Buy Generic Fluorouracil Online

Generic Fluorouracil Information

Introduction

Fluorouracil is a chemotherapeutic and dermatological agent used primarily for the treatment of certain malignancies and for the management of precancerous skin lesions. In Hong Kong, it is prescribed by oncologists, dermatologists and specialised clinicians for both systemic cancer therapy and topical skin‑care indications. The active compound is fluorouracil, a pyrimidine analogue that interferes with DNA synthesis. It belongs to the medication groups Skin Care and Cancer.

What is Fluorouracil?

Fluorouracil (5‑fluorouracil, 5‑FU) is a synthetic antimetabolite originally developed in the 195s by researchers at the Memorial Sloan‑Kettering Cancer Center. It is marketed worldwide under several brand names, the most recognised being Efudex (topical formulation) and Carac (injectable formulation). Fluorouracil is the generic version of these brand‑name products, containing the same active compound and delivering equivalent pharmacological effects. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option for patients in Hong Kong.

How Fluorouracil Works

Fluorouracil mimics the natural pyrimidine base uracil. After cellular uptake, it is converted by the enzyme orotate phosphoribosyltransferase into fluorouridine monophosphate (FUMP). Subsequent phosphorylation yields fluorouridine diphosphate (FUDP) and fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP), which become incorporated into RNA, disrupting RNA processing and protein synthesis.

A critical anticancer action involves conversion of FUMP to fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP), which forms a stable ternary complex with thymidylate synthase (TS) and the co‑factor 5,10‑methylenetetrahydrofolate. This complex blocks TS, preventing the methylation of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP). The resulting dTMP deficiency impairs DNA synthesis, leading to cell‑cycle arrest and apoptosis, especially in rapidly proliferating cells such as cancerous tissue and dysplastic keratinocytes.

Topically, fluorouracil penetrates the epidermis and locally inhibits TS in abnormal keratinocytes, causing selective cytotoxicity and subsequent sloughing of precancerous lesions. Systemic administration delivers the same intracellular blockade throughout the body, providing therapeutic benefit against solid tumours that rely on high rates of DNA replication.

Conditions Treated with Fluorouracil

• Actinic keratosis (AK) – A common precancerous skin lesion caused by chronic ultraviolet exposure. Topical fluorouracil eradicates atypical keratinocytes, reducing progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
• Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) – In selected cases, topical 5‑FU provides a non‑surgical option with comparable clearance rates.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ (Bowen’s disease) – Topical therapy can be curative for early‑stage disease.
• Colorectal cancer (CRC) – Fluorouracil is a cornerstone of adjuvant and metastatic regimens, often combined with leucovorin, oxaliplatin or irinotecan.
• Breast cancer – Used in neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy protocols, frequently together with anthracyclines or taxanes.
• Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) – Systemic fluorouracil forms part of concurrent chemoradiation schedules.
• Gastric and pancreatic adenocarcinomas – Integrated into combination regimens for advanced disease.

In Hong Kong, skin‑cancer incidence has risen with an ageing population and increased sun exposure, making topical fluorouracil a widely utilized outpatient therapy. Likewise, the territory’s public hospitals and private oncology centres prescribe systemic fluorouracil for the solid tumours listed above, following international guidelines (e.g., NCCN, ESMO).

Who is Fluorouracil For?

• Patients with precancerous skin lesions – Adults with clinically diagnosed actinic keratoses, Bowen’s disease or early superficial BCC who prefer a non‑invasive approach.
• Individuals undergoing cancer chemotherapy – Adults (generally ≥ 18 years) with colorectal, breast, gastric, pancreatic or head‑and‑neck cancers for whom fluorouracil‑based regimens are indicated.
• Patients requiring adjuvant therapy – After surgical resection of a tumour, fluorouracil may be recommended to eliminate microscopic disease and lower recurrence risk.
• Those who cannot tolerate alternative agents – In cases where platinum‑based drugs or taxanes cause severe toxicity, fluorouracil provides a different mechanism of action.

Fluorouracil is not appropriate for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (category D – known fetal risk).
• Patients with severe dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency, which can cause life‑threatening toxicity.
• Individuals with uncontrolled infections, severe bone‑marrow suppression, or recent major surgery unless a specialist determines benefit outweighs risk.

Clinical evaluation, including baseline blood counts, liver and renal function tests, is mandatory before initiating therapy.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Dermatologic reactions (topical use): erythema, crusting, ulceration, pruritus, and pain at the application site.
• Gastrointestinal upset (systemic use): nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, oral mucositis.
• Hematologic changes: mild neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, typically reversible with dose adjustment.

Rare

• Hand‑foot syndrome: erythema, swelling, and tenderness of palms and soles, more frequent with continuous infusion regimens.
• Cardiotoxicity: occasional chest discomfort or arrhythmias, especially when fluorouracil is combined with anthracyclines.
• Hyperpigmentation: persistent darkening of treated skin areas after topical therapy.

