Tag: Skin cancer

Despite its use on skin conditions, Efudix cream is a topical chemotherapy agent, not an antibiotic. It contains the active ingredient fluorouracil (5-FU), which treats certain precancerous growths and skin cancers by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a fundamentally different mechanism from drugs that fight bacteria.

While local skin reactions are the most common side effect of Efudex, systemic issues are possible, especially with increased absorption. For those wondering, **can Efudex cause dizziness?**, the answer is yes, though it is considered an infrequent or remote side effect, particularly with the topical formulation.

According to research, imiquimod is a topical medication and potent immune response modifier that triggers the release of immune-activating chemicals called cytokines in the skin to attack abnormal cells. This process is the core of what imiquimod does to your body to clear viral infections and malignant skin lesions.

First approved by the FDA in 1982 for severe cystic acne, isotretinoin has since been recognized for its efficacy in treating other challenging skin conditions. This has led to widespread off-label use and raises the important question: **what is Accutane used for other than acne**?

In 2015, a landmark phase 3 trial revealed that oral nicotinamide significantly cut the rate of new non-melanoma skin cancers by 23% in high-risk patients over one year. This versatile form of vitamin B3 is prescribed for a range of conditions, primarily leveraging its anti-inflammatory, DNA-repairing, and cellular energy-boosting properties.

Fluorouracil cream, a powerful topical chemotherapy agent, is not available for purchase over the counter and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider for safe use. This is because it is a potent, targeted therapy for serious skin conditions, necessitating medical supervision.

In organ transplant recipients, the incidence of de novo malignancies is significantly higher than in the general population. When considering what cancers does tacrolimus cause, it is important to distinguish between systemic and topical application, as the associated risks and the underlying mechanisms vary significantly depending on the form of the medication used.

In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required a boxed warning for Protopic (tacrolimus) regarding a theoretical risk of certain cancers with long-term use, emphasizing the importance of understanding what happens if you use Protopic for too long. While a direct causal link has not been established, regulatory bodies advise against continuous, prolonged application.

According to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, bexarotene gel (brand name Targretin) is a topical retinoid approved for the treatment of early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who have not responded to, or tolerated, other therapies. This specialized gel works directly on skin lesions to help manage the symptoms of this rare skin cancer.