Efudix
Efudix consists of the active ingredient fluorouracil, which interfered with the cells ability to reproduce. As cancerous and precancerous cells reproduce at a faster rate than healthy cells, they absorb Efudix more readily. This has little affect on the surrounding healthy cells. Efudix is available by prescription only and is prescribed for treatment of:
- Actinic Keratoses
- Specific types of Basil Cell Carcinomas
- Specific types of Squamous Cell Carcinomas
The treatment period for Efudix is 2-4 weeks. Efudix is applied directly to the lesion once or twice a day. During this time you may experience redness, inflammation, scabbing and peeling of the area being treated. These are signs that Efudix is destroying abnormal cells. While it may look and feel uncomfortable, it is recommended that you continue treatment unless instructed by your doctor. After the recommended period of use, your doctor will review the lesion to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Any inflammation that has occurred will usually resolve after 1-2 weeks post treatment.
Instructions For Use:
Before you applying Efudix, ensure that the area is washed and dried. You may then wish to use gloves to apply it. After 10 minutes, apply a small amount of the cream to the affected lesion using just enough to cover the area with a thin film and 5mm around it. Wash your hands immediately after applying the cream, even if you have used gloves. Avoid contact with areas around the eyes, nose or mouth.
While you are using Efudix, any sunscreen applied to the area must be done so 2 hours after Efudix has been applied. Any other types of lotions, creams or makeup should not be applied to the areas being treated, unless instructed by your doctor. Efudix is not to be used for any other skin conditions unless directed. As your skin may become more photosensitive, it is important to avoid direct sunlight and ensure you use adequate sunscreen to the area for a period of 3 months after treatment.
Aldara
Aldara consists of the active ingredient imiquimod, an immune response modifier. It activates immune cells in the body, which then proceed to target and destroy the cancerous or precancerous cells. Aldara is available by prescription only and is prescribed for treatment of:
- Actinic Keratoses
- Specific types of Basil Cell Carcinomas
- Specific types of Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Aldara should be used daily for 5 days following by 2 days on non-treatment. This 5:2 regime is then repeated for 6 weeks. During this time you may experience tenderness, redness, inflammation, scabbing and peeling of the area being treated. These side-effects indicate that the immune response has been activated and is targeting the cancerous or precancerous cells. While it may look and feel uncomfortable, it is recommended that you continue treatment unless instructed by your doctor. After the recommended period of use, your doctor will review the lesion to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Any inflammation that has occurred will usually resolve after 1-2 weeks post treatment.
Instructions For Use:
Before you applying Aldara, ensure that the area is washed and dried. You may then wish to use gloves to apply it. After 10 minutes, apply a small amount of the cream to the affected lesion using just enough to cover the area with a thin film and 5mm around it. Wash your hands immediately after applying the cream, even if you have used gloves. Avoid contact with areas around the eyes, nose or mouth. It is recommended that Aldara should be applied in the evening and washed off eight to ten hours later.
While you are using Aldara, any sunscreen applied to the area must be done so 2 hours after Aldara has been applied. Any other types of lotions, creams or makeup should not be applied to the areas being treated, unless instructed by your doctor. Aldara is not to be used for any other skin conditions unless directed. As your skin may become more photosensitive, it is important to avoid direct sunlight and ensure you use adequate sunscreen to the area for a period of 3 months after treatment.