Efudex & Dovonex
Usage Instructions

• Topical 5-Fluorouracil (Efudex) is a prescription medication which is FDA-approved to treat pre-cancers of the skin known as actinic keratoses. By adding calcipotriene (Dovonex), the treatment duration can be greatly reduced with the same results.
• YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A SKIN REACTION!! Treatment will result in healthier, smoother skin. It is not a permanent solution, but will reduce the number of precancers that need to be treated at each visit and reduce your risk of skin cancers in the treated areas.
• This medication is available at Core Dermatology and can be picked up at check-out. The shelf-life is 6 months from the date of purchase.

Before Starting:

• Stop current skin products.
• Plan to use only gentle soap, plain Vaseline ointment, and a zinc-based sunscreen on the treatment area during your treatment period until healed.

Treatment Instructions:

1. Cleanse the treatment area with a gentle soap. Completely dry area with a towel.
2. Apply a thin layer of Efudex/Dovonex cream to your treatment area. DO NOT apply close to the eyes/eyelids/lips. Use gloves or wash your hands immediately after application.
3. You may apply Vaseline every 1-2 hours to keep skin protected and to speed healing.
4. Apply once during the morning (e.g. 8-9 AM) and once during the late afternoon (e.g. 3-4 PM).
5. Your doctor will discuss the length of treatment time with you during your visit.

Protect the involved areas from the sun at all times during treatment (zinc, hats, UPF clothing).

Avoid exposure during peak sunlight hours if possible.

Keep medication away from pets and children. DO NOT let any pets lick the skin where the medication has been applied (Efudex is toxic to animals when consumed).

The following skin reactions begin within 2-3 days of starting the medication and most resolve 7-10 days after final application of medicine:

• Blotchy red skin in treated areas.
• Skin may be dry, irritated, and itchy. Rash, cracking/peeling of the skin is also common.
• Burning sensation, discomfort and/or soreness treated areas
• Small, thin open sores may develop.
• Redness that will gradually fade over the 3-4 weeks following therapy

You can mitigate these common side effects by using cool compresses or applying Vaseline (wait for medication to be absorbed for at least 10 minutes before applying Vaseline).

These side effects should go away after the treatment, however if they continue, worsen or are bothersome, please call our office at 303-355-3000.

• Severe pain, swelling, rash or itching
• Signs of infection (fever, chills, foul smelling drainage)
• Large open areas, ulcerations, with prominent oozing/weeping
• Feeling ill, like you have the flu

Please follow up with your doctor 1 month after completion of therapy.
Protect your investment!! Continue to use sunscreen and UPF clothing/hats/sunglasses to cover areas treated.