5-fluorouracil, also known as fluorouracil or 5-FU (brand names Adrucil, Efudex and Fluoroplex), is a prescription medication indicated for cancer of the breast, colon, rectum, pancreas, stomach and skin. It is also indicated for other skin conditions, including genital warts. 5-fluorouracil is sometimes used to also treat esophageal, ovarian, cervical and bladder cancers. It may be given intravenously or rubbed onto the skin.
Neurological
Common neurological side effects of 5-fluorouracil include weakness, tiredness and feeling unwell. Less common side effects include difficulty with voluntary muscle movement, eye sensitivity to light, vision problems, double vision, involuntary eye movement and eye watering.
Cardiac and Blood-related
Cardiac side effects are uncommon, and include chest pain and a decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. Common blood-related side effects include low blood platelet levels (which can cause bruising and bleeding) and low white blood cell levels. Less common blood-related side effects include high blood levels of serum bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, serum transaminase and alkaline phosphatase.
Gastrointestinal
Common gastrointestinal side effects of 5-FU include inflammation of the tongue, mouth, stomach, duodenum and intestine; nausea; heartburn; loss of appetite; abdominal cramps; vomiting and duodenal ulcer. Less common side effects include inflammation of the esophagus and throat.
Skin-related
Common skin-related side effects include balding, rash, yellowed skin, sensitivity to sunlight and skin inflammation. Less common side effects include dry skin, cracking skin and nail changes which can lead to nail loss. According to Drugs.com, a syndrome manifested by tingling hands and feet, which worsens into redness, pain and swelling, is another possible side effect.
Other Side Effects
Other uncommon side effects include nosebleed, cough, joint pain, swollen feet or legs, shortness of breath and fever.
Side Effects of Administration to the Skin
Common side effects of administration of 5-fluorouracil to the skin include pain, burning, irritation, inflammation, itching and darkening of the skin. Less common side effects include eye watering, low blood platelet levels, low white blood cell levels, changes in granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) and high blood level of eosonophils (a type of white blood cell). The skin may suffer scarring, scaling, swelling, oozing and pus development. An allergic skin reaction may also occur, leading to skin inflammation.
Considerations
Side effects are to be expected with this medication and should be reported to your physician. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience weakness. Keep all physician and lab work appointments so that side effects can be monitored.
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