ﺑﺎﺯﮔﺸﺖ ﺑﻪ ﺻﻔﺤﻪ ﻗﺒﻠﯽ
خرید پکیج
تعداد آیتم قابل مشاهده باقیمانده : 3 مورد
نسخه الکترونیک
medimedia.ir

Fluorouracil (topical): Drug information

Fluorouracil (topical): Drug information
2024© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All Rights Reserved.
For additional information see "Fluorouracil (topical): Patient drug information"

For abbreviations, symbols, and age group definitions show table
Brand Names: US
  • Carac;
  • Efudex;
  • Fluoroplex [DSC];
  • Tolak
Brand Names: Canada
  • Efudex;
  • Tolak
Pharmacologic Category
  • Antineoplastic Agent, Antimetabolite;
  • Antineoplastic Agent, Antimetabolite (Pyrimidine Analog);
  • Topical Skin Product
Dosing: Adult

Note: Fluoroplex 1% has been discontinued in the United States for >1 year.

Actinic or solar keratosis

Actinic or solar keratosis: Topical:

Cream (0.5%): Apply thin film to lesions once daily for up to 4 weeks, as tolerated.

Cream (1%): Apply to lesions twice daily for 2 to 6 weeks.

Cream (4%): Apply to lesions once daily for 4 weeks as tolerated.

Cream (5%) or solution (2% and 5%): Apply to lesions twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks (apply until inflammatory response reaches erosion stage, then stop); complete healing may not be evident for 1 to 2 months following treatment.

Basal cell carcinoma, superficial

Basal cell carcinoma, superficial: Topical: Cream (5%) or solution (5%): Apply to affected lesions twice daily for 3 to 6 weeks; treatment may be continued for up to 10 to 12 weeks.

Penile carcinoma

Penile carcinoma (in situ) (off-label use; based on limited data): Topical: Cream (5%): Apply to lesion for 12 hours every 48 hours for 28 days (Ref).

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (in situ; Bowen disease) (off-label use; based on limited data): Topical: Cream (5%): Apply to lesion(s) twice daily for 9 weeks; a repeat course may be applied for recurrences (Ref).

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dosing: Older Adult

Refer to adult dosing.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

>10%:

Dermatologic: Application site scaling (≤95%), application site dryness (70% to ≤95%), stinging of the skin (application site: ≤87%), skin erosion (application site: 25% to 68%)

Local: Application site erythema (90% to 99%), application site reaction (92% to 97%; crusting: 87%), application site burning (60% to ≤87%), application site pruritus (85%), application site edema (14% to 69%), application site pain (31% to 61%)

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache (4%)

Dermatologic: Skin irritation (1% to 2%)

Infection: Common cold (5%)

Ophthalmic: Eye irritation (3% to 7%; burning, watering, sensitivity, stinging, itching)

Respiratory: Sinusitis (5%)

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Allergic contact dermatitis, alopecia, anxiety, bullous pemphigoid, burning sensation of skin, conjunctival irritation, conjunctivitis, corneal disease, eosinophilia, eye irritation, herpes simplex infection, hyperpigmentation, ichthyosis, inflammation, insomnia, irritability, lacrimation, leukocytosis, lymphocytic leukemia, medicine-like taste, muscle tenderness, nasal discomfort, pain, pancytopenia, pruritus, scarring, skin blister, skin irritation, skin neoplasm (nonmelanoma), skin photosensitivity, skin rash, skin tenderness, stomatitis, suppuration, swelling, swelling of eye, telangiectasia, thrombocytopenia, toxic granulations, ulcer, urticaria

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to fluorouracil or any component of the formulation; dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency; patients who are or may become pregnant.

Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Concurrent use with brivudine, sorivudine, and analogues; breastfeeding.

Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Hypersensitivity: Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, including allergic contact dermatitis, have been reported. Severe pruritus or eczema (at the application site or at a distant site) may be indicative of hypersensitivity. Patch testing may not be useful in the evaluation of these reactions. Discontinue immediately for signs of hypersensitivity.

• Local skin reactions: When applied to a lesion, erythema followed by vesiculation, desquamation, erosion and reepithelialization occurs. Local reactions and alterations in skin appearance may persist for several weeks after discontinuation. Bruising, burning, crusting, dryness, edema, irritation, pain, pruritus, scaling, scarring, soreness, stinging, and ulceration may commonly result from topical therapy. Increased absorption through ulcerated or inflamed skin is possible.

