• Fluorouracil (Efudex) Information"Dia 95: Dosis" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Freddy The Boy (Angel Arcones) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
  
  

Action

• Cancer cells divide rapidly in the body. Efudex works by killing off cells that grow and multiply rapidly. It does this by depriving the cells of a material called thymidine that they need to make their DNA. Without DNA, the carcinogenic cells cannot live.
  
  

Warning

• Do not take Efudex if you are allergic to it, pregnant or breastfeeding. Efudex should be used cautiously in people who have infections, low immune status, depressed bone marrow function, low platelet counts or dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency.
  
  

Side Effects

• Side effects of Efudex are diarrhea, nausea, infection of the mouth, hair loss, rash, burning, nail loss, crusting skin, dry skin, redness, discoloration of the skin, irritation, pain, itching, sensitivity to sunlight and sterility.
  
  

Adverse Effects

• These are serious side effects that you need to report to your health care provider immediately they happen. They include severe stomach pain, sore throat, bloody diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, bleeding gums, vomiting, fever, chills, bloody urine and a severe, red skin rash.
  
  

Helpful Information

• Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking to prevent mouth infections. Use contraceptives while taking this medication because it can cause harm to a growing fetus. Use sunscreen, cover your skin and wear sunglasses to avoid sunlight. Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccinations and keep all doctors appointments to monitor for side effects and the progress of your treatment. When you use topical Efudex, avoid applying it to your eyes or close to your mouth and nose.