Side Effects of Efudex per the Valeant Pharmaceuticals Packaging
The following information appears on the packaging ((Rev. August 2006) which accompanies Efudex cream, sold by Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America.
“Information for Patients: Patients should be forewarned that the reaction in the treated areas may be unsightly during therapy and, usually, for several weeks following cessation of therapy…”
“ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most frequent adverse reactions to Efudex occur locally and are often related to an extension of the pharmacological activity of the drug. These include burning, crusting, allergic contact dermatitis, erosions, erythema, hyperpigmentation, irritation, pain, photosensitivity, pruritis, scarring, rash, soreness and ulceration.”
Efudex Side Effects Listed on Pharmacy Insert
The following information was provided by my pharmacy, obtained by them from First DataBank, Inc.:
“SIDE EFFECTS: Skin irritation, burning, redness, dryness, pain, swelling, tenderness, or changes in skin color may occur at the site of application. Eye irritation (e.g. stinging, watering), trouble sleeping, irritability, temporary hair loss, or abnormal taste in the mouth may also occur…”
Efudex Side Effects, Efudex Pictures in My Journal
For my personal experience using Efudex, of course, please see my Efudex photoblog filled with lovely Efudex treatment pictures.
10 responses so far ↓
ml // Oct 15th 2009 at 1:32 pm
I am so glad you took the trouble to log your experiences with EFUDEX. I am on my third week, applying 2x a day, almost at the end, and was experiencing these side effects particularly the eye irritation. Was dismissing as my imagination and feeling bad about that. This is comforting, it is not. Thanks!
marnie // Feb 6th 2010 at 12:51 pm
I finished my Efudex treatment about 14 months ago. My spots cleared up nicely by last January, but I can see that my skin where the ointment was applied is slightly redder than it was before, and than the adjacent areas of my face. The redness becomes more pronounced after exertion or under warm conditions. Could this be early stages of rosacea? Is that a possible side effect of the Efudex treatment?
Scott Jenkins // Mar 12th 2010 at 5:26 pm
I have used efudex for about 8 weeks, once a day in the evening. We coated most of the scalp and forehead and squamous spots on cheek and temple. Great success completely removing an unsightly squamous on cheek, the one on temple we will treat again after a few weeks break confident that it will disappear. The scalp, not biopsied had at least 2 or 3 probable squamous spots and many AKs. all the smaller ones almost gone and larger ones will be after resuming treatment. Have experienced irritability and insomnia. Usual inflamation and soreness of treated areas not a problem. Eyes water a lot!!
Jim McCrea // Aug 30th 2010 at 10:08 am
Is there any soothing cream or ointment like vasaline to put on the skin after treatment is finished. My face is hot and red, the skin is tight and itchy but sore to touch.
Thanks
Beth // Nov 23rd 2010 at 9:51 am
Will the cancer be gone? How do you take care of the spots? Can you shower?
BCS // Dec 14th 2010 at 9:10 am
Only 2 months post treatment but similar experience to Marnie. Treated area is redder than surrounding skin. Has slowly faded but I’m wondering if it will completely fade or will stay slightly red. I know its not rosacea.
JiLL // Jan 17th 2011 at 10:02 pm
I am going to be using Efudex for dysplacia (precancer) in my vagina. Will I lose my hair?? How badly will it burn me? especially being on the inside of my vagina??
tania // Feb 13th 2011 at 9:41 pm
I am using efudex for squamous cell carcinoma on my lip. 12th day – morning and evening.
experiencing strong fatigue from about 3pm, soreness on site of application. ulceration and pain. mainly the tiredness.
jean // Mar 17th 2011 at 11:49 pm
would a hoarse voice be a side effect of using Efudex?
Troy // Apr 17th 2011 at 2:57 pm
On my 3rd week after 2.5 weeks treatment, 2x a day. Unfortunately, coupled with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) the effects are a bit more pronounced. Skin feels like road rash, my eyes haven’t been effected by tearing, but sore eyes, the inside of my nose, deep inside, is swollen, the roof of my mouth is painful and “feels” like it has a fever, I’m tired due to lack of sleep, but I have kids so that is normal, lol. Glad to run into this log-thank you for taking the time. It beats having the basil cell but it will aggressively go after the AK’s and that meant hitting the eye lid and the corners of my nose (which I didn’t put creme on), using this only on my forehead. Sweat will bring it down to those areas. If you are sensitive, try to put your vacation time around the end of the third week-and don’t plan on doing anything. You may get very tired if you are fighting multiple issues. Apologize in advance to everyone around you as you may be an irritable S-b to deal with due to the creme, or the swelling, or the pain on your skin. It is worth using.
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