Flonida 5% Cream is used in the treatment of certain skin problems, including cancer or conditions that could become cancerous if not treated. It may be used to treat other conditions, as determined by the doctor.
Flonida 5% Cream is for external use only. You should use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. The affected area should be clean and dry before application of the ointment. You must wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine. This medicine should be used regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not use more than you need as it will not clear your condition faster and some side effects may be increased. If your condition goes on for longer than 3-6 weeks or gets worse at any time, let your doctor know.
Some common side effects include skin irritation, redness or itching at the site of application. Please consult your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Avoid direct contact of the medicine with your eyes. In case of direct contact, wash your eyes with water and seek immediate medical attention.
It is not likely that other medicines you take by mouth or injection will affect the way this medicine works, but talk to your doctor before using it if you have recently used another cream for the treatment. This medicine is not advised to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if it is safe. It makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, wear protective clothing or use an effective sunscreen.
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis is an abnormal rough and scaly growth of skin, due to long-term exposure to the sun. These lesions can lead to skin cancer and need medical attention. Flonida 5% Cream kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. This helps to prevent skin cancer and also improves the skin texture.Use it as prescribed by the doctor and follow all the instructions carefully.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Flonida
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Skin scar
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Rash
- Skin ulcer
- Scab
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.
Flonida 5% Cream is an anticancer medication. It works by interfering with the growth of genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.
No interaction found/established
Flonida 5% Cream is highly unsafe during pregnancy. It can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including birth defects and pregnancy loss. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Information regarding the use of Flonida 5% Cream during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
The baby’s skin should not come into direct contact with the treated area of skin. Water-miscible cream/gel is preferred as ointments may expose the baby to harmful effects of Flonida 5% Cream via licking.
No interaction found/established
No interaction found/established
No interaction found/established
- Flonida 5% Cream helps treat skin growths and some skin cancers.
- Apply it thinly and evenly to the affected area of skin once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.
- Avoid getting it in eyes, nose or mouth.
- Do not apply on open cuts or broken skin as this can lead to increase in side effects.
- It may cause redness, dryness, burning, pain, erosion, and swelling that may continue for two or more weeks after treatment is over. Inform your doctor if it does not go away.
- It may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposing your skin to strong sunlight, use a sunscreen lotion or make sure your skin is protected with clothing.
- Do not use Flonida 5% Cream if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
| Attribute |
Details |
| Generic Name |
Fluorouracil (5-FU) |
| Drug Class |
Topical Pyrimidine Antimetabolite / Chemotherapy |
| Brand Reference |
Efudex 5% (Valeant); Fluorac 5% (Sun Pharma India) |
| Indication |
Actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease — pre-cancerous and early cancerous skin lesions |
| Standard Dose |
Actinic keratosis: apply twice daily × 2–4 weeks. Superficial BCC: apply twice daily × 3–6 weeks. Significant inflammatory reaction is expected — indicates treatment working |
| Form |
Topical Cream |
| Route |
Topical |
| Prescription |
Yes |
| Evidence |
FDA-approved; Cochrane: 5-FU cream 80% clearance for actinic keratosis; field therapy prevents field cancerisation; NICE-listed |
How It Works
Inhibits thymidylate synthase blocking DNA synthesis; rapidly dividing cells (pre-cancerous keratinocytes) accumulate 5-FU at higher concentrations and undergo apoptosis.
People Also Ask
Why does fluorouracil cream cause such inflammation?
The redness, burning, crusting, and erosion during 5-FU treatment are caused by the drug selectively attacking rapidly dividing abnormal cells — exactly the intended action. Areas with more precancerous cells react more intensely. The reaction typically peaks at weeks 2–3 then resolves. This is not an allergic reaction but the therapeutic response. Treatment must be continued through the inflammatory phase.
How long does fluorouracil cream need to be used?
Actinic keratosis: 2–4 weeks twice daily. Superficial BCC: 4–6 weeks twice daily. Healing after stopping takes 2–4 additional weeks. A treated area may appear worse before it looks better — this is normal.
Can fluorouracil cream cause scarring?
Correctly used fluorouracil cream typically heals without scarring. However, if the inflammatory reaction is severe or becomes infected, some residual textural change is possible. Sun protection after treatment is essential — treated skin is more photosensitive.
What is field therapy for actinic keratosis?
Field therapy treats a large area of sun-damaged skin rather than individual lesions — addressing visible and subclinical precancerous cells (‘field cancerisation’). Fluorouracil cream applied to the entire forehead/scalp/face treats all precancerous areas simultaneously, preventing future progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
Does fluorouracil cream treat melanoma?
No — 5-FU cream is only indicated for superficial non-melanoma skin cancers (actinic keratosis, superficial BCC) and Bowen’s disease. It is not appropriate for melanoma, nodular BCC, or invasive squamous cell carcinoma — these require surgical or systemic treatment.
Storage
Store at 15–30°C away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
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