Fluorouracil cream

[shirlygirly]

Over the last couple of years I have developed a pre cancerous spot

in the back of my hand, I am 79 years of age. My doctor gave me a tube

of the above cream but after applying it twice a day for 4 days I got the

most horrendous stomach cramps and diarrhea. What surprised me

was that the ( spot ) is very small and I can hardly believe the effect is

so bad, I am prone to IBS so maybe thats the answer. Are my problems

the result of using this cream or my IBS which is now generally under

control. Can anyone help.

[troy04]

Hi, I have not used this but a quick search in "Cancer Research UK " shows it can give diarrhoea - cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

The medicine pack should have leaflet from the manufacturer - you may want to read it (possible side effects), although most manufacturers will include almost all possible common side effects, so sometimes it is hard to make a judgement.

But, since it is a type of chemotherapy drug, this diarrhoea and stomach cramps easily occur as side effect. I hope you would not need to use it for long - but it is best to consult the doctor if the diarrhoea lasts for more than 3 days - and I am sure you know, you need to keep drinking lots of fluids - I am sorry to hear this and I hope you will feel better soon.

[shirlygirly in reply to troy04]

Hi thanks so much for your imput, it is listed as a side effect but

it was so immediate and my ( spot ) is so tiny I couldnt quite

believe that the effect could be so bad. I used it twice more with

the same result so I stopped using it. The stomach cramps are

still bothering me slightly. I contacted my GP and Im waiting for

a call just now. Thank you.

[shirlygirly in reply to shirlygirly]

I have spoken to my GP now and he says that the cream

wouldnt cause this problem... and I should wait until Im

fully recovered and then restart the cream. I will do as he

asks but stop if I experience any problem.

Im not convinced at all because as you pointed out the

leaflet does warn of this possible side effect.