Fluorouracil
Injection, Solution · Intravenous, Topical
Uses
Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses of the face and anterior scalp.
Dosage and administration
Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should be applied once a day to the skin where actinic keratosis lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire area with a thin film. Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should not be applied near the eyes, nostrils, or mouth. Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should be applied 10 minutes after thoroughly washing, rinsing, and drying the entire area. Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% may be applied using the fingertips. Immediately after application, the hands should be thoroughly washed. Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should be applied up to 4 weeks as tolerated. Continued treatment up to 4 weeks results in greater lesion reduction. Local irritation is not markedly increased by extending treatment from 2 to 4 weeks, and is generally resolved within 2 weeks of cessation of treatment.
Contraindications
Fluorouracil may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Fluorouracil is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. No adequate and well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women with either topical or parenteral forms of fluorouracil. One birth defect (ventricular septal defect) and cases of miscarriage have been reported when fluorouracil was applied to mucous membrane areas. Multiple birth defects have been reported in the fetus of a patient treated with intravenous fluorouracil. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with fluorouracil cream, 0.5%. Fluorouracil, the active ingredient, has been shown to be teratogenic in mice, rats, and hamsters when administered parenterally at doses greater than or equal to 10, 15, and 33 mg/kg/day, respectively, [4X, 11X and 20X, respectively, the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (BSA)]. Fluorouracil was administered during the period of organogenesis for each species. Embryolethal effects occurred in monkeys at parenteral doses greater than 40 mg/kg/day (65X the MRHD based on BSA) administered during the period of organogenesis. Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should not be used in patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency. A large percentage of fluorouracil is catabolized by the DPD enzyme. DPD enzyme deficiency can result in shunting of fluorouracil to the anabolic pathway, leading to cytotoxic activity and potential toxicities. Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Warnings
The potential for a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to fluorouracil exists. Patch testing to prove hypersensitivity may be inconclusive. Patients should discontinue therapy with fluorouracil cream, 0.5% if symptoms of DPD enzyme deficiency develop. Rarely, unexpected systemic toxicity (e.g., stomatitis, diarrhea, neutropenia, neurotoxicity) associated with parenteral administration of fluorouracil has been attributed to deficiency of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase “DPD” activity. One case of life-threatening systemic toxicity has been reported with the topical use of 5% fluorouracil in a patient with a complete absence of DPD enzyme activity. Symptoms included severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Physical examination revealed stomatitis, erythematous skin rash, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. Although this case was observed with 5% fluorouracil cream, it is unknown whether patients with profound DPD enzyme deficiency would develop systemic toxicity with lower concentrations of topically applied fluorouracil. Applications to mucous membranes should be avoided due to the possibility of local inflammation and ulceration.
Precautions
General There is a possibility of increased absorption through ulcerated or inflamed skin. Information for the Patient Patients using fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should receive the following information and instructions: 1. This medication is to be used as directed. 2. This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. 3. It is for topical use only. 4. Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, and mouth. 5. Cleanse affected area and wait 10 minutes before applying fluorouracil cream, 0.5%. 6. Wash hands immediately after applying fluorouracil cream, 0.5%. 7. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet irradiation during treatment, as the intensity of the reaction may be increased. 8. Most patients using fluorouracil cream, 0.5% get skin reactions where the medicine is used. These reactions include redness, dryness, burning, pain, erosion (loss of the upper layer of skin), and swelling. Irritation at the application site may persist for two or more weeks after therapy is discontinued. Treated areas may be unsightly during and after therapy. 9. If you develop abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or chills while on fluorouracil cream, 0.5% therapy, stop the medication and contact your physician and/or pharmacist. 10. Report any side effects to the physician and/or pharmacist. 