Drug: Carac
Carac® (fluorouracil cream) Cream, 0.5% , contains fluorouracil for topical dermatologic use. Chemically, fluorouracil is 5-fluoro-2,4(1H, 3H)-pyrimidinedione. The molecular formula is C4H3FN2O2. Fluorouracil has a molecular weight of 130.08. Carac Cream contains 0.5% fluorouracil, with 0.35% being incorporated into a patented porous microsphere (Microsponge®)↑ composed of methyl methacrylate / glycol dimethacrylate cross polymer and dimethicone. The cream formulation contains the following other inactive ingredients: carbomer 940, dimethicone, glycerin, methyl gluceth-20, methyl methacrylate / glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer, methylparaben, octyl hydroxy stearate, polyethylene glycol 400, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sorbitan monooleate, stearic acid, and trolamine.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
The following were adverse events considered to be drug-related and occurring with a frequency of ≥ 1% with Carac (fluorouracil) : application site reaction (94.6%), and eye irritation (5.4%). The signs and symptoms of facial irritation (application site reaction) are presented below. Summary of Facial Irritation Signs and Symptoms - Pooled Phase 3 Studies
Clinical Sign or
Symptom Active One
Week Active Two
Week Active Four
Week ALL Active
Treatments Vehicle
Treatments N=85 N=87 N=85 N=257 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 Carac (fluorouracil) 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 One
Week Active Two
Week Active Four
Week ALL Active
Treatments Vehicle
Treatments N=85 N=87 N=85 N=257 N=127 n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) BODY AS A WHOLE 7 (8.2) 6 (6.9) 12 (14.1) 25 (9.7) 15 (11.8) Headache 3 (3.5) 2 (2.3) 3 (3.5) 8 (3.1) 3 (2.4) Common Cold 4 (4.7) 0 2 (2.4) 6 (2.3) 3 (2.4) Allergy 0 2 (2.3) 1 (1.2) 3 (1.2) 2 (1.6) Infection Upper Respiratory 0 0 0 0 2 (1.6) MUSCULOSKELETAL 1 (1.2) 1 (1.1) 1 (1.2) 3 (1.2) 5 (3.9) Muscle Soreness 0 0 0 0 2 (1.6) RESPIRATORY 5 (5.9) 0 1 (1.2) 6 (2.3) 6 (4.7) Sinusitis 4 (4.7) 0 0 4 (1.6) 2 (1.6) SKIN & APPENDAGES 78 (91.8) 83 (95.4) 82 (96.5) 243 (94.6) 85 (66.9) Application Site 78 (91.8) 83 (95.4) 82 (96.5) 243 (94.6) 83 (65.4) Reaction Irritation Skin 1 (1.2) 0 2 (2.4) 3 (1.2) 0 SPECIAL SENSES 6 (7.1) 4 (4.6) 6 (7.1) 16 (6.2) 6 (4.7) Eye Irritation 5 (5.9) 3 (3.4) 6 (7.1) 14 (5.4) 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. Read the Carac (fluorouracil) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effectsLearn More »
Clinical Sign or
Symptom Active One
Week Active Two
Week Active Four
Week ALL Active
Treatments Vehicle
Treatments N=85 N=87 N=85 N=257 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 Carac (fluorouracil) 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 One
Week Active Two
Week Active Four
Week ALL Active
Treatments Vehicle
Treatments N=85 N=87 N=85 N=257 N=127 n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) BODY AS A WHOLE 7 (8.2) 6 (6.9) 12 (14.1) 25 (9.7) 15 (11.8) Headache 3 (3.5) 2 (2.3) 3 (3.5) 8 (3.1) 3 (2.4) Common Cold 4 (4.7) 0 2 (2.4) 6 (2.3) 3 (2.4) Allergy 0 2 (2.3) 1 (1.2) 3 (1.2) 2 (1.6) Infection Upper Respiratory 0 0 0 0 2 (1.6) MUSCULOSKELETAL 1 (1.2) 1 (1.1) 1 (1.2) 3 (1.2) 5 (3.9) Muscle Soreness 0 0 0 0 2 (1.6) RESPIRATORY 5 (5.9) 0 1 (1.2) 6 (2.3) 6 (4.7) Sinusitis 4 (4.7) 0 0 4 (1.6) 2 (1.6) SKIN & APPENDAGES 78 (91.8) 83 (95.4) 82 (96.5) 243 (94.6) 85 (66.9) Application Site 78 (91.8) 83 (95.4) 82 (96.5) 243 (94.6) 83 (65.4) Reaction Irritation Skin 1 (1.2) 0 2 (2.4) 3 (1.2) 0 SPECIAL SENSES 6 (7.1) 4 (4.6) 6 (7.1) 16 (6.2) 6 (4.7) Eye Irritation 5 (5.9) 3 (3.4) 6 (7.1) 14 (5.4) 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. Read the Carac (fluorouracil) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effectsLearn More »
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
Carac (fluorouracil) cream 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. Carac (fluorouracil) cream should not be applied near the eyes, nostrils or mouth. Carac (fluorouracil) cream should be applied ten minutes after thoroughly washing, rinsing, and drying the entire area. Carac (fluorouracil) cream may be applied using the fingertips. Immediately after application, the hands should be thoroughly washed. Carac (fluorouracil) 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.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
No information provided.Last reviewed on RxList: 11/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
Carac (fluorouracil) is indicated for the topical treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses of the face and anterior scalp.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
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 Carac. 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. Carac (fluorouracil) should not be used in patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency. A large percentage of fluorouracil is catabolized by the enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). DPD enzyme deficiency can result in shunting of fluorouracil to the anabolic pathway, leading to cytotoxic activity and potential toxicities. Carac (fluorouracil) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.Last reviewed on RxList: 11/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
Ordinarily, topical overdosage will not cause acute problems. If Carac (fluorouracil) 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.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
Cream - 30 gram tube NDC 0066-7150-30 Store at Controlled Room Temperature 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) [see USP]. Prescribing Information as of 2006. Keep out of the reach of children. Dermik Laboratories, a business of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. FDA rev date: 12/16/2003 Last reviewed on RxList: 11/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
General There is a possibility of increased absorption through ulcerated or inflamed skin. Information for the Patient Patients using Carac (fluorouracil) should receive the following information and instructions:
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
- This medication is to be used as directed.
- This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
- It is for external use only.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, and mouth.
- Cleanse affected area and wait 10 minutes before applying Carac (fluorouracil) .
- Wash hands immediately after applying Carac (fluorouracil) .
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet irradiation during treatment, as the intensity of the reaction may be increased.
- Most patients using Carac (fluorouracil) 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.
- If you develop abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or chills while on Carac (fluorouracil) therapy, stop the medication and contact your physician and/or pharmacist.
- Report any side effects to the physician and/or pharmacist.
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
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