Carac (fluorouracil) topical cream treats precancerous skin lesions called actinic keratosis. Also called solar keratosis or sun spots, this skin malady tends to break out on areas of the skin most exposed to sunlight, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, backs of hands and lips. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website states that untreated actinic keratosis progresses to squamous cell carcinomas in 10 to 15 percent of the lesions. About 3 percent of the carcinomas may metastasize or spread to internal organs. Carac cream kills unhealthy, pre-cancerous skin cells but also has some significant side effects.
Redness and Skin Irritation
The most prominent side effects of using Carac topical cream indicate the medication is working properly. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website states that the more raw and reddened the area gets, the better the cream is working and the more likely you will have healing of the lesion. You must use the cream for two to four weeks to get the full benefit of the medication. During this period the cream causes swelling in about 60 percent of patients at the site of the keratosis. The RxList.com website states that 83 percent of the patients using the medication experienced burning and 60 percent suffered swelling to the lesion site during the four weeks of treatment.
Eye Irritation
Besides irritation at the lesion site, some patients using Carac suffered eye irritations. The Drugs.com website states that if the eye irritation continues or worsens while using the cream, you should contact your physician. The RxList.com website states that about 7 percent of patients using the cream experienced eye irritation. The Carac.com website warns patients to be careful to avoid the possibility of Carac cream touching your eyes or the areas around your eyes.
Flu-Like Symptoms
The appearance of a variety of flu-like symptoms when using Carac cream may indicate the absence of the enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) in your body. The Carac.com website states the development of symptoms of stomachaches, diarrhea, vomiting, fever or chills could indicate the lack of DPD. The site warns that you should stop the treatments and contact your physician if these symptoms appear.
Miscarriage andy Birth Defects
Using Carac cream treatment during pregnancy may cause you to miscarry or cause birth defects in your unborn child. The Drugs.com website states that Carac cream is classified as pregnancy category X by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The classification means the drug is known to cause birth defects or death to an unborn fetus. The website warns against any planned pregnancy while using Carac cream.
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