Fluorouracil

[drmind]

I was just prescribed fluorouracil topical cream for a fairly bad condition of actinic keratosis on my arms, legs, and upper chest. The dermatologist never asked about my medical conditions. I read that it may not be safe for kidney patients. Has anyone used this and if so, what results occurred. Thanks in advance for sharing any information

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

That is a question for the Doctor. But here is something I found

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/246...

[drmind in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks. Of course, I will talk to my kidney doctor about this, but I always like to hear about the real life experiences of others. What I've learned so far is that the condition is more aggressive in those with CKD. And, I also learned I may need a new dermatologist! Thanks again.

[Darlenia]

In my very non-medical opinion, the topical cream is likely okay but the injections may be a bit too harsh. (The skin often serves as a barrier with topical treatments.) I'd definitely pass it through my nephrologist for a professional opinion. The thing is that actinic keratosis can turn into skin cancers and that's not good. You have a significant amount of those patches, far more than me. I'm a fair skinned gal and my hubby has a transplant. We've both had skin procedures done - my hubby getting an actual skin cancer lesion burned off the top of his head (twice now) a few weeks ago. I think it's a good idea for you and your dermatologist to round up on your nasties and stop progression and future disfigurement.

[drmind in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I know full well about skin cancers having had a melanoma 15 years ago and multiple squamous cells over the years. But, none of my past dermatologists ever recommended the fluorouracil. So, I wondered about this new dermatologist that I saw recently. She was very dismissive which further made me question her recommended treatment. I plan on having a telehealth with my nephologist in two weeks and will definitely ask him. And, I'm of the mind that I'm going to find another dermatologist.

Again, thanks for sharing your experiences. It means a lot to me to hear about these before I make decisions. BTW I also have super fair skin and grew up in an era that didn't know about sun screen. Enjoy the day.

[Darlenia in reply to drmind]

Smh. Yes, we thoroughly baked ourselves in the sun in those days .. slathering on the oils, making sure every side of our body was evenly sunkissed. What were we thinking! By all means, find a dermatologist you feel comfortable with, no need to put up with dismissive individuals. My hubby hasn't been put on anything so far, but I suspect this topic is applicable to many in the kidney forums. If possible, please let us know what your doctor(s) say re the fluorouracil. It might well give direction to some of us.

[drmind in reply to Darlenia]

Will do. Thanks again.

[CKDnomore3953]

Hello Dr. Mind,

I have CKD Stage 3a. I have had three occasions where Actinic Keratoses showed up on my face and hands over the past 15 years. On each occasion my dermatologist (3 different dermatologists) prescribed Flourouracil topical cream. It caused itching and redness but the AK went away, leaving smooth normal skin where the AK had been.

It did not affect my eGFR as my eGFR was the same before and after treatment each time. The final sentence in the PubMed article that Bassetmommer attached above says:

“Common side-effects were erythema, itch and flaking or scaling, mostly mild in severity. 5-FU appears to be an efficacious and safe treatment for AK in RTR.”

(RTR is Renal Transplant Recipients)

That was my experience with 5-FU.

Lynne

[drmind in reply to CKDnomore3953]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps me a lot with my decision as to whether or not to use it. The dermatologist I saw never explained its use or asked if I had any medical problems. My regular dermatologist left the practice and the new one was not very helpful. I am looking for another one. Thanks again.

[miraclelady]

I have used the cream for many years. I have had many spots cut out, frozen off or taken away by the cream. It does make the spot red, itchy and then a scab appears, but it gets rid of the potential for skin cancer. My dermatologist knows about all of my heal issues and I continue to use it when needed.

[drmind in reply to miraclelady]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Appreciate it

[kellyscats1]

It is amazing. It is hell at fis

rst.. usually recommended to use in winter months.. it gets rid of the skin cancrs you cant see..gives you baby soft skin after..aaamazing treattment...but dont pln a vacation or special event during treatment.. you will look terrible...lol

[drmind in reply to kellyscats1]

Thanks for sharing your information

[Dana66CKD]

5-FU for actinic keratoses, precancerous skin lesions. If you were not informed why was prescribed, that's a big oversight on the medical professional's part. Everthing that is consumed or applied to our skin affects us. Hope it helps without any untoward effects to the ckd. 🙏🙂

[drmind in reply to Dana66CKD]

I'm getting good information on this forum. I'm also looking for another dermatologist. My long time dermatologist retired because of medical issue and I saw her replacement just once and she prescribed the cream without any explanation, etc