Carac Information:

Carac (fluorouracil cream) Cream, 5% is a topical cream used by adults on the face and front part of the scalp to treat actinic keratosis.

Carac provides convenience for effective AK therapy. The standard course of treatment for Carac is up to four weeks as directed by your physician.

Carac is the only FDA approved topical treatment for AKs with once-daily dosing. The active ingredient in Carac, fluorouracil, inhibits a cell's ability to reproduce. AK cells grow faster than normal skin cells, which means they absorb the medication faster than the surrounding healthy cells.

Carac Side Effects:

Most patients using Carac experience skin reactions where the medicine is used, including redness, dryness, burning, pain, erosion (loss of the upper layer of skin), and swelling. Irritation generally begins around day 4 of treatment and may continue for 2 or more weeks after treatment is completed.

Some patients get eye irritation that might consist of burning, sensitivity, itching, stinging, and watering. If you are concerned about side effects, talk to your doctor.

Carac treatment is likely to result in noticeable skin irritation during therapy. The irritation generally begins around the fourth day and often continues for the remainder of treatment. While this irritation may cause discomfort for you, it is normal and an indication that the medicine is working. It is important that you not stop therapy. The more AKs and abnormal cells that you have, the more redness and inflammation you can expect during treatment. After treatment, the irritation should subside in approximately 2 weeks.

Carac Directions:

Apply Carac only to the areas your doctor has recommended. Carac can be applied once a day for up to 4 weeks. Carac is for external use only, and you should avoid contact with your eyes, nostrils, and mouth. Do not taste or swallow it. You should only apply Carac as prescribed by your doctor.

Clean the area to be treated, then wait 10 minutes until skin is completely dry.
Apply Carac Cream to the affected area with you fingertips as directed by your doctor.
Use enough Carac to cover the affected area.
Wash your hands immediately after applying Carac Cream.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet light (such as tanning booths) during treatment, since it could worsen your skin irritation.
Do not cover the treated skin with a dressing.
A moisturizer/sunscreen may be applied 2 hours after Carac has been applied. Do not use any other skin products including creams, lotions, medications, or cosmetics unless instructed by your doctor.