Product info
Efudix has been proven to be one of the most effective treatments for actinic keratosis. It’s a cream you apply once or twice a day.
- Talk to us to get expert help and advice for your skin. We’ll help you find a treatment that works best for you.
What is Efudix?
Efudix 5% cream treats actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is a condition that can be identified by patches of dry, scaly or rough skin. The patches are usually about 1-2 cm across and can be either red, brown or the same colour as your skin. Although most of the time the patches aren’t anything serious, they could become skin cancer if left untreated.[1]
As a result, it’s important to avoid too much sun exposure to your keratoses until they’re sorted.
Efudix is a chemotherapy drug that’s part of a group of medicines known as anti-metabolites. Anti-metabolites prevent cells from making and repairing DNA. This can stop them from working properly. [2]
How does Efudix work?
Fluorouracil is the active ingredient found in Efudix. When applied to the skin, it binds to an enzyme, which stops the production of a chemical needed for DNA repair. As a result, your skin cells are unable to repair themselves, preventing cell growth and, eventually, causing cell death.[3]
Also, when applied topically, Efudix targets actinic skin without affecting normal skin, resulting in minimal impact on healthy skin.
Treated trusted sources:
- National Health Service (2023). Actinic keratoses
- Cancer Research UK (2023). Fluorouracil (5FU).
- Marques E, Chen TM. Actinic Keratosis. [Updated 2022 Aug 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
How to apply Efudix
It’s important to use Efudix correctly to minimise side effects. To use Efudix, follow the instructions below:
- Apply a thin layer of the cream to your affected skin, avoiding contact with your mouth and eyes.
- Don’t apply Efudix to open cuts, ulcerated or inflamed skin, as it can be absorbed into your bloodstream and can cause side effects.
- Don’t apply to an area larger than 9×9 inches (approximately the size of a dinner plate). If the area that needs to be treated is larger, you should apply it in sections.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after using Efudix.
- Apply a dressing if advised.
- Apply once or twice a day for 3-4 weeks.
The area you’re applying to can become red or inflamed. This is completely normal and is a sign that Efudix is working. Once the treatment is complete, it can take 1-2 months for your skin to heal completely.
Things to avoid when using Efudix:
- Don’t smoke or go close to an open flame. Efudix is flammable and can cause severe burns.
- Stay out of direct sunlight when possible – the effects of Efudix may be increased by sunlight, which can cause skin reactions.
- Don’t use a sunlamp, sun bed, or tanning bed.
What happens if I make a mistake whilst applying Efudix?
If you miss a dose, apply the cream as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip it.
If you accidentally get some cream in your eye, nose or mouth, wash it off straight away and contact your doctor.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
FAQ: Efudix
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How effective is Efudix?
How does Efudix compare to other treatments?
What are the side effects of Efudix?
- Stomach problems
- Swelling and soreness of the mouth and tongue
- Fever
Is Efudix available without a prescription?
Can I use Efudix when I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Why should I buy Efudix with Treated?
Treated trusted sources:
- Patient leaflet – Efudix 5% Cream
- Jansen, M. H. E., Kessels, J. P. H. M., Nelemans, P. J., Kouloubis, N., Arits, A. H. M. M., van Pelt, H. P. A., Quaedvlieg, P. J. F., Essers, B. A. B., Steijlen, P. M., Kelleners-Smeets, N. W. J., & Mosterd, K. (2019). Randomized Trial of Four Treatment Approaches for Actinic Keratosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(10), 935-946.
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Dr Daniel Atkinson
GP Clinical LeadRegistered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielMr Craig Marsh
Pharmacist PrescriberRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigMs Sanjeda Chowdhury
Superintendent PharmacistRegistered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet SanjedaHere’s what you had to say
- Service reviews
Corrected a delivery problem immediately and easily
Very good always on time with a confidential assesment. I am on last course now and have had real progress. Would consult with again in future. Would reccomend.
Great service, professional staff, with the best advice
I m so nice suprise with this service, all very profesional and quick. I was trying get help from Gp about HRT but only what I get was link to NHS website ( which i alredy read it ) and trying put me on antidepressant tablets ( what make me feel worse) I m nearly a month now on hormon tablets and it's such a massive difference. Thank you so much for saving my life ❤️
good information. good quick response to a query. excellent service.
very good to deal with and very fast delivery
very pleased with the service fast delivery
Service was perfect, from point of order to arriving at my door
Arrived on time
Brilliant fast service. Thank you.
