for fluorouracil cream to work?
It depends. How long it takes fluorouracil cream to work varies from person to person.
In most cases, the 5% cream will start to work within 2 to 4 weeks when used for actinic keratosis. But your lesions may not heal completely until 1 to 2 months after you finish fluorouracil treatment. For basal cell carcinoma, the cream typically starts to work within 3 to 6 weeks. But it can take up to 12 weeks for your lesions to heal.
The 0.5% cream generally starts to work within 4 weeks.
If you have more questions about this or if fluorouracil isn’t working, talk with your doctor.
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Get free cardOverdose of fluorouracil
It’s important that you do not apply more fluorouracil topical cream than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you apply too much fluorouracil
If you think you’ve applied too much fluorouracil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.