Fluorouracil (topical): Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Fluorouracil is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor, a medicine that interferes with cell growth, and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. It is available in topical forms, but the treatment indications described here concern intravenous fluorouracil for cancers such as colon and rectal cancer. These cancer indications and treatment schedules should not be treated as directions for topical fluorouracil.

The injection label lists treatment of adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum, breast, stomach and pancreas. Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that starts in gland-forming cells. These indications concern fluorouracil given into a vein, rather than cream or solution used on the skin.

Depending on the cancer, the injection label describes its use alongside leucovorin or as part of treatment with several cancer medicines. The topical product's treatment indications are not listed here, so these cancer indications should not be used to decide what a fluorouracil cream or topical solution treats.

Fluorouracil belongs to a group of medicines that interfere with the building blocks cells need to grow and divide. Inside cells, it is changed into substances that disrupt the production of DNA and the normal working of RNA. These are materials that help cells copy themselves and make proteins.

Cells that divide quickly can be particularly affected. Healthy cells can also be affected, which helps explain why fluorouracil can cause unwanted effects as well as its intended effects.

The label lists topical cream strengths of 0.04 g/g, 2 g/40 g, 5 mg/g and 50 mg/g. The label lists topical solution strengths of 20 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. The label lists intravenous solution strengths of 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL.

No topical treatment schedule is listed here. The cancer treatment schedules relate to intravenous administration and must not be interpreted as cream or topical solution schedules.

Intravenous treatment varies according to the cancer and the medicines used alongside fluorouracil. The injection label also describes treatment changes for serious unwanted effects and individual assessment for patients with partial DPD deficiency.

For a missed topical treatment, check the dispensing label or ask a pharmacist for advice, as no topical schedule is listed here. Do not double a treatment to make up for a missed one. A missed intravenous appointment should be discussed with the treating team rather than made up independently.

The injection label states that fluorouracil can harm an unborn baby. Human pregnancy data for intravenous use are insufficient to establish the risk of birth defects, miscarriage or other pregnancy outcomes. It advises effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months afterwards for women, and 3 months afterwards for men with partners who could become pregnant.

It advises against breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. There are no data on its presence in human milk or effects on milk production or breastfed children.

Fertility may be affected. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist before topical treatment.

No specific storage conditions are listed here for the topical forms. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and follow its dispensing label to maintain quality.

Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. The injection label specifies protection from light and retention in its carton.