I am worried sick about my Dad. He started taking topical Efudex/5FU on September 29, 2006. 9 days later he ended up in the hospital due to complaints of shortness of breath and weakness. They discovered that his WBC's, Hbg, Hct and platelets were all dangerously low. The Doctors said that he was very close to his body completely shutting down. He was sent to Hershey Medical Center for further evaluation. Since then they have found that his bone marrow is aplastic and are thinking that he has a rare blood disease called Aplastic Anemia. I have been doing a ton of research on the internet on side effects and causes and have discovered this potential link to DPD enzyme deficiency and the use of Efudex/5FU. The Dermatologist that prescribed the drug told him it was a 1 in a million chance that this would happen to him. However, I am finding it to be more common than that number. Can anyone give me more accurate information on that statistic? I found that 1 in 100 people has the genetic mutation. Also, is there anyone out there that had a similiar occurance with the topical cream or a family member that had a similiar situation? I am clinging to hope that this is the cause and am looking for any advice.
Thank you