Efudix

Efudix is a cream used to treat pre-cancerous sunspots and surface squamous cancers (intraepithelial carcinomas).

Application

Apply efudix with a non-metallic applicator or glove. You can use your fingers but wash your hands when finished. Do not use immediately before bed to avoid spreading it on your pillow.

Efudix is usually used twice a day. It is sometimes used once a day or even every second day in people who are sensitive to it.

It is advisable to treat only one or two areas at a time, eg. forehead, nose, forearm or a single spot. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas.

Avoid Excessive Sunlight

Try to avoid excessive sunlight during treatment with efudix. Ideally efudix is used in the winter months.

Response

Usually not much happens for a few days or a week. The area treated will first turn red. Then the area will blister, followed by crusting or scabbing. You will eventually have erosions where the skin becomes weepy. Unless advised otherwise, at this point you will stop using the cream. This stage usually takes 2-4 weeks. Efudix is sometimes used for 6 weeks for areas needing a harsher treatment (eg back of the hand; lesions that have failed to resolve with shorter applications).

Aftercare

After stopping efudix, vaseline or a mild cortisone cream such as dermaid can be used to soothe the skin.

Side Effects

Common side effects include burning, crusting, redness, pain, soreness, inflammation, or irritation of the skin. Stop efudix if you experience a severe reaction (shortness of breath; swelling of your lips,face, or tongue; hives).

Contact us if you have any problems during treatment. Any lesions that fail to resolve with efudix treatment should be re-examined.

Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Avoid Efudix during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Downloads

• Efudix Consumer Information  
  
• Efudix Product Information