11. Fluorouracil, including fluorouracil cream, 0.5% may be fatal if ingested by pets. Avoid allowing pets to contact the fluorouracil cream, 0.5% container or the skin where fluorouracil cream, 0.5% has been applied. Store fluorouracil cream, 0.5% out of reach of pets. Safely discard or clean any cloth or applicator that may retain fluorouracil cream, 0.5% and avoid leaving any residues of fluorouracil cream, 0.5% on your hands, clothing, carpeting or furniture. Laboratory Tests To rule out the presence of a frank neoplasm, a biopsy may be considered for those areas failing to respond to treatment or recurring after treatment. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Adequate long-term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been conducted with fluorouracil. Studies with the active ingredient of fluorouracil cream, 0.5%, fluorouracil, have shown positive effects in in vitro and in vivo tests for mutagenicity and on impairment of fertility in in vivo animal studies. Fluorouracil produced morphological transformation of cells in in vitro cell transformation assays. Morphological transformation was also produced in an in vitro assay by a metabolite of fluorouracil, and the transformed cells produced malignant tumors when injected into immunosuppressed syngeneic mice. Fluorouracil has been shown to exert mutagenic activity in yeast cells, Bacillus subtilis, and Drosophila assays. In addition, fluorouracil has produced chromosome damage at concentrations of 1.0 and 2.0 mcg/mL in an in vitro hamster fibroblast assay, was positive in a microwell mouse lymphoma assay, and was positive in in vivo micronucleus assays in rats and mice following intraperitoneal administration. Some patients receiving cumulative doses of 0.24 to 1.0 g of fluorouracil parenterally have shown an increase in numerical and structural chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Fluorouracil has been shown to impair fertility after parenteral administration in rats. Fluorouracil administered at intraperitoneal doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg has been shown to induce chromosomal aberrations and changes in chromosome organization of spermatogonia in rats. In mice, single-dose intravenous and intraperitoneal injections of fluorouracil have been reported to kill differentiated spermatogonia and spermatocytes at a dose of 500 mg/kg and produce abnormalities in spermatids at 50 mg/kg. Pediatric Use Actinic keratosis is not a condition seen within the pediatric population, except in association with rare genetic diseases. Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should not be used in children. The safety and effectiveness of fluorouracil cream, 0.5% have not been established in patients less than 18 years old. Geriatric Use No significant differences in safety and efficacy measures were demonstrated in patients age 65 and older compared to all other patients. Pregnancy See CONTRAINDICATIONS. Nursing Women It is not known whether fluorouracil is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from fluorouracil, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Side effects
The following were adverse events considered to be drug related and occurring with a frequency of 1% with fluorouracil cream, 0.5%: application site reaction (94.6%), and eye irritation (5.4%). The signs and symptoms of facial irritation (i.e., application site reaction) are presented below. Summary of Facial Irritation Signs and Symptoms - Pooled Phase 3 Studies Clinical Sign or Symptom Active 1 Week N=85 Active 2 Week N=87 Active 4 Week N=85 ALL Active Treatments N=257 Vehicle Treatments N=127 n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) Erythema 76 (89.4) 82 (94.3) 82 (96.5) 240 (93.4) 76 (59.8) Dryness 59 (69.4) 76 (87.4) 79 (92.9) 214 (83.3) 60 (47.2) Burning 51 (60.0) 70 (80.5) 71 (83.5) 192 (74.7) 28 (22.0) Erosion 21 (24.7) 38 (43.7) 54 (63.5) 113 (44.0) 17 (13.4) Pain 26 (30.6) 34 (39.1) 52 (61.2) 112 (43.6) 7 (5.5) Edema 12 (14.1) 28 (32.2) 51 (60.0) 91 (35.4) 6 (4.7) During clinical trials, irritation generally began on Day 4 and persisted for the remainder of treatment. Severity of facial irritation at the last treatment visit was slightly below baseline for the vehicle group, mild to moderate for the 1-week active treatment group, and moderate for the 2- and 4-week active treatment groups. Mean severity declined rapidly for each active group after completion of treatment and was below baseline for each group at the Week 2 post-treatment follow-up visit. Thirty-one patients (12% of those treated with fluorouracil cream, 0.5% in the Phase 3 clinical studies) discontinued study treatment early due to facial irritation. Except for three patients, discontinuation of treatment occurred on or after Day 11 of treatment. Eye irritation adverse events, described as mild to moderate in intensity, were characterized as burning, watering, sensitivity, stinging, and itching. These adverse events occurred across all treatment arms in one of the two Phase 3 studies. Summary of All Adverse Events Reported in ≥ 1% of Patients in the Combined Active Treatment and Vehicle Groups – Pooled Phase 3 Studies 9721 and 9722 Combined Adverse Event Active 1 Week N=85 Active 2 Week N=87 Active 4 Week N=85 ALL Active Treatments N=257 Vehicle Treatments N=127 