1. < Skin Health

5-fluorouracil & calcipotriol for actinic keratosis

Posted by SRKONA @trixie5141, Aug 1, 2024

My doctor has prescribed a combination 5-fluorouracil and calcipotriol topically for solar actinic keratoses on my face. Has anyone undergone this regimen? Is it as bad as it appears to be on Dr. Google? Does the treatment work? What have you is most useful to reduce pain? Are cold compresses or acetaminophen allowed or helpful? Tips for keeping the cream from getting in your eyes? How close to the hairline and onto neck do you apply it? Long-term is your skin more sensitive? Has anyone used low-level light therapy (LED) to promote healing after completing the regime? Any insight or tips you can share would be greatly appreciated. I’m so very apprehensive.

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rickbru | @rickbru | Jan 11 10:02am
In reply to @chemoface "insurance doesn't cover the light therapy but covers the drug" + (show)
@chemoface

insurance doesn't cover the light therapy but covers the drug

Jump to this post

You can actually apply the drug (Metvix) yourself since it is activated simply by sitting outside for two hours in daylight.

REPLY
SRKONA | @trixie5141 | Jan 12 2:37am
In reply to @chemoface "insurance doesn't cover the light therapy but covers the drug" + (show)
@chemoface

insurance doesn't cover the light therapy but covers the drug

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Interesting

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SRKONA | @trixie5141 | Jan 12 2:39am
In reply to @chemoface "insurance doesn't cover the light therapy but covers the drug" + (show)
@chemoface

insurance doesn't cover the light therapy but covers the drug

Jump to this post

Good to know

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comeoutdancing | @comeoutdancing | Apr 22 1:07pm

1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement.
2. I started it last night. then this morning. No noticable redness yet.
3. I walked outside with a hat. I forgot my daily facial sunscreen but will remember to use it as usual each day. The sun damage issues are on my face, arms, legs.
4. Anybody know how careful I should be about being outside for the next week? If I can't walk 3 to 5 miles a day, my spirit gets really low.
5. I am using it sparingly, a very thin layer. Is that enough?
6. I prefer using my fingers to spread it, because I can feel the rough patches. I washed my hands before and after. May try a Qtip.
Thanks for any reported experiences.

REPLY
4 replies
bill60 | @bill60 | Apr 23 9:51am
In reply to @comeoutdancing "1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement. 2. I started..." + (show)
@comeoutdancing

1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement.
2. I started it last night. then this morning. No noticable redness yet.
3. I walked outside with a hat. I forgot my daily facial sunscreen but will remember to use it as usual each day. The sun damage issues are on my face, arms, legs.
4. Anybody know how careful I should be about being outside for the next week? If I can't walk 3 to 5 miles a day, my spirit gets really low.
5. I am using it sparingly, a very thin layer. Is that enough?
6. I prefer using my fingers to spread it, because I can feel the rough patches. I washed my hands before and after. May try a Qtip.
Thanks for any reported experiences.

Jump to this post

I used this on my legs from below the knee down. I didn't see redness until the second week. I used my fingers as well. See how you feel and look as time goes on whether you want to walk as you say. Good luck

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pagstar | @pagstar | Apr 23 12:24pm
In reply to @comeoutdancing "1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement. 2. I started..." + (show)
@comeoutdancing

1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement.
2. I started it last night. then this morning. No noticable redness yet.
3. I walked outside with a hat. I forgot my daily facial sunscreen but will remember to use it as usual each day. The sun damage issues are on my face, arms, legs.
4. Anybody know how careful I should be about being outside for the next week? If I can't walk 3 to 5 miles a day, my spirit gets really low.
5. I am using it sparingly, a very thin layer. Is that enough?
6. I prefer using my fingers to spread it, because I can feel the rough patches. I washed my hands before and after. May try a Qtip.
Thanks for any reported experiences.

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I just started the cream on my nose 5 days ago. I didn't experience any results until day 4. I need to be on it 2wks, then off 2 wks, then back to the dermatologist. With any luck I won't need any Mohs Surgery or less of it after this treatment.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Apr 23 6:24pm
In reply to @comeoutdancing "1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement. 2. I started..." + (show)
@comeoutdancing

1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement.
2. I started it last night. then this morning. No noticable redness yet.
3. I walked outside with a hat. I forgot my daily facial sunscreen but will remember to use it as usual each day. The sun damage issues are on my face, arms, legs.
4. Anybody know how careful I should be about being outside for the next week? If I can't walk 3 to 5 miles a day, my spirit gets really low.
5. I am using it sparingly, a very thin layer. Is that enough?
6. I prefer using my fingers to spread it, because I can feel the rough patches. I washed my hands before and after. May try a Qtip.
Thanks for any reported experiences.

Jump to this post

@comeoutdancing Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! There can be different responses for people when using any topical chemo for skin issues.

My suggestions, based on my own experiences:
If you want to continue walking, try to do it early morning or just before sunset when the sun rays are longer. Always wear a hat and sunscreen. A thin layer is all you need. It might be a week or so before you see any reaction. Remember, the active ingredients will work on the bad areas, areas you may not consider to be a problem.
Ginger

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SRKONA | @trixie5141 | 6 days ago
In reply to @comeoutdancing "1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement. 2. I started..." + (show)
@comeoutdancing

1. The compounded cream cost me just $45. There is no insurance reimbursement.
2. I started it last night. then this morning. No noticable redness yet.
3. I walked outside with a hat. I forgot my daily facial sunscreen but will remember to use it as usual each day. The sun damage issues are on my face, arms, legs.
4. Anybody know how careful I should be about being outside for the next week? If I can't walk 3 to 5 miles a day, my spirit gets really low.
5. I am using it sparingly, a very thin layer. Is that enough?
6. I prefer using my fingers to spread it, because I can feel the rough patches. I washed my hands before and after. May try a Qtip.
Thanks for any reported experiences.

Jump to this post

I used gloves to apply. Not sure if it was necessary but I thought it would hurt to be cautious. I live in WI; my doctor said it was ok to wait until it was pretty cold and I had moved inside for my walks. When I did go outside I made sure I was wearing a hat. I didn't slather it on but made sure I had a nice even coating. It took a while for the redness to appear. Overall, I feel it was worthwhile.

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pagstar | @pagstar | 5 days ago
In reply to @bkouv "Has anyone used Fluorouracil on there nose?" + (show)
@bkouv

Has anyone used Fluorouracil on there nose?

Jump to this post

Yes... I'm in the middle of treatment right now.

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comeoutdancing | @comeoutdancing | 3 days ago

Like many, the redness showed up around day 4 or 5. And by day 6 and 7, my face and chest were uncomfortably hot: like a bad sunburn or an unfortunate period under a sun lamp (which I did once 50 years ago).
My face looks red and a bit puffy. Happily, I was directed to stop the face and chest treatments after 7 days. Still using it on my arm for another 7 days, which never got uncomfortable at all.
Thanks for the encouragement. I am hoping this helps me avoid more skin cancers.
Any reports on how long it takes for my face to return to 'normal'?

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