• Ocular adverse reactions: Corneal and conjunctival disorders have occurred with topical fluorouracil; avoid application to the periocular area.

• Photosensitivity: Topical fluorouracil is associated with photosensitivity, including severe sunburn. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV irradiation during treatment; reaction intensity may be increased.

Disease-related concerns:

• Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency: Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency may result in increased cytotoxic activity and severe toxicity with topical fluorouracil. Life-threatening systemic toxicity has been reported with topical fluorouracil in a patient with DPD enzyme deficiency; signs/symptoms included bloody diarrhea, stomatitis, esophagus, stomach, and small bowel inflammation, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, chills, fever, erythematous skin rash, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Discontinue if signs of DPD deficiency develop.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Benzyl alcohol and derivatives: Some dosage forms may contain benzyl alcohol; large amounts of benzyl alcohol (≥99 mg/kg/day) have been associated with a potentially fatal toxicity ("gasping syndrome") in neonates; the "gasping syndrome" consists of metabolic acidosis, respiratory distress, gasping respirations, CNS dysfunction (including convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage), hypotension and cardiovascular collapse (AAP 1997; CDC 1982); some data suggests that benzoate displaces bilirubin from protein binding sites (Ahlfors 2001); avoid or use dosage forms containing benzyl alcohol with caution in neonates. See manufacturer's labeling.

• Peanut oil: Some dosage forms contain peanut oil.

• Polysorbate 80: Some dosage forms may contain polysorbate 80 (also known as Tweens). Hypersensitivity reactions, usually a delayed reaction, have been reported following exposure to pharmaceutical products containing polysorbate 80 in certain individuals (Isaksson 2002; Lucente 2000; Shelley 1995). Thrombocytopenia, ascites, pulmonary deterioration, and renal and hepatic failure have been reported in premature neonates after receiving parenteral products containing polysorbate 80 (Alade 1986; CDC 1984). See manufacturer's labeling.

• Propylene glycol: Some dosage forms may contain propylene glycol; large amounts are potentially toxic and have been associated with hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, seizures and respiratory depression; use caution (AAP 1997; Zar 2007). See manufacturer's labeling.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: Avoid application to mucous membranes due to potential for local inflammation and ulceration. Occlusive dressings may increase the severity of inflammation in nearby skin areas (a porous gauze dressing may be applied for cosmetic reasons without increase in reaction). Avoid eyelids, eyes, and periocular area when applying. Wash hands well following application; if ocular exposure occurs, flush with large amounts of water.

• Household pet safety: Avoid allowing house pets to come into contact with human skin following topical fluorouracil application. Small amounts of fluorouracil ingested by cats or dogs may result in toxic hyperammonemia and high rates of mortality (ISMP [Smetzer 2020]).

Warnings: Additional Pediatric Considerations

Some dosage forms may contain propylene glycol; in neonates large amounts of propylene glycol delivered orally, intravenously (eg, >3,000 mg/day), or topically have been associated with potentially fatal toxicities which can include metabolic acidosis, seizures, renal failure, and CNS depression; toxicities have also been reported in children and adults including hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, seizures, and respiratory depression; use caution (AAP, 1997; Shehab, 2009).

Product Availability

Fluoroplex 1% has been discontinued in the United States for >1 year.

Dosage Forms: US

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Cream, External:

Carac: 0.5% (30 g) [contains methylparaben, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Efudex: 5% (40 g) [contains methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Fluoroplex: 1% (30 g [DSC]) [contains benzyl alcohol]

Tolak: 4% (40 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, peanut oil, propylparaben]

Generic: 0.5% (30 g); 5% (40 g)

Solution, External:

Generic: 2% (10 mL); 5% (10 mL)

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Pricing: US

Cream (Carac External)

0.5% (per gram): $99.91

Cream (Efudex External)

5% (per gram): $1.80

Cream (Fluorouracil External)

0.5% (per gram): $59.21

5% (per gram): $6.43 - $9.62

Cream (Tolak External)

4% (per gram): $1.20

Solution (Fluorouracil External)

2% (per mL): $7.56

5% (per mL): $11.13

Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.

Dosage Forms: Canada

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Cream, External:

Efudex: 5% (40 g) [contains methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Tolak: 4% (40 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, peanut oil, propylparaben]

Administration: Adult

Topical: Apply 10 minutes after washing, rinsing, and drying the affected area. Apply a sufficient amount to cover lesions, preferably using a nonmetal applicator or suitable glove.

