Fluorouracil is recommended for the topical treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses. In the 5% strength, it is also useful in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas when conventional methods are impractical, such as with multiple lesions or difficult treatment sites.
From the U.S. FDA-approved label for Fluorouracil. Full label: DailyMed.
Fluorouracil is recommended for the topical treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses. In the 5% strength, it is also useful in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas when conventional methods are impractical, such as with multiple lesions or difficult treatment sites. Safety and efficacy in other indications have not been established. The diagnosis should be established prior to treatment, since this method has not been proven effective in other types of basal cell carcinomas. With isolated, easily accessible basal cell carcinomas, surgery is preferred since success with such lesions is almost 100%. The success rate with fluorouracil topical solution is approximately 93%, based on 113 lesions in 54 patients.
From the U.S. FDA-approved label for Fluorouracil. Full label: DailyMed.
When fluorouracil is applied to a lesion, a response occurs with the following sequence: erythema, usually followed by vesiculation, desquamation, erosion, and re-epithelialization. Fluorouracil should be applied preferably with a nonmetal applicator or suitable glove. If fluorouracil is applied with the fingers, the hands should be washed immediately afterward.
Directions from the U.S. FDA-approved label — your doctor or pharmacist may advise differently.
Fluorouracil may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women with either the topical or the parenteral forms of fluorouracil. One birth defect (cleft lip and palate) has been reported in the newborn of a patient using fluorouracil as recommended. One birth defect (ventricular septal defect) and cases of miscarriage have been reported when fluorouracil was applied to mucous membrane areas.
Excerpt from the U.S. FDA-approved label. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before use.
Application to mucous membranes should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation and ulceration. Additionally, cases of miscarriage and a birth defect (ventricular septal defect) have been reported when fluorouracil was applied to mucous membrane areas during pregnancy. Occlusion of the skin with resultant hydration has been shown to increase percutaneous penetration of several topical preparations. If any occlusive dressing is used in treatment of basal cell carcinoma, there may be an increase in the severity of inflammatory reactions in the adjacent normal skin.
Warnings and precautions excerpt from the U.S. FDA-approved label — not a complete list. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before use.
The most frequent adverse reactions to fluorouracil occur locally and are often related to an extension of the pharmacological activity of the drug. These include burning, crusting, allergic contact dermatitis, pruritus, scarring, rash, soreness, and ulceration.
Excerpt from the U.S. FDA-approved label — not a complete list. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor about side effects.
22 products from 12 makers in the NepalDoc medicine catalog use this generic:
| Brand | Composition | Maker | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemoflura 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Neon Laboratories Ltd | vial of 1 Injection |
| Chemoflura 500mg Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Neon Laboratories Ltd | vial of 1 Injection |
| Fivocil 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | vial of 5 ml Injection |
| Fivocil 500mg Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | vial of 5 ml Injection |
| Fivoflu 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd | vial of 5 ml Injection |
| Fivoflu 500mg Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd | vial of 10 ml Injection |
| Fivotop 250 Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Axiommax Oncology Pvt Ltd | ampoule of 5 ml Injection |
| Fivotop 500 Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Axiommax Oncology Pvt Ltd | ampoule of 10 ml Injection |
| Flocil 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Vhb Life Sciences Inc | vial of 5 ml Injection |
| Flocil 500mg Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Vhb Life Sciences Inc | vial of 10 ml Injection |
| Flonida 1% Cream | Fluorouracil (1% w/w) | A. Menarini India Pvt Ltd | tube of 10 gm Cream |
| Flonida 5% Cream | Fluorouracil (5% w/w) | A. Menarini India Pvt Ltd | tube of 10 gm Cream |
| Florac 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd | vial of 5 ml Injection |
| Florac 500mg Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd | vial of 10 ml Injection |
| Fluo Cream | Fluorouracil (1% w/w) | West-Coast Pharmaceutical Works Ltd | tube of 10 gm Cream |
| Fluonco 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Vhb Life Sciences Inc | vial of 10 ml Injection |
| Fluonco 500mg Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Vhb Life Sciences Inc | vial of 10 ml Injection |
| Fluracil 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries | vial of 5 ml Injection |
| Fluracil 500mg Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries | vial of 10 ml Injection |
| Kucil 500mg Injection | Fluorouracil (500mg) | Khandelwal Laboratories Pvt Ltd | vial of 10 ml Injection |
| Oncoflour 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | United Biotech Pvt Ltd | vial of 5 ml Injection |
| Raciwel 250mg Injection | Fluorouracil (250mg) | Getwell Oncology Pvt Ltd | vial of 1 Injection |
Brand list from the NepalDoc medicine catalog. Availability varies by pharmacy — call ahead to confirm stock.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).
Storage information from the U.S. FDA-approved label.
This page is information only and is not medical advice. Medicine details come from the sources listed above and may change — always confirm the medicine, strength and dose with a pharmacist or doctor before use. NLEM listing does not guarantee that a medicine is in stock at any pharmacy.
