Side Effects of Carac or Efudex

Yes, I have had several sores which I call canker sores since begining treatment. I am just starting my 3rd week of treatment and besides the sores in my mouth, I have intense headaches and eye sensitivity. At times the headaches overshadow all other pain associated with the treatment. Have you or anyone else experienced the intense headaches and sensitivity to light?
My physician is not sympathetic and says he has never heard of it so dimisses the issues entirely. As someone who rarely has a headache (maybe twice a year when I have sinusitis), it has worried me. I will phone the manufacturer in the morning because at this time I am taking up to 16 200mg of advil a day with little relief. I am in such pain, I could care less how I look. Good luck with your treatment

Hi, I guess I'm a drop out from using Carac. I've tried 2 times on my arms, first both, then one at a time and I just get so nauseous I can't do it. I went to the Dr. today and he wants me to try Aldara. Does anyone know anything about this, or have you tired it. I think the side effects (or possible side effects) of Aldara sound much worse than Carac. Any comments would be helpful. Kathy how did it go with you arms-haven't seen a final comment from you. Thanks for all your help. This site is very helpful. Happy Haloween everyone.

Hi Bonnie. I've been away for a while, on a short travel trip. I am sorry to hear of your severe reactions. Some people cannot tolerate this chemical. I had some headaches, but not very bad. But my arms are very painful...much more than I anticipated they would be. And RED...real real red and actually raised welts. Others have had a less severe reaction on their arms but mine are extreme. Last night was day 28..the last day of treatment but, I might continue a little since the irritation and reaction make me believe the cancerous cells are not completely irradicated yet...not sure. Aldara is usually used for genital warts but has a similar effect to Carac and effudex..just go to google and type in aldara; you'll learn all you need to know from many sites. My friend has been prescribed Aldara for facial AK's and BSC's...I was surprised but apparently, it is a good alternative to the chemical in Carac, Efudex. I think ANYONE who is experiencing intense reactions should stop and consult (again, if necessary) w/their dermotologist or DR. This is a real chemical...just as is used internally for cancer chemo therepy...not to be taken lightly...There is a reason that directions insist that it is not injested and if nausea or headaches occur, stop treatment and speak w/professional about it. I am amazed that one Dr. was nonplussed about headaches, sores in mouth, etc....not to be played with! My arms...OUCH!!! much worse than I thought...I just hope the little cancer cells have been beaten down..I don't want to do this too much more...Kathy

Molly....talk again w/your physician or read ALL the precautions in the leaflet enclosed w/your medication...this is not to be taken lightly...I would definitely call another dermatologist or physician if you are dissatisfied w/your doctor's attitude...not "hearing of it....dismisses it..." is no answer. You need to talk w/someone who hears your complaints. Now! Kathy

Luckycat or anyone,

Do you know if the 14 day treatment is twice a day, and the 28 day is once a day? I was going to apply twice a day for 21 days, but quit at 20. I didn't see any change for a few days and I was really getting raw in a couple of spots. My chin and nose didn't start to get red until after two weeks, so I'm going to continue on those areas for another week. I also started on my arms and chest a couple of weeks ago and will continue that. I have two larger spots on my chest that are really getting red - I wonder if I found two more basal cells? My arms arn't too bad - looks like measles.

It looks like liver spots aren't affected by Effudex. If you have any, are you going to treat them? Retin-A is supposed to work. I've heard of Retin-A being used as a follow-up to Effudex. Anyone else know about that? Any other ideas on liver spots?

Hi Steve. I don't really know if applying the cream twice a day for a shorter period is equal to or greater than once a day for the full 28 days. My dermatologist said that once a day w/Carac is more than adequate. I have read several articles online; several of which completely contradict oneanother. Another confusing thing is the percentage of active ingredient in Carac, Efudex....in a summary; Carac/Efudex identifies and then begins to effect faster growking cells...cancerous or "precancerous" cells. It disables RNA and DNA from working together to allow cell division. Any one using the cream(s) will just about always see more areas than those which were initially identified by their dermatologist/Dr., etc. That is the miracle of this treatment; that it finds even those areas that are not visable to human sight. Actually, "age' or liver spots do disappear to some degree using this procedure...it has w/me. AND, my dermo. suggested Retin A prior to applying the cream...but, also, it is definitely effective afterwards as it causes cells (skin) to sluff off over time, exposing new, fresh skin; ridding you of older, damaged skin. See? (I think!!!) :>}

Hi Luckycat. You finished on Oct 28th and I finished on the 30th. My dr. said twice a day for two or three weeks, I couldn't remember which. I was going for three, but quit on day 20. I was red (getting toward purple in one place) and not peeling, so I said what the heck is one day. Three days later the redness is going away, but still very little peeling. My forehead and sides of my face are solid red. Seems funny the entire area would be damaged. Maybe it's the results of healthy cells also dying along with the damaged cells? At least I'm not as itchy or tight as I was. How are you doing? Have you peeled much?

Hi everyone, its nice to find this site! I actually had a surgerical removal of an AK on my nose and found they did not get it all. So, now I'm onto the Carac and not feeling so good after only two days! Felt kinda dizzy and nausea on and off. And it seems to be traveling, re: the one spot is turning into a large spot (the redness/purplish) around the bridge of my nose eventho I've only applied it in a little spot. Did anyone have an Ak surgically removed and then use Carac? And do any of your MD's say AK's are pre-cancerous and some say it is the first stage of squamous cell? Any comments or suggestions from the experienced will be appreciated! Thanks, PJ

Hi Chicagoeffected, I also got sick on the Carac(within 2 hours of using it) tried for 3 days and then tried again for 1 day and couldn't use it, maybe it's a Chicago thing my name is Chigirl-for Chicago. I've had 3 surgical removals but interesting not on my arms where I was to use the Carac. I just went to the Dr. and he said the AK's have a .01% of turning into skincancer BUT I'm sure you would get different odds from every Dr. I'm not a good one to ask about the results of Carac since I didn't (can't) use it. My Dr. recommended Aldara but after much reseach have deided not to use it. My Dr. agreed we can montor my arms. When I had my surgical removals I opted for Moh's surgery which has a very high percent of getting it all.Guess I know more about surgical removals. Good luck and I agree this is a great site and has been a tremendous help to me.I also have to agree with Kathy that if your Dr. doesn't listen to your symptoms, call your family Dr. someone this is a strong chemical!! If it's the weekend or evenigs have your Dr. paged don't wait until the next day. This could be dangerous! Good Luck and especially a big thank you to Kathy.

Yes, after a biopsy my doctor did tell me I had pre-cancerous cells or Keotosis and suggested Carac therapy. I have had headaches and sensitivity to light in addition to the expected results of the treatment. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to see my MD. I have an appointment Mopnday. I am cutting my dermatologist loose. Also contacted my pharmacist who suggested making an appointment with an optometrist. Has anyone had the experience of darkening of age spots? Wondering if they will diappear after treatment.