Cream (4%): Apply after washing, rinsing, and drying the affected area. Apply a sufficient amount to cover lesions of the face, ears, and/or scalp with a thin film, using fingertips to gently massage uniformly into skin.

If applied with fingertip, wash hands immediately after application. Do not cover area with an occlusive dressing. Topical preparations are for external use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, mucous membrane, or intravaginal use.

Hazardous Drugs Handling Considerations

Hazardous agent (NIOSH 2016 [group 1]).

Use appropriate precautions for receiving, handling, storage, preparation, dispensing, transporting, administration, and disposal. Follow NIOSH and USP 800 recommendations and institution-specific policies/procedures for appropriate containment strategy (NIOSH 2016; USP-NF 2020).

Use: Labeled Indications

Actinic or solar keratosis: Management of multiple actinic or solar keratoses

Basal cell carcinoma, superficial (5%): Treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma when conventional methods are impractical (eg, due to multiple lesions or difficult treatment sites)

Limitations of use: Establish diagnosis of superficial basal cell carcinoma prior to treatment (has not been proven effective in other types of basal cell carcinomas); surgery is preferred with isolated, easily accessible basal cell carcinomas because success with such lesions is almost 100% and the success rate with fluorouracil cream and solution is ~93%.

Use: Off-Label: Adult

Penile carcinoma (in situ); Squamous cell carcinoma (in situ; Bowen disease)

Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Fluorouracil may be confused with flucytosine

International issues:

Curac may be confused with Kuric brand name for methyldopa (NG)

Metabolism/Transport Effects

None known.

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid combination

Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Brivudine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Fluorouracil (Topical). Risk X: Avoid combination

Methoxsalen (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Methoxsalen (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Porfimer: Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Porfimer. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Verteporfin: Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Verteporfin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Reproductive Considerations

Use is contraindicated in patients who may become pregnant.

Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month after the final application of topical fluorouracil.

Pregnancy Considerations

Use is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant.

Adverse effects, including ventricular septal defect and miscarriage, have been reported following topical application of fluorouracil products to mucous membranes in pregnant patients.

Breastfeeding Considerations

It is not known if fluorouracil (topical) is present in breast milk.

Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant, a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or the drug, considering the importance of treatment to the mother.

Mechanism of Action

Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine antimetabolite that interferes with DNA synthesis by blocking the methylation of deoxyuridylic acid to thymidylic acid; blocks DNA synthesis to prevent cell proliferation of fast growing cells and cause cell death.

Pharmacokinetics (Adult Data Unless Noted)

Absorption: ~6% of a topical dose is absorbed systemically (5% cream)

Time to Peak: ~1 hour following application (4% cream)

Brand Names: International
International Brand Names by Country
For country code abbreviations (show table)

