Flourouracil topical
Hi 👋
I started using 5FU just under 3 weeks ago and have felt really nauseous and exhausted since i started using this medication. I’m also on other medication for various problems with my spine. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms along with the discomfort and other more common side effects of this medication. Thank you in advance 😊
... I am so sorry you are experiencing these symptoms. It's definitely not unheard of for Efudex users to have some fatigue and nausea. Those are two side effects I wasn't warned about when I started using the cream and was quite surprised that a topical medication could have that effect.
You may want to touch base with your doctor and mention the medications you are taking in addition to the Efudex. He/she may have some recommendations where those are concerned.
I am including an article that address the side effects many users report.
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/efudex-side-effects
This article gives some tips for the healing stage. It may come in handy as you begin to approach the end of treatment.
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/efudex-side-effects-tips
Wishing you all the best as you move forward! Please keep us posted on your progress!
April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator, per my reply to Cazza47, this stuff for me is poison. I have had a severe headache, pain in my stomach like someone is knifing me, nausea, unbelievable fatigue, and feeling like I smoked a pack of Camel Cigarettes in 1 hour. I do not have cancer. This was given to me as a preventative since I have light skin damage and freckles on my arms. 3 days on my back and still ill. I will not use this anymore. ...I understand. The cream can definitely bring on some uncomfortable side effects. I hope your doctor can suggest a preventative that doesn't affect you so severely. Sending you all my best, April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
Hi, Yes everyone I use it I feel like I have flu. The effects on my skin don’t bother me much because I luckily only have to use it on relatively small areas. I just get severe redness and blistering and inflammation of the skin which I can put up with on small areas. However the flu like symptoms are absolutely awful. My NHS dermatologist says I have a systemic reaction. She offered me immiquimod however I got the same flu like side effects with that too. I actually prefer excision to using the cream. At least with an excision i don’t get a systemic reaction just short lived localised pain and stitches.thank you for getting back to me. I really appreciate it. I’m feeling pretty awful at the moment but fortunately I’ve got a quicker appointment with dermatologist this Saturday. I think she is going to do some biopsies so fingers crossed 🤞🏻 it’s nothing too nasty. I’m going to mention how unwell I have felt at times. Although I have a lot of issues with my spine and mobility at times I do get out the house most days with family to try and go for a walk but since I’ve started this treatment I’ve been completely lethargic, nauseous and just don’t feel like myself. Hope to get some answers on Saturday. Thanks again for your reply ☺️
, I will never ever put this on my body unless I have full blown cancer. I have spent 3 days extremely ill. I stopped putting the cream on. The doctor gave it to me as a preventative.
