Let's learn about a cream for skin cancer? (Fluorouracil; Diclofenac)

Have you talked to your doctor about a rough, scaly patch on your skin that looks like it was sunburned? Your doctor may have prescribed this cream for you, thinking it could be cancer or a pre-cancerous lesion. This is a bit of a special medication. So it's important to be fully aware of how to use it, what to watch out for, and the possible side effects.

What is this Fluorouracil and Diclofenac cream?

Simply put, this is a cream that contains a combination of two types of medication.

1. Fluorouracil: This is a topical chemotherapy agent that is applied to the skin. Specifically, it helps kill rapidly dividing abnormal cells, which are cancer cells or cells that are likely to become cancerous.

2. Diclofenac: You've probably heard of this one. It's a medication that reduces pain, swelling, and redness. Medically speaking, it's a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).

When these two are combined, they help control the pain and swelling that results while destroying the abnormal cells. It is used to treat skin cancer and precancerous skin conditions (actinic keratosis).

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before prescribing this cream, your doctor will ask you about your health. However, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .

• If you have bleeding problems or conditions that prevent your blood from clotting easily.
• If you are a smoker.
• If you have a deficiency of the DPD enzyme (DPD enzyme deficiency). This is a genetic condition, and it will be important for your doctor to tell you about it.
• If you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
• If you are a regular drinker.
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• If there are wounds, cracks, or infections on the skin where the medicine is to be applied.
• If you have recently had heart bypass surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft - CABG) or are planning to have one in the future.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to Fluorouracil, Diclofenac, aspirin or other NSAID painkillers.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How exactly do you use this cream?

Since this is a skin-soothing medication, it is very important to know exactly how to use it.

1. Cleanliness first: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.

2. Prepare the skin: Let me rephrase that... Wash the area of ​​skin where the medication will be applied with a mild soap, pat dry with a clean cloth, and let it dry. Do not rub vigorously.

3. Applying the medicine: It is best to use a cotton-tipped applicator rather than applying the cream directly with your fingers. Or, wear gloves and apply it. If you accidentally apply it with your fingertips, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward .

4. Amount: Apply a thin layer to completely cover the area as prescribed by the doctor. There is no need to apply it too thickly.

5. Areas to avoid: Be careful not to apply this medicine to sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.

6. Covering: After applying the medicine, you can cover the area with a light gauze dressing. But never use an air-tight dressing .

7. Duration: Use this medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor. Even if your skin condition seems to be improving, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Be especially careful about these things when using medication.

• Healing time: This treatment may take 2 to 6 weeks or even longer. The important thing is that it can take 1 to 2 months for your skin to fully heal even after you stop using the medication. So, during the treatment, your skin may become red, flaky, and look a little uncomfortable. That's part of the treatment. Don't worry about it.
• Be careful of the sun: Your skin may become very sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity) while taking this medicine. So avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you must go out, wear clothing that covers your skin and use a good sunscreen . Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds.
• Avoid getting pregnant: Avoid getting pregnant while using this medicine. It may be harmful to the unborn baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about it.
• Keep away from pets (very important!): This is something you need to be very careful about. This medicine is extremely toxic to pets (dogs, cats). If an animal licks the area where this cream was applied, or if it puts the medicine tube in its mouth, it can even cause the death of the animal.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medicine.
• Carefully dispose of the items used to apply the medicine (cotton swabs, gauze).
• Be careful not to let the medicine get on your clothes, bedding, or furniture.
• If you can't avoid skin contact with your pet, ask your doctor if you can cover the area where the medication was applied.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.

How to protect the medicine?

• Keep away from children and pets. This is very important.
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
• Throw away expired medicine.

This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not let anyone else use it.

Fluorouracil, Diclofenac, skin cancer, actinic keratosis, dermatology, topical cream, Sri Lanka