  • (AE) United Arab Emirates: Efudix;
  • (AR) Argentina: Acler;
  • (AT) Austria: Fluoro uracil | Tolak;
  • (AU) Australia: Efudix | Fluoroplex | Fluorouracil pc | Tolak;
  • (BR) Brazil: Efurix | Fluoro uracil;
  • (CH) Switzerland: Efudix | Tolak;
  • (CO) Colombia: 5 fluorouracil | 5-fluorouracilo;
  • (CZ) Czech Republic: Tolak;
  • (DE) Germany: Efudix;
  • (EC) Ecuador: 5-fluorouracilo | Fluorouracilo;
  • (EE) Estonia: Efudix;
  • (EG) Egypt: Ezadex;
  • (ES) Spain: Fluorouracilo sandoz | Tolak;
  • (FI) Finland: Tolerak;
  • (FR) France: Efudix | Tolak;
  • (GB) United Kingdom: Efudix;
  • (GR) Greece: Efudix | Tolak;
  • (IE) Ireland: Efudix;
  • (IN) India: Flonida | Fluo;
  • (IT) Italy: Tolerak;
  • (KR) Korea, Republic of: Efudix;
  • (MA) Morocco: Efudix;
  • (MX) Mexico: Efudix | Efudix lps | Fuloxitril;
  • (MY) Malaysia: Flonida;
  • (NL) Netherlands: Efudix;
  • (NO) Norway: Efudix | Efudix unimedic | Tolak;
  • (NZ) New Zealand: Efudix;
  • (PL) Poland: Efudix;
  • (PR) Puerto Rico: Carac | Efudex | Fluoroplex | Tolak;
  • (PT) Portugal: Efudix;
  • (SE) Sweden: Tolak;
  • (TN) Tunisia: Efudix;
  • (TR) Turkey: Efudix
  1. <800> Hazardous Drugs—Handling in Healthcare Settings. United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary (USP 43-NF 38). Rockville, MD: United States Pharmacopeia Convention; 2020:74-92.
  2. Ahlfors CE. Benzyl alcohol, kernicterus, and unbound bilirubin. J Pediatr. 2001;139(2):317-319. [PubMed 11487763]
  3. Alade SL, Brown RE, Paquet A Jr. Polysorbate 80 and E-Ferol toxicity. Pediatrics. 1986;77(4):593-597. [PubMed 3960626]
  4. Alnajjar HM, Lam W, Bolgeri M, Rees RW, Perry MJ, Watkin NA. Treatment of carcinoma in situ of the glans penis with topical chemotherapy agents. Eur Urol. 2012;62(5):923-928. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2012.02.052 [PubMed 22421082]
  5. Bargman H, Hochman J. Topical treatment of Bowen's disease with 5-Fluorouracil. J Cutan Med Surg. 2003;7(2):101-105. doi:10.1007/s10227-002-0158-6 [PubMed 12447619]
  6. Carac (fluorouracil 0.5% cream) [prescribing information]. Bridgewater, NJ: Bausch Health US LLC; May 2022.
  7. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Neonatal deaths associated with use of benzyl alcohol—United States. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1982;31(22):290-291. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001109.htm [PubMed 6810084]
  8. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Unusual syndrome with fatalities among premature infants: association with a new intravenous vitamin E product. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1984;33(14):198-199. [PubMed 6423951]
  9. Efudex (fluorouracil) [product monograph]. Laval, Quebec, Canada: Bausch Health Canada Inc; June 2021.
  10. Efudex solutions and cream (fluorouracil) [prescribing information]. Sugar Land, TX: Mylan Institutional Inc; October 2021.
  11. Fluoroplex (fluorouracil topical 1% cream) [prescribing information]. Exton, PA: Almirall LLC; February 2022.
  12. Fluorouracil cream (0.5%) [prescribing information]. Bridgewater, NJ: Valeant Pharmaceuticals; October 2013.
  13. Fluorouracil topical cream (5%) [prescribing information]. Morgantown, WV: Mylan Pharmaceuticals; January 2013.
  14. Fluorouracil topical solution (2% and 5%) [prescribing information]. Madisonville, LA: Solubiomix LLC; September 2017.
  15. "Inactive" ingredients in pharmaceutical products: update (subject review). American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Drugs. Pediatrics. 1997;99(2):268-278. [PubMed 9024461]
  16. Isaksson M, Jansson L. Contact allergy to Tween 80 in an inhalation suspension. Contact Dermatitis. 2002;47(5):312-313. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.4705104.x [PubMed 12534540]
  17. Jansen MHE, Kessels JPHM, Nelemans PJ, et al. Randomized trial of four treatment approaches for actinic keratosis. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(10):935-946. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1811850 [PubMed 30855743]
  18. Lucente P, Iorizzo M, Pazzaglia M. Contact sensitivity to Tween 80 in a child. Contact Dermatitis. 2000;43(3):172. [PubMed 10985636]
  19. Minhas S, Manseck A, Watya S, Hegarty PK. Penile cancer--prevention and premalignant conditions. Urology. 2010;76(2 suppl 1):S24-S35. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2010.04.007 [PubMed 20691883]
  20. Shelley WB, Talanin N, Shelley ED. Polysorbate 80 hypersensitivity. Lancet. 1995;345(8960):1312-1313. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(95)90963-x [PubMed 7746084]
  21. Smetzer J, Cohen M, eds. Hidden medication loss when using a primary administration set for small-volume intermittent infusions. ISMP Medication Safety Alert! Acute Care Edition. 2020;25(24):1-6.
  22. Tolak (fluorouracil 4% cream) [prescribing information]. Sanford, FL: Hill Dermaceuticals Inc; August 2022.
  23. US Department of Health and Human Services; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH list of antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs in healthcare settings 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2016-161/default.html. Updated September 2016. Accessed October 5, 2016.
  24. Zar T. Graeber C, Perazella MA. Recognition, treatment, and prevention of propylene glycol toxicity. Semin Dial. 2007;20(3):217-219. doi:10.1111/j.1525-139X.2007.00280.x [PubMed 17555487]
Topic 9132 Version 290.0

آیا می خواهید مدیلیب را به صفحه اصلی خود اضافه کنید؟