n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) BODY AS A WHOLE Headache Allergy Infection Upper Respiratory 7 (8.2) 3 (3.5) 4 (4.7) 0 0 6 (6.9) 2 (2.3) 0 2 (2.3) 0 12 (14.1) 3 (3.5) 2 (2.4) 1 (1.2) 0 25 (9.7) 8 (3.1) 6 (2.3) 3 (1.2) 0 15 (11.8) 3 (2.4) 3 (2.4) 2 (1.6) 2 (1.6) MUSCULOSKELETAL Muscle Soreness 1 (1.2) 0 1 (1.1) 0 1 (1.2) 0 3 (1.2) 0 5 (3.9) 2 (1.6) RESPIRATORY Sinusitis 5 (5.9) 4 (4.7) 0 0 1 (1.2) 0 6 (2.3) 4 (1.6) 6 (4.7) 2 (1.6) SKIN & APPENDAGES Application site Reaction Irritation Skin 78 (91.8) 78 (91.8) 1 (1.2) 83 (95.4) 83 (95.4) 0 82 (96.5) 82 (96.5) 2 (2.4) 243 (94.6) 243 (94.6) 3 (1.2) 85 (66.9) 83 (65.4) 0 SPECIAL SENSES Eye Irritation 6 (7.1) 5 (5.9) 4 (4.6) 3 (3.4) 6 (7.1) 6 (7.1) 16 (6.2) 14 (5.4) 6 (4.7) 3 (2.4) Adverse Experiences Reported by Body System: In the Phase 3 studies, no serious adverse event was considered related to study drug. A total of five patients, three in the active treatment groups and two in the vehicle group, experienced at least one serious adverse event. Three patients died as a result of adverse event(s) considered unrelated to study drug (stomach cancer, myocardial infarction, and cardiac failure). Post-treatment clinical laboratory tests other than pregnancy tests were not performed during the Phase 3 clinical studies. Clinical laboratory tests were performed during conduct of a Phase 2 study of 104 patients and 21 patients in a Phase 1 study. No abnormal serum chemistry, hematology, or urinalysis results in these studies were considered clinically significant. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc, at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch for voluntary reporting of adverse reactions.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy See CONTRAINDICATIONS.
Pediatric use
Pediatric Use Actinic keratosis is not a condition seen within the pediatric population, except in association with rare genetic diseases. Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should not be used in children. The safety and effectiveness of fluorouracil cream, 0.5% have not been established in patients less than 18 years old.
Geriatric use
Geriatric Use No significant differences in safety and efficacy measures were demonstrated in patients age 65 and older compared to all other patients.
Overdosage
Ordinarily, topical overdosage will not cause acute problems. If Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% is accidentally ingested, induce emesis and gastric lavage. Administer symptomatic and supportive care as needed. If contact is made with the eye, flush with copious amounts of water.
Description
Fluorouracil cream, 0.5%, contains fluorouracil for topical dermatologic use. Chemically, fluorouracil is 5-fluoro-2,4(1H, 3H)-pyrimidinedione. The molecular formula is C 4 H 3 FN 2 O 2 . Fluorouracil has a molecular weight of 130.08. Fluorouracil cream contains 0.5% fluorouracil, with 0.35% being incorporated into a patented porous microsphere (Microsponge ® ) composed of methyl methacrylate/glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer and dimethicone. The cream formulation contains the following other inactive ingredients: Carbomer Homopolymer Type C, glycerin, methyl gluceth-20, methylparaben, octyl hydroxy stearate, polyethylene glycol 400, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sorbitan monooleate, stearic acid, and trolamine. chemical-structure
How supplied
Fluorouracil Cream, 0.5%, is a white to off-white cream, supplied as follows: NDC 75907-169-11: 30 g tube Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Patient information
Information for the Patient Patients using fluorouracil cream, 0.5% should receive the following information and instructions: 1. This medication is to be used as directed. 2. This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. 3. It is for topical use only. 4. Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, and mouth. 5. Cleanse affected area and wait 10 minutes before applying fluorouracil cream, 0.5%. 6. Wash hands immediately after applying fluorouracil cream, 0.5%. 7. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet irradiation during treatment, as the intensity of the reaction may be increased. 8. Most patients using fluorouracil cream, 0.5% get skin reactions where the medicine is used. These reactions include redness, dryness, burning, pain, erosion (loss of the upper layer of skin), and swelling. Irritation at the application site may persist for two or more weeks after therapy is discontinued. Treated areas may be unsightly during and after therapy. 9. If you develop abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or chills while on fluorouracil cream, 0.5% therapy, stop the medication and contact your physician and/or pharmacist. 10. Report any side effects to the physician and/or pharmacist. 11. Fluorouracil, including fluorouracil cream, 0.5% may be fatal if ingested by pets. Avoid allowing pets to contact the fluorouracil cream, 0.5% container or the skin where fluorouracil cream, 0.5% has been applied. Store fluorouracil cream, 0.5% out of reach of pets. Safely discard or clean any cloth or applicator that may retain fluorouracil cream, 0.5% and avoid leaving any residues of fluorouracil cream, 0.5% on your hands, clothing, carpeting or furniture.
