title: Fluorouracil 5% and 0.5% creams for the treatment of actinic keratosis: equivalent efficacy with a lower concentration and more convenient dosing schedule.
abstract: Several formulations and concentrations of topical fluorouracil have received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). The most commonly used are the fluorouracil 5% and 0.5% creams. In clinical trials, these formulations have demonstrated a marked ability to partially and completely eradicate AK lesions. Application site irritation, erythema, and burning are common side effects of both formulations, but comparative data suggest that the fluorouracil 0.5% cream is more cost-effective and may be safer, more tolerable, and as efficacious as fluorouracil 5% cream.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Jorizzo
authors.forename: Patrick S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Carney
authors.forename: William T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: Perry
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Robins
authors.forename: Susan H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Weinkle
authors.forename: Wm Philip
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Werschler
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004655:Emulsions; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D004655:Emulsions; D005472:Fluorouracil