Tolak Cream
Prescription Required
Indications
This medication is used on the skin to treat pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths.
Fluorouracil belongs to a class of medications known as anti-metabolites. It works by blocking the growth of abnormal cells that cause the skin condition.
Use and Dosage
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication as directed by your doctor. Before you apply this medication to the skin, clean the affected area and dry it well. Wait 10 minutes, then apply a small amount of medication to the affected skin, using just enough to cover the area with a thin film. Wash your hands immediately after applying this medication, even if you have used gloves.
The treated area may become unsightly during treatment and in some cases for several weeks after treatment. Do not cover the area with tight dressings or plastic bandages. Check with your doctor whether you may cover the treated area loosely with gauze.
Avoid applying this medication in or around the eyes or eyelids. Also, do not apply this medication inside the nose or mouth. If you do get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of water.
This medication may cause serious harm (even death) to pets. Keep this medication securely away from pets, and do not allow pets to lick the area where the medication was applied. Contact your vet right away if your pet comes into contact with this medication.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects will be increased.
If your condition worsens or does not improve, consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Serious side effects include:
- Severe pain or swelling of treated skin
- Severe itching, burning, or irritation
- New or worsening skin sores
- Fever or chills
- Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting
Before your skin begins to heal it will become red, dry, tender, and crusty. This is a normal skin reaction, even if these symptoms get worse for a short time. Gradually, the dead skin will begin to shed off and you will see raw skin appear. Ask your doctor when to stop using the medicine after you notice signs of healing.
Common side effects of fluorouracil topical may include:
- Skin pain, itching, burning, or irritation
- Skin darkening or scarring
- Skin redness and swelling
- Small blood vessels under the skin
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Cautions
- Before using fluorouracil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to flucytosine; or capecitabine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as peanut oil found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain enzyme deficiency (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase – DPD), red/irritated/infected/open sores on skin.
- This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. After using fluorouracil cream, wait 2 hours before applying sunscreen or moisturizer to the treated area. Do not use other skin products including creams, lotions, medications, or cosmetics unless instructed by your doctor to do so. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
- Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
- This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
- It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Forms and Strengths
Tolak Cream is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Tolak Cream:
- 40 mg
FAQ
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
What should I avoid while using fluorouracil topical?
Do not use fluorouracil topical on your eyelids or in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse with water or saline if this medicine gets in your eyes.
Do not let fluorouracil topical build up in the skin folds around your mouth, nose, or eyes. Use caution when applying the medicine around these areas.
Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with fluorouracil unless your doctor tells you to.
Resources:
Additional information
Brand Name: |
Tolak Cream |
|---|---|
Scientific Name: |
Fluorouracil |
Other Names: |
Tolak Cream |
Strength(s): |
4% |
Quantities Available: |
40g |
Formulation: |
Cream |