My sexy life has been completely changed and because of that I have been able to carry on my life with much more happiness. The service is fast but doesn't mean not careful, all communication with customers services has been dealt with first class service
Very easy to use and prompt service
Great service and follow up. Would definitely recommend.
Very professional, helpful and efficient. They do exactly what they say they do.
Really good and simple user exeriance, clienical review was easy and comprehensive. Treatments turned up in a few days.
Great service, delighted with the outcome
Prompt accurate service
First week when i started i had headache , nausea and stomach disconfort. Now i feel better no problem anymore. Thank you
Service has been easy to use and I have been able to get a prescription delivered easily and quickly.
Very helpfull.
5 star service and delivery of the order 5 stars and are super professional I thank the company Treated and the employees for their commitment and dedication gratitude
Very happy with the treatment you have provided to me and very happy with the delivery
Excellent service which I greatly appreciate to keep my headaches under control.
Excellent - great website and service will certainly use again and recommend
Everything was dealt with effectively and fast.
I could not rate this company highly enough. Their customer service is second to none. Orders are processed quickly and I am kept informed right up until delivery of the product. They are professional and efficient.
I have been using treated for some time and have always been happy with the service.
Aviptadiil 2mg.worked well & lasted a good hour Thank you TREATED Robert west.
Invicorp "does what it says on the tin". Thank you for excellent service.
Excellent service. Very quick to process approval from details sent. Medicine arrived also exactly as promised. Will definitely use again when needed and recommend them to other potential customers.
very good but no one picked up the phone
brilliant services and wonderfull solution for right remedy for problems also very careful with posting.
Receive my prescription within a day or two always packaged very securely and always in perfect condition
Amazing. When everything else failed this treatment worked and gave me my life back.
Fabulous service 👏 thanks so much. Can't fault you at all.
Really quick delivery which allowed me to change delivery day to suit me. Also easy to order but still safe to suit my own medical needs. I love my treatment it keeps me feeling young
Excellent treatment, efficient, effective and all staff professional.
I was really grateful that you proactively reminded me I needed to update things, so that I didn't end up with a gap in medication. Thank you
Can’t fault the delivery service . I arrange to have my medication delivered to my local supermarket so I can pick up after work.
Very professional and helpful organisation who will offer help and advice at any time. Highly recommended
Found treatment as expected Thank you Michael
Fast delivery
Excellent service as always. Prompt delivery of medication with the minimum of fuss. Perfect for my busy life!
I have consistently received excellent service from Treated every two months when placing my orders. The only issue I have encountered is that the link for changing the delivery date does not always work, and messages do not always get through. This is an area that needs to be addressed to ensure a smooth customer experience.
Really easy quick result
Great service, thank you
I am neurodiverse. This platform has been a revolutionary help to cut back social interaction with. All I need to do is request the medication and then they do the rest. It has been amazing. Thank you.
The consultation was quick, professional and I highly recommend their service to resolve health issues at short notice.
Treated were very helpful in identifying my issue with weak urination following radiotherapy. They supported my request for Tomsulosin which has helped me enormously, especially at night.
I was kept informed all the time about the delivery of my package and there was plenty of information about the product available
Thank you very good
Excellent service . I can always rely on delivery and know that there is always someone there to answer any questions about my treatment.
Thanks - always keeping my treatment up to date and speedy service.
Service very good, process quite straightforward. Treatment I ordered was as requested and no issues although the treatment didn't work as expected, suspect that was to do with dosage. Prices expensive, particularly if the treatment is a bit trial and error and potentially another try may not work either.
They make it easy, they respond promptly to inquiries, and I like the product that they offered me.
Hi The product works well enough for my needs .I am now 81 years old and as such I would like to order as and when required as opposed to a regular repeat prescriptions . Thank you Peter Craig
Hopeless to get through on telephone but excellent ordering repeat prescription by email with prompt delivery.
Treated makes access to medical treatment faster, more efficient and more reliable than traditional alternatives.
i like the way they have kept in touch with me
Great service
Very good service
The medication is very effective. I am very glad I choose to take it for my nail fungi infection. The infection have cleared tremendously and my nails have started to grow back. I will recommend it.
