Side Effects of Carac or Efudex

Hi everyone, I just stumbled upon this board.

I am on day 16 of 30 on Efudex (2X per day).  I am treating my entire face, neck and chest.   Sorry to say this, but it was very comforting to see that I am not alone right now.  It's getting harder and harder to sleep at night.  I just can't seem to find a comfortable spot, not to mention the fact that the itching is driving me crazy.  Benedryl is providing a little relief. How's everyone else doing?

Hi dmwhale,

I'm sorry to hear you're having such a hard time.  I can't imagine treating as much skin as you are for as long as you have to!   I'm only doing my face.  It was for 14 days, but now will be for 21 days.  I'm starting to get uncomfortable and also self-conscious about the ugly red patches on my face.  Yuck.

There's a lot of good information on this board from people who have been through this, sometimes more than once.  As for the itching, I think some people used Lanacane in addition to the Benadryl?  Maybe you can ask your doctor about that.

I hope you feel better soon and can get some rest.  Linda

Thanks Linda,  My Dr called in an RX for Atarax today,  It does seem to help a little.  I was actually able to take an hour nap today.

I know what you mean about feeling self conscious.  When I went to pick up my RX, the cashier looked at me and gasped, then said "oh my God, what is wrong with you?"  Thanks lady, just what I needed!

Sorry to hear that they extended your treatment.  How are you feeling?

Diane

Hi Linda!  Any developments?  I am getting the impression that Carac isn't nearly as harsh as Efudex...  I am still very very red; tight, flaking, but the Aquaflour (sp?) helps ALOT and I don't have any signs of cracking or crusting like the bloggers in the beginning of this e-string reported -- but I think most of them were on Efudex (sp?).  I see my doc next Wed ---  I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel, though I am taking some days off at the end of next week, just to get a break from work when I am at the point I am guessing will be the worst of it (from the blogs).  Are you "lighting up?"  Is it uncomfortable?  How goes dealing with the allergies at the same time?  Thanks for walking this walk with me -- it is so much easier not doing it alone.  Pat

Hi Diane -- I am glad you found us.  Hope you are doing better with the itching and the sleeping -- being tired can really add to the misery.  Have you tried putting Aquaflour on 2 hours after your treatment?  It really does help my itching.  Is your face cracking open too, or just the deep red blotches?   Best wishes for a good weekend, Pat

Hi guys,

Diane, I hope your new presc. helps with the itching and discomfort.  As to the clerk, I can't believe people can be so rude!  It's kind of funny (well, maybe not funny, exactly) but I feel so self-conscious about my face and avoid eye contact, etc.  Then when I look in the mirror, I think my face doesn't look as bad as I remembered.  Not yet at least!

Pat, Yes, I'm getting some more red spots and some discomfort, but not too bad.  When are you done?  I'm glad you can take some time off.  It gets really hard to plan things when you don't know how you will feel or look.  I was in the hot weather a little bit today and that was pretty uncomfortable. I really appreciate you being here for me too.  :)

Hang in there, ladies!  Linda

 

HI again Pat,

Your comments about Carac vs. Efudex made me wonder about the differences too.  I found this, which I thought was very interesting:

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21073

I'm glad I'm on Carac!  Linda

 

Hi Pat and Linda,

The new RX is definitely helping me sleep.  I have been using the aquaphor on occasion, it's a bear to get off though.  

I read the difference between Efudex and  Carac,and wondering why my Derm prescribed the Efudex instead. Seems to be a much more harsh treatment then Carac, but with the same end results.  Oh well, I'll almost done now.  Only 9 more days!!!!

How's everyone else feeling today?

Diane

Oops, I meant 11 more days.  Wow, 9 sounded so much better.

Hi Pat and Diane,

I'm doing OK.  Each day my face looks worse.  I have red spots everywhere. I would only have two days left to go if I hadn't volunteered for an extra week. Silly me!  But I don't think the Carac has worked all its magic yet, so I guess I have to hang in there. How are you two feeling?  Linda