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Because it's the leading topical treatment for treating precancerous actinic
keratoses (AKs) and superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a common form of
skin cancer.1 These lesions are caused by sun exposures.
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No. EFUDEX® is for any adult. However, it is not approved for use in children.
Younger people are being diagnosed with sBCC resulting from sun
exposure and are being treated with EFUDEX®.9
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Over 14 million prescriptions have been written for EFUDEX® over the last 30 years.5
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EFUDEX® is available in most retail pharmacies. Simply take your prescription
to the pharmacy you normally use.
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In medical studies, up to 86% of visible lesions treated with EFUDEX® were
completely eliminated.1
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EFUDEX® 5% Cream or Solution has a 93% success rate for sBCC lesions.1
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Morning and evening, as part of your normaly daily routine, or as
instructed by your physician. Patients being treated for AKs typically use EFUDEX®
twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks. For sBCC, patients would use EFUDEX® twice
a day for at least 3-6 weeks, and up to 10-12 weeks.
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- EFUDEX® Cream: Apply it to the affected areas twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening. Use enough cream to cover the lesions, and be careful when applying near the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- You may apply EFUDEX® Cream with a nonmetal applicator, a suitable glove, or your fingertips. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after each application.
- EFUDEX® Solution: Hold the container, which has a built in applicator, against the affected areas and squeeze until a small amount reaches the skin. Be careful when applying it near the eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Every case of AK and sBCC is unique, so your doctor will give you
specific instructions for using EFUDEX®. Generally, though, apply enough
EFUDEX® to completely cover the lesions.
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You will see the effect of EFUDEX® on your skin in 4 phases:
- Early inflammatory phase: During the first week of application, mild
inflammation occurs
- Inflammatory phase: During following weeks, redness, and swelling occur
with some crusting and burning
- Tumor disintegration phase: Lesions resolve as the skin exfoliates
- Healing phase: Over 1 to 2 weeks, new skin grows into the treatment area
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Itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, scaling, and swelling are common reactions to EFUDEX® therapy. An allergic reaction should be suspected when a patient complains of marked itching and discomfort. If you are concerned about the side effects you're experiencing, talk to your doctor. He or she can best assess the situation and more fully answer your questions.
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Unlike other treatment options, EFUDEX® is not likely to leave scars or make patches
of skin permanently discolored. In fact, many patients have reported that, after treatment, their
skin was smoother, with a more even tone.
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During the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment with EFUDEX®, the treated areas
will probably turn red and look and feel irritated. This is typical and should
not cause concern. The red means it's working. You will probably experience
crusting and peeling but not bleeding.
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The most frequent side effects of EFUDEX® Topical Solutions and Cream occur locally and may include
itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, rash, scaling, scarring, photosensitivity, and swelling. If any of these
occur, contact your doctor; he or she may have ideas for how to minimize these effects.
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Tell them you're using a topical drug that treats your skin
for AKs and sBCC. The drug makes your face red while it eliminates
unhealthy cells, and leaves you with healthy skin.
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EFUDEX® is the only topical treatment approved by the FDA to be used
almost anywhere on the skin, including the face, scalp, hands, arms, shoulders,
and trunk. However, application of EFUDEX® to mucous membranes should be avoided.1
In addition, EFUDEX® should not be applied in the eyes.
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When AKs or sBCC occur in your hair, your doctor may recommend EFUDEX®
Solution, which can easily penetrate through hairy areas. Simply hold
the container, which has a built-in applicator, against the affect areas and squeeze
until a small amount reaches the skin.
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Only your doctor can determine if the "spots" you have are AKs or sBCCs and can be treated with EFUDEX®. This is why it is so important to use EFUDEX® only as directed and discuss any questions you may have with your doctor.
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Patients are advised not to use cosmetics or any other skin products, including creams, lotions, and medications, while on EFUDEX® therapy unless instructed by their doctor.
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During EFUDEX® treatment, you should do everything possible to stay out of the sun.
However, with an active lifestyle, this isn't always possible. So be sure you take
every precaution to protect your skin. Wear long sleeves and a hat when you go outside, and
ask your doctors about the use of sunscreen on areas that aren't covered by clothing.
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Simply resume using it as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or double
your dose.
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EFUDEX® should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant during therapy because it may cause harm to the fetus. If you are nursing, be sure to let your doctor know because it is not known whether EFUDEX® is excreted in human milk. Also, EFUDEX® should not be used by people who are known to be allergic to any of its components.
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- Do not cover the treated areas with bandages or gauze unless your doctor advises you to do so.
- Do not share this medication with others, even if they appear to have the same condition as you.
- The most frequent side effects of EFUDEX® Solutions and Cream occur locally and may include itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, scaling, and swelling. If any of these side effects are severe, contact your doctor.
- Application to mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, vagina, anus) should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation, ulceration, and necrosis.
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You should visit your doctor after therapy to plan your follow-up care,
including regular appointments to make sure new lesions are not developing.
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Discard any unused portion of EFUDEX® after you have completed therapy.
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