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc. (revised Jul 11, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Fluorouracil in 41 products
Fluorouracil NDC products (41)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16729-542 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/g Cream | Accord Healthcare Inc. | ANDA |
| 16729-276 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Accord Healthcare, Inc. | ANDA |
| 62332-751 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 62332-779 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 46708-779 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | ANDA |
| 46708-751 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | ANDA |
| 68001-628 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | BluePoint Laboratories | ANDA |
| 68001-627 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | BluePoint Laboratories | ANDA |
| 68001-525 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | BluePoint Laboratories | ANDA |
| 68001-524 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | BluePoint Laboratories | ANDA |
| 75907-095 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/g Cream | Dr. Reddy's Labratories Inc. | ANDA |
| 21922-049 | Fluorouracil 2 g/40g Cream | Encube Ethicals, Inc. | ANDA |
| 21922-041 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Solution | Encube Ethicals, Inc. | ANDA |
| 55150-499 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Eugia US LLC | ANDA |
| 55150-496 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Eugia US LLC | ANDA |
| 55150-497 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Eugia US LLC | ANDA |
| 55150-498 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Eugia US LLC | ANDA |
| 63323-117 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | ANDA |
| 68083-269 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Gland Pharma Limited | ANDA |
| 68083-270 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Gland Pharma Limited | ANDA |
| 68083-292 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Gland Pharma Limited | ANDA |
| 68083-293 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Gland Pharma Limited | ANDA |
| 23155-975 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 23155-974 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 23155-973 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 23155-972 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 51862-362 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/g Cream | Mayne Pharma Inc. | ANDA |
| 71288-154 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 71288-170 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 16714-178 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/g Cream | NORTHSTAR RX LLC | ANDA |
| 84549-117 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | ProPharma Distribution | ANDA |
| 25021-215 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | ANDA |
| 51672-4118 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/g Cream | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | ANDA |
| 51672-4063 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Solution | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | ANDA |
| 51672-4062 | Fluorouracil 20 mg/mL Solution | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | ANDA |
| 70700-186 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Xiromed LLC | ANDA |
| 70700-187 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Xiromed LLC | ANDA |
| 70700-188 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Xiromed LLC | ANDA |
| 70700-189 | Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Xiromed LLC | ANDA |
| 75907-169 | Fluorouracil 5 mg/g Cream | Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc. | NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC |
| 0378-4791 | Fluorouracil 5 mg/g Cream | Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. | NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC |
Fluorouracil recalls
- D-1489-2019 Jul 24, 2019 · Class I · Terminated
Presence of Particulate Matter; glass particulates - D-086-2013 Dec 12, 2012 · Class II · Terminated
Product Lacks Stability: Out-of-specification (OOS) results were observed for assay and description in retain samples.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fluorouracil used for?
Fluorouracil cream, 0.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses of the face and anterior scalp.
What are the side effects of Fluorouracil?
The following were adverse events considered to be drug related and occurring with a frequency of 1% with fluorouracil cream, 0.5%: application site reaction (94.6%), and eye irritation (5.4%). The signs and symptoms of facial irritation (i.e., application site reaction) are presented below. Summary of Facial Irritation Signs and Symptoms - Pooled Phase 3 Studies Clinical Sign or Symptom Active 1… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Fluorouracil?
Fluorouracil is listed by 20 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including Accord Healthcare Inc., Accord Healthcare, Inc., Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Has Fluorouracil been recalled?
The FDA enforcement database lists 2 recalls for Fluorouracil, most recently D-1489-2019 (class i): Presence of Particulate Matter; glass particulates