Here is the information we have on Efudex:
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) removes actinic keratoses and is useful for some
patients with a large number of lesions. It requires twice daily
application for 3 to 4 weeks. It can cause significant redness,
irritation, swelling, and crusting, which takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal.
Newer preparations are reducing these side effects. It is still unclear
if this medication protects against recurrent keratoses or future skin
cancer. Of concern is the possibility that (5-FU) will clear the top of
a skin cancer and obscure the rest of the cancer that lies beneath the
surface of the skin. A 10-year 2003 study of patients with Bowen's
disease reported that 5-FU was safe and effective, with only 2 out of
26 cancers recurring.
You may also want to read the posts of many people answering one users question:
does anyone have anything GOOD to say about Efudex?
all the best, sue (moderator)