Carac should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The general guidelines for using Carac are as follows:

Clean and Dry the Area: Before applying the cream, wash the affected area with soap and water, then gently pat it dry with a clean towel.

Apply a Thin Layer: Apply a thin layer of Carac to the affected skin area. Use enough cream to cover the entire lesion, but avoid using too much. A small amount is usually sufficient for each lesion.

Frequency of Application: Carac is applied once or twice a day according to the healthcare provider’s prescription. You will usually use it for 2 to 4 weeks.

Avoid Healthy Skin: Apply Carac with caution not to get the cream on healthy skin as the same may cause irritation and redness in non-affected areas. You might use a bandage or gauze to cover the treated area if the healthcare provider advises you.

Wash Hands After Use: Apply Carac and wash your hands really well to prevent the drugs from spreading to other places on your body or to your face, especially onto sensitive areas like the eyes or mouth.

Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider must be done regularly to be able to know if this treatment is effective and safe and free from any forms of adverse reactions or complication.

Carac works through inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis in cells. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is fluorouracil, which is pyrimidine analog. Meaning, it is a synthetic imitator of natural ingredients necessary for the production of both DNA and RNA. When absorbed by the abnormal cells in question, the drug prohibits their growth and division capacities and eventually leads to cellular death.

The cream goes straight to the abnormal cells from the sun damage and doesn’t let them multiply. As time passes, the treated lesions will shrink and eventually fall off as new skin will replace the damaged cells.

Because fluorouracil preferentially attacks abnormal, rapidly growing cells, it has a relatively low effect on healthy skin, though irritation is common during treatment.

While Carac is effective for the treatment of skin lesions, it can cause side effects due to its action on rapidly dividing cells, both abnormal and healthy skin cells. Common side effects include:

This is the most common side effect and may include redness, peeling, dryness, or burning at the site of application. This reaction is expected as the medication works to destroy abnormal skin cells.

Pain or Tenderness: The treated area may be tender, sore, or ulcerated due to the damage caused by the broken down cells of the medication.

Hypersensitivity: Some people may experience rare allergic reactions to fluorouracil, causing them to develop rash, swell up, or face some difficulty in breathing. Such cases require immediate medical attention.

There are some patients who would develop color changes, which could be darkening or lightening of the treated area.

Sun Sensitivity: As Carac is used for treating actinic keratosis, which is due to sun exposure, exposure to the sun should be avoided during treatment. Fluorouracil causes the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, which might cause sunburn.

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes: Carac must not be applied on or near the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes as it causes irritation. If contact is made, immediately wash with water.

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: Carac is safe to use when pregnancy or breast-feeding occurs, but it’s still very important to discuss its usage with a health provider in case of being pregnant or breast-feeding.

Infection Risk: The treated area will be more vulnerable to infection while it is healing. If you develop signs of infection (redness, swelling, or pus), see your healthcare provider.

1. Photosensitizing Agents (e.g., tetracyclines, retinoids, sulfa drugs) – Can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, leading to irritation and burns.

    

2. Immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, methotrexate) – May alter the immune response and affect Carac’s effectiveness.

    

3. Other Topical Medications (e.g., tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid) – Can increase skin irritation when used alongside Carac.

    

4. Blood Thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) – Fluorouracil may increase bleeding risk, requiring close monitoring.

    

Patients should avoid sun exposure, apply Carac only as directed, and watch for severe skin reactions. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining it with other medications.

The dosing and length of treatment are determined by the condition being treated:

For Actinic Keratosis: Apply Carac to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks or as directed by your healthcare provider. It is crucial to follow the prescribed regimen for the best results.

For Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma: Treatment may vary depending on the size and location of the lesion. Carac is typically applied once or twice daily for several weeks.

Carac is a prescription-only drug and has to be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It cannot be purchased over the counter. Your health care provider will evaluate the severity of your condition and see if Carac is an appropriate treatment for you. Follow-up appointments are important to check on the progress of your treatment and ensure that the medication is effective.

1. What is Carac?

   • Carac is a medication commonly used for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis, a skin condition caused by sun damage.

2. How does Carac work?

   • Carac contains the active ingredient fluorouracil, which helps to destroy abnormal skin cells by interfering with their growth and reproduction.

3. What conditions is Carac used to treat?

   • Carac is primarily used to treat actinic keratosis and occasionally other skin conditions as determined by a healthcare provider.

4. How should I apply Carac?

   • Carac should be applied as a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin, usually once or twice a day for a specified treatment period.

5. Are there any side effects of using Carac?

   • Common side effects include redness, irritation, and peeling at the application site. More severe reactions can occur but are less common.

6. How long does it take to see results from Carac?

   • Improvement may be noticeable within a few weeks, but full treatment typically lasts several weeks depending on the specifics of an individual case.

7. Can I use Carac on my face?

   • Yes, Carac can be applied to the face, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding sensitive areas.

8. Is Carac safe for all skin types?

   • Carac may be safe for various skin types, but it’s crucial to consult with a dermatologist, especially for sensitive skin.

9. Can I use sunscreen while using Carac?

   • Yes, applying sunscreen is recommended to protect the skin during treatment, as the skin may be more sensitive to sunlight.

10. What should I do if I miss a dose of Carac?

    • If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up.

11. Can I use other skin products while on Carac?

    • It’s advisable to limit the use of other topical products during treatment, especially those that may irritate the skin.

12. Is Carac prescribed only to adults?

    • While Carac is primarily prescribed to adults, it may be used for adolescents under specific circumstances determined by a healthcare provider.

13. How should Carac be stored?

    • Carac should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children.

14. What is the typical treatment duration for Carac?

    • Treatment duration usually spans 2 to 4 weeks, but this can vary based on the individual’s condition and doctor’s recommendations.

15. Are there any contraindications for using Carac?

    • Carac should not be used by individuals with known hypersensitivity to fluorouracil or any other ingredients in the formulation.

16. Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use Carac?

    • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before using Carac, as safety in these conditions hasn’t been established.

17. What happens if I experience severe side effects from Carac?

    • If you experience severe side effects like severe redness, swelling, or blistering, discontinue use and seek medical advice immediately.

18. Does Carac require a prescription?

    • Yes, Carac is typically available by prescription only, which ensures that a healthcare provider evaluates its necessity for your condition.

19. Can Carac help prevent skin cancer?

    • While Carac treats actinic keratosis, which can lead to skin cancer, it helps reduce the risk but does not prevent all skin cancers.

20. What should I do if my skin doesn’t improve with Carac?

    • If there’s no improvement after the recommended treatment duration, consult your physician for further evaluation and possible alternative treatments.