Excellent company, very professional and friendly. Been using then for a long time would definitely recommend
excellent service for a terrific product - Lenzetto.
Fast service, well packaged! Very happy
Very good fast service
Great service answering all my queries promptly and medication arrived on time. The medication was very effective
Safe and very efficient service, product arrives properly packaged in chilled and insulated box and the whole service is carried out in a responsible manner
Very quick and reliable, very professional
Very good 👍
Excellent service from treated, obtained exactly the medication I required and quickly despatched also.
Everything is always professional and easy.
Impecabile services
All very good
Excellent service, I would recommend to others that they use this company
Great services. Have been a customer for several months now and they have not disappointed!
I am very satisfied.
Very good
Very fast approval & delivery
Very pleased with the service, always let you know about orders and medication on the way , would highly recommend.
Really helpful and quick to arrange, particularly when you can't get a doctors appointment anymore without selling a kidney
Really easy process from start to finish. The repeat prescription feature is great as it ensures medication is delivered without the worry of running out!! Great service!
Excellent service. Good communication. I was prescribed Evorel Conti. It really dealt well with my hot flushes, but I wasn't prepared to put up with the bleeding. I communicated that to the team at Treated and they immediately had me swap to a different product. Will see how it goes, but good to know that I have somewhere to come for immediate advice. Have been recommending them to everyone I know who are struggling with menopause symptoms.
Excellent service all round. Highly recommended.
Excellent experience always.
Great simple to use
I think Treated is great. Never a problem my Ropinirole always comes on time - very inportant to me so I get a nights sleep from my RLS problems. Thank you Treated.
extremely helpful and convenient.
Excellent service .
Good service
Absolute fantastic product that works for me from the first time without fail
Your helpfulness is really appreciated, the medication I'm on is the best one so far, I'm really happy that you are helping me and I'm thankful to your team for keeping in touch
I tried for years to try to get a suitable treatment for RLS thanks to the wonderful people at Treated I have FINALLY been TREATED!!
100% true as per product as advertised. Speedy delivery.
Mainly good - and the deliveries come regularly mainly 2-3 wks beofre current prescription runsa out - howver there is a chnace to chance scheduled delivery date. Service itself is reasonable can take awhile for emails to be replied to sometimes. It is like when calling Customer Service the phone can be picked up quite quickly or you can be waiting for quite awhile - when that has happenend I leave it and call again
From start to finishing the process of ordering my medication, my experience with Treated was & has been very good. Very quick to reply to my consult form, responded very quickly to photographs sent & received the meds through my door without hassle or stress. I'll definitely be using Treated again.
Recommend for endometriosis sufferers
The whole process was so easy from ordering to receiving my product
Treated were brilliant, start to finish. Easy to navigate website, quick reply, order delivered in a couple of days. Absolutely excellent service will definitely use again.
Very good service
Prompt medical decision, and prompt delivery of medication. Thank you.
Great service
I am satisfied with the service Treated gives me. All deliveries are on time and it seems that any changes, should I need to do so, would be simple. Thank you.
Excellent services
Excellent prompt service.
Always turns up on time, everyting so easy to organise
Great service, made sure my medical information was up to date before renewing and prescription arrived on time.
Easy and straightforward, quick to respond when contacted
Service and product have been life changing so I am very thankful for their help and advise
It does what it says on the tin
Great service, the team are super responsive and very friendly.
Easy process from start to finish. Super fast delivery. Really impressed.
Great service and the products arrrive in a very special package
treatment is going well thanks
An excellent service x
Always first class service.
Brilliant service with fast delivery, i highly reccomend this site.
Very good.
Fast delivery, would recommend
Simple and strsightforward service.
I would recommend Treated to everyone. From day one they have been nothing but helpful and professional from the truly lovely office staff to the doctors. They check that the medication is right for you and are there to answer any questions you have.
Excellent treatment, advice and service. Highly recommended
I found the team at Treated to be very professional and prompt in responding to questions, sending the medication, and following up. I would highly recommend them!
Always efficient. Contacted customer service about a problem with a pen. Very pleasant and helpful. Had messages from clinicians to ask how I'm doing. Very pleased with treated.
