Should you continue treating with Efudex beyond the precribed time if there is no erosion?
I am treating my chest area, 1 x 28 days. There is a lot of reaction, it's very painful and red spotted. However as yet there is no crusting. If this doesn't happen within the prescribed time should I continue to treat until visible erosion happens?
Hi
! I’m really glad you reached out to ask about this. Many of our community members talk about Efudex, and it does seem that there are many grey areas when it's appropriate to stop or to continue using it.
Some of our members have posted about Efudex here and have commented on their experience: https://skincancer.net/topic/efudex-fluorouracil/.
We can’t really advise you ourselves since we are not healthcare professionals, but here is an article written by one of our patient advocates about her journey using Efudex with photos: https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/my-journey-with-efudex-in-photos/. Each body part is different, so it's best to reach out to your doctor or a PA! -Sidney, SkinCancer.net Team
...I hope you are making it okay this week! I am sure you are hitting the really uncomfortable part of treatment by this point. Hang in there!
It's hard for me to say exactly how close you might be to the end since I am not a doctor, but the fact that you aren't noticing any crust yet is always, for me, a sign that I should keep going.
Also, you are doing once daily and that may, indeed, take longer to show signs of erosion. I have always been prescribed twice daily for 28 days and usually show signs of erosion slightly before the 28 days are up.
Be sure to check in with your doctor around the 28 day mark or if you show signs of allergic reaction or crusting. Your doctor's office is a great resource for you. Please keep us updated on your progress! Sending you hugs!
I am including a link to an article on healing. You'll be there before you know it!
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/efudex-side-effects-tips/
April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
