Why is this medication prescribed?

Carac Cream is prescribed for the treatment of actinic keratoses (precancerous growths on skin caused by sun damage). It works by causing the death of abnormal cells on the skin’s surface.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how Carac Cream should typically be used:

• Application: Wash your hands before and after applying Carac Cream. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area(s) once daily, usually at bedtime.
• Amount: Use enough cream to cover the entire affected area with a thin film.
• Duration: The usual treatment period is 2 to 4 weeks. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration based on your condition.
• Precautions: Avoid applying Carac Cream near the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Side effects: Expect some local skin reactions such as redness, scaling, and crusting. These are common and indicate that the medication is working. However, if these reactions are severe or prolonged, consult your doctor.
• Sun protection: During and after treatment with Carac Cream, protect your treated skin from sunlight by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Follow-up: Regularly follow up with your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.

It’s essential to use Carac Cream exactly as prescribed by your doctor to achieve the best results and minimize potential side effects.

Other uses for this medicine

Apart from its primary use for actinic keratoses, Carac Cream is sometimes used off-label for other conditions such as:

• Superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer).
• Certain types of warts (under medical supervision).
• Other precancerous skin conditions as determined by a healthcare professional.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Using Carac Cream:

• Avoid Contact with Eyes, Lips, and Mucous Membranes: Carac Cream is for external use only. Avoid applying it to areas near the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Sun Exposure: During treatment and for some time afterward, protect the treated area from sunlight by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with a high SPF. This is because Carac Cream can increase sensitivity to sunlight and cause severe sunburn.
• Skin Reactions: Expect local skin reactions such as redness, scaling, crusting, and discomfort. These are normal and typically indicate that the medication is working. However, if these reactions are severe or prolonged, or if you experience signs of infection (such as pus, increasing pain, or spreading redness), contact your healthcare provider.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Carac Cream in these situations has not been well studied.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as any topical products, to avoid potential interactions.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have a history of skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using Carac Cream to ensure its safe and effective use.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are generally no specific dietary restrictions associated with using Carac Cream. However, maintaining a healthy diet and adequate hydration can support overall skin health and may aid in the healing process. If you have any concerns about diet and medication interactions, it’s advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to apply Carac Cream at your usual time, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular application schedule. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Carac Cream (fluorouracil) can cause various side effects, especially related to its local effects on the skin. Common side effects include:

• Local Skin Reactions: These are the most common side effects and may include redness, swelling, itching, burning sensation, dryness, scaling, crusting, and peeling of the skin at the site of application. These reactions typically occur within the first few days of treatment and may become more severe as treatment progresses.
• Pain or Discomfort: Some individuals may experience pain or discomfort at the application site, especially if the skin becomes irritated or inflamed.
• Photosensitivity: Carac Cream can increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn. It’s important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and use protective clothing and sunscreen during and after treatment.
• Secondary Infections: In rare cases, excessive irritation or breakdown of the skin may lead to secondary infections. Signs of infection include increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or pus at the application site.
• Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to fluorouracil. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Eye Irritation: Accidental exposure of Carac Cream to the eyes may cause irritation. If this happens, rinse the eyes thoroughly with water.
• Systemic Side Effects: While less common, systemic absorption of fluorouracil from the skin can potentially cause systemic side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, bone marrow suppression, and allergic reactions.

It’s essential to discuss any concerns or unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and determine if any adjustments to your treatment are necessary. Additionally, adherence to prescribed application guidelines and sun protection measures can help minimize the occurrence and severity of side effects associated with Carac Cream.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Carac Cream:

• Storage: Store Carac Cream at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired Carac Cream according to local regulations and guidelines. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of accidental ingestion: Fluorouracil is intended for topical use only. If someone accidentally ingests Carac Cream, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Overdose: Topical overdose of Carac Cream may lead to an increased risk of severe skin reactions such as irritation, redness, and pain. If excessive amounts of the cream are applied or if symptoms of overdose occur (such as severe skin irritation), wash the affected area with soap and water, and contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-Up: Regularly follow up with your healthcare provider as scheduled to monitor your response to treatment and any potential side effects.
• Sun Protection: During and after treatment with Carac Cream, protect treated areas of skin from sunlight by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Avoid Certain Products: Avoid using other topical products on the treated areas without first consulting your healthcare provider, as they may interact with Carac Cream or worsen skin irritation.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care that you are using Carac Cream, especially if you undergo any surgical procedures or receive other treatments on the treated skin areas.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits of using Carac Cream if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Children: Keep Carac Cream out of reach of children. This medication should only be used in children under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
• Storage Conditions: Store Carac Cream away from children and pets, and ensure it is stored securely to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.

Following these guidelines will help ensure safe and effective use of Carac Cream. If you have any questions or concerns about using Carac Cream, always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.