1. Can you put sunscreen over Fluorouracil?
Fluorouracil cream makes the skin sensitive to sunlight, therefore, regular application of sunscreen is crucial. After applying Fluorouracil cream to the affected area, wait for 2 hours before applying sunscreen. Avoid using any other skin creams or lotions. Do not cover the area with tight bandages unless advised by the doctor.
2. Is Capecitabine the same as Fluorouracil?
Capecitabine is also a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of breast cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. It belongs to the fluoropyrimidines class of medications. It produces the same effect as Fluorouracil, but it comes in the form of tablets and is, therefore, convenient to consume as opposed to Fluorouracil injections.
3. What should be used after Fluorouracil?
Applying sunscreen two hours after application of Fluorouracil cream to the affected area is essential as the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight. Avoid the application of any other skin products, such as creams or lotions. Avoid going outdoors, or wear protective clothing to stay safe from sunlight when outdoors.
4. Can Fluorouracil be used on moles?
Fluorouracil cream is used in the treatment of precancerous and cancerous skin growths. If you have moles on your skin, you need to consult your doctor. They will first determine if the mole is cancerous and then prescribe the right treatment for its removal.
5. Can Fluorouracil cause cancer?
As per reports, a patient with actinic keratoses was treated with topical Fluorouracil on the face, neck, and forearms. He developed fatigue, fever, and mouth sores in a few days and was diagnosed with cancer due to dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. People with DPD are at a higher risk of toxic reactions to drugs used to treat cancers.
6. Can Fluorouracil cream make you tired?
Some patients using Fluorouracil cream for treating actinic keratosis complain of fatigue and lethargy that lasts for a few days. Some patients also complain of irritability. However, these side effects clear within days of discontinuing the treatment once the skin begins to heal.
7. Does Fluorouracil cause hair loss?
Fluorouracil cream is used to treat skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis and skin cancer. It is applied topically on the affected area of the skin and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Hence, it does not cause hair loss. However, Fluorouracil injection used for chemotherapy may cause hair loss. But the hair grows back once the treatment is over.
8. Is Fluorouracil a form of chemotherapy?
Fluorouracil injection is used as chemotherapy to treat several cancers, such as rectal cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and bladder cancer. It works by killing the fast-growing cancer cells and blocking their growth.
9. Does Fluorouracil cause weight gain?
Fluorouracil intravenous injections used in treating cancers can lead to weight loss. This is caused due to the other side effects of the drug, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite as a result of intense nausea.
10. Is Fluorouracil immunotherapy?
Yes, Fluorouracil in the form of topical solution is effective immunotherapy against actinic keratosis, which is an indication of skin cancer. According to a study, a combination of topical Fluorouracil and Calcipotriol—a synthetic form of vitamin D—offers a strong immune response to precancerous skin lesions.