Excellent company no problem and are available if you have any questions.
I’d set up an automatic delivery and just send a reminder confirming if they want to continue and give them three days to confirm versus submitting a new order and form every time
Thank you for approving my request for a specific medication and delivering it exactly when you said you would.
Quick service & delivery
Very reliable
Reliable and efficient service, any queries are quickly answered .
Absolutely outstanding service,,no complaints, have been less than impressed with other online prescription services,but treated are by far the best
Fast service. Operators were flexible enough to accomodate my requirements. Happy with the results
Very easy to access, quick decision, sensitive handling of enquiries. Looking forward to working with them to improve my health
Very professional
Thank you for your service
No problems. Fast and efficient.
Product supplied is absolutely great, it has been beneficial to me and is definitely helping with my weight loss.
Excellent service, thank you to the doctors always there to answer my questions. Quick service and deivery.
I had an issue with my order not being delivered when I received an email saying it was delivered, I called the treated number and the kind person who spoke to me assured me he would look into the issue and possibly send me a new one. About a few days later, it arrived. So thankful for the prompt response. And I must say I love the packaging, very nice
H I have missed my wegovy for 2 weeks . Got the new dosage of .5 .Do you think I should start from begigining again ?
Amazing service. Changed my life.
Great service.
Service extremely good with appropriate questions asked before prescribing treatment.
Excellent service, prompt delivery and Kliovance really helps with the menopause.
Fantastsic
I am very impressed and satisfied with the team. Prompt response and fast delivery.
Shipping next day no arguments about that. Could do better when reordering as a mix up caused problems but sorted after return was made
Always arrives on time and I’m kept informed of progress.
Excellent
Arrived very quickly
I have had it previously from my G.P so It worked as expected, extremely well. My problem is an accessing my G.P practice, they put ED well down their list of priorities. I found your service excellent, quick and efficient. I fully intend to continue using it
Great service, prompt delivery.
My experience with Treated has been nothing short of exceptional. Transitioning from the US to the UK, I needed to replenish my contraceptive pill supply, and Treated made the process incredibly smooth and hassle-free. The online consultation with a doctor was convenient and reassuring. I was able to explain my requirements, and the doctor provided me with several suitable alternatives, ultimately leading me to Eloine, which has been a perfect fit for me so far. The guidance and support I received throughout the process were invaluable, and it was evident that the doctor had my best interests at heart. What truly impressed me was the speed of the entire process. Once I made my decision and completed the necessary steps, my order was promptly dispatched and arrived at my doorstep the very next day. Such efficiency is a rarity these days, and I commend Treated for their commitment to customer satisfaction. As for the product itself, I have been using Eloine for just over a week now, and I am pleased to report that everything is going well. It's comforting to know that I have access to a reliable contraceptive option that meets my needs, all thanks to Treated. I am grateful for the peace of mind they have provided me, and I will certainly be returning for any future healthcare needs. Thank you, Treated, for exceeding my expectations.
Easy to use, prescription dealt with quickly and medication arrived within a couple of days.
Bsrorge
Super
Could not have been more responsive from order and review to delivery.
Fast
Great service
All as requested. Very good service.
Gives me a great peace of mind.
Great
Fast shipping
shipping was not good,they kept on saying they came for delivery and couldn't find anyone I was there the whole time waiting for the delivery.
Good service good reminders and ordering whilst still montering your health
Fast and prompt as usual.
Excellent shipping, never had a problem. Goods arrive on time.
Great customer service. Reliable and honest. Highly recommend
Fast delivery
No problems experienced
Amazing service from Treated! Highly recommend them 👍🏽
5 star
Delivery delayed but delivered on time at next attempt
I've had no issues with ordering or receiving my prescription through post.
Great service
Quick and easy to use, medication delivered fast
Very good
Great easy quick service
Excellent service, great support thank you
Fast delivery and answers any questions promptly.
Excellent service 🙏🏾
Ordering was straightforward. Lots of information easy to access. Shipping was fast.
Brilliant
Excellent
Treats you like an adult and enables you to take your health concerns into your own hands
Quick and easy order, shipping and delivery
Brilliant
V.g
Prompt tha ks!
Read more about Efudix
Further reading
Take a look at our helpful health guides related to actinic keratosis.
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