What do you wish your doctor had told you about Efudex?
Did you feel prepared for what you experienced during treatment? Were there side effects you wish someone had warned you about?
Not prepared at all. I thought I was dying and I discontinued the treatment. Efudex was given to me as a preventative. Very angry as I spent 3 days sick and unable to do anything.
...I am so sorry you were expected to begin treatment without proper counseling. There are so many different ways this cream can impact your system--I know how frustrating it is to begin having side effects and not expect them. I wish doctors were more forthcoming with information about all the possibilities. I hope you have been able to find an alternative that worked well for you. All my best, April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
my GP was very good, he told me it would be horrendous, he showed me photographs on his computer,, what it would look like, it absolutely terrified me, I was so scared,, I finished my 4 weeks of using efudex a week ago, I am now using hydrocortisone cream to sooth the skin,, it’s healing now but I’m so tempted to peel the skin off (I’m a picker)
It wasn’t as bad as some of the photos I saw but it was bad,, I think he was preparing me for the worse case sensation,, I can show you some pics of mine if you like, not sure if it’s allowed 😌you are so fortunate to have a caring, considerate Dr! Mine( who I reported to my HMO and got a new, better referral dermo) ....told me nothing about side effects😕😭.luckily I started reading online ( here) so I knew the horrendous side effects were somewhat common on my lip and nose. Luckily I chose not to do chest area at the same time. Best thing ever is this site of caring, informed folks ...I agree with you! is one of the lucky ones! We are so glad you are a member of this community! It's good to hear that our site has been so helpful in your treatment process! Sending you lots of hugs, April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
No the dermatologist who prescribed it just told me about the inflammation, blistering and redness. She didn’t tell me that I would be bedridden and not be able to do anything because of the crushing fatigue migraines and relentless insomnia. I persevered but found out out I’d had a systemic reaction which is not uncommon. I will never use it again. I’d rather have them excised. However I have been prescribed diclofenic Solareze. No reaction systemically thankfully but no local reaction topically either.
...I hate you went into treatment without being fully prepared by our doctor. That's incredibly frustrating and, unfortunately, is the same experience far too many of us have. I don't blame you for steering clear of it; I would do the same if I had a reaction like yours. I am so very sorry.
I hope you had some wonderful results from Diclofenac and healing went smoothly!
April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
