Instructions for using 5-Fluorouracil Cream/Imiquimod Cream/ KLISYRI
We have prescribed this medication for the treatment of a superficial skin cancer or pre-cancerous spots. Typically, this medication will cause an irritation, redness, and crust with the intention of eradicating the targeted lesion(s). The severity of the reaction is dependent amount of damage that is present on your skin.
Once or Twice Daily Application: The area will become red, irritated and crusty, particularly during the second or third week of treatment. This is an expected and intended reaction. If the discomfort is not tolerable, please discontinue the cream. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream 1% or CeraVe Healing Ointment can be applied daily to help relieve the irritation. Your doctor can also prescribe Silvadene.
- Apply a small amount of cream to the specified area (ie to the entire face or area that was biopsied). Apply the cream only to the areas as directed by the physician. The amount should be very small, just enough to cover area with thin film.
- Apply _____ time(s) daily. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after applying.
- Continue application for _____ weeks. Take _____ weeks off and repeat for _____ weeks.
- Showering is OK one hour after application.
IF YOU PURCHASE THE MEDICATION IN THE CLINIC SHAKE THE SOLUTION BEFORE USE.
The sites will heal spontaneously after you stop the medication. Do not cover the treated area.
Follow up in our office ______ weeks after completion of the treatment so that the physician may examine the site. This it to ensure that the lesions have been completely eradicated.
Note: Rarely, a patient will be allergic to this cream. If so, a “poison ivy-like” rash will break out about 48 hours after using it. This rash will be pink and itch just like “poison ivy.” If this happens, discontinue use of the cream immediately and telephone our office. With Imiquimod some may experience flu like symptoms.