Serious

• Severe myelosuppression: profound neutropenia or pancytopenia that may lead to infection or bleeding.
• Life‑threatening mucositis: extensive oral ulceration causing difficulty in eating or breathing.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis: rare but severe cutaneous adverse reactions requiring immediate medical attention.
• Fluorouracil‑related encephalopathy: confusion, seizures, or coma, reported in high‑dose infusion protocols.

Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants): fluorouracil can enhance anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.
• Cytochrome P450 inducers or inhibitors: agents such as phenytoin or fluconazole may alter fluorouracil clearance, necessitating dose modification.
• Other antimetabolites (e.g., methotrexate): additive myelosuppression; concurrent use should be closely monitored.
• 5‑Alpha‑Reductase inhibitors: potential for increased skin toxicity when combined with topical fluorouracil.

Patients should disclose all current medications, supplements and herbal products to their healthcare provider before starting fluorouracil.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Topical formulation (.5 %–5 % cream or ointment): Apply a thin, even layer to the affected skin once daily, usually at night, for 2–6 weeks depending on lesion response. The exact concentration and duration are determined by the prescribing clinician.
• Systemic intravenous infusion:
  • Bolus regimen: 400 mg/m² administered intravenously over 5–10 minutes, every 1–2 weeks.
  • Continuous infusion: 200–300 mg/m² per day as a 24‑hour infusion for 5 consecutive days, repeated every 2–3 weeks.
  • Doses are adjusted for renal or hepatic impairment and based on haematologic parameters.

Missed dose (topical): Apply the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose; in that case, skip the missed application and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Missed dose (intravenous): Contact the treating oncologist or chemotherapy nurse. Usually the infusion is rescheduled; do not self‑administer an extra dose.

Overdose:

• Topical: Excessive application may increase local irritation but is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and seek medical advice if severe skin reaction develops.
• Systemic: Signs of overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, profound neutropenia, and mucositis. Immediate medical evaluation is required; treatment may involve supportive care, hydration, and possible reversal with leucovorin rescue.

Precautions:

• Avoid alcohol during systemic therapy, as it can exacerbate mucosal toxicity.
• Maintain adequate hydration; avoid concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs without supervision.
• For topical use, protect the treated area from sun exposure and use sunscreen on surrounding healthy skin.

Buying Fluorouracil from Our Online Pharmacy

Fluorouracil is available for purchase through our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. We source the medication from internationally licensed manufacturers that meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring product integrity and regulatory compliance.

Key advantages:

• Affordable pricing: Our cost structure reflects near‑manufacturer pricing, making generic fluorouracil more accessible than many brand‑name alternatives.
• Verified quality: Each batch undergoes third‑party testing for potency, sterility (injectable forms) and packaging integrity.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet, reliable shipping options include 7‑day express service for urgent needs and a regular airmail service (approximately 3 weeks) for non‑urgent orders.
• Online‑only access: We operate as a pharmacy‑broker service, partnering with overseas licensed pharmacies and suppliers. This model enables us to provide medications that may have limited local availability while maintaining strict privacy protections for our customers.

Patients seeking a cost‑effective, high‑quality supply of fluorouracil can benefit from our streamlined ordering platform, secure payment processing and confidential packaging.

FAQ

• Is Fluorouracil available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes. The original brand‑name products such as Efudex (topical) and Carac (injectable) are marketed alongside generic fluorouracil, which contains the identical active ingredient and offers a lower price point.

• Does Fluorouracil require refrigeration?
  The injectable form is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder that must be reconstituted with a sterile solution and stored refrigerated (2‑8 °C) before use. The cream or ointment formulation should be kept at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

• What does a Fluorouracil cream tube look like?
  Generic tubes are usually opaque white or light‑cream coloured, bearing the strength (e.g., 5 % w/w) on the label. In Hong Kong, packaging includes the generic name, dosage strength, batch number, expiry date and the manufacturer’s name.

• Can Fluorouracil be imported for personal use into Hong Kong?
  Personal import of prescription medicines is allowed under Hong Kong’s import‑for‑personal‑use scheme, provided the quantity does not exceed a 3‑month supply and a valid prescription is presented to customs officers. Our pharmacy ensures all documentation complies with local regulations.

• Are there specific warnings for Asian populations?
  Studies indicate that certain East‑Asian patients may have a higher prevalence of partial DPD deficiency, which can increase fluorouracil toxicity. Clinicians often perform DPD activity testing or dose‑adjust based on genetic screening when available.

• How does Fluorouracil compare with imiquimod for actinic keratosis?
  Fluorouracil causes direct cytotoxicity of dysplastic cells, while imiquimod stimulates an immune response. Both achieve similar clearance rates, but fluorouracil usually produces more pronounced local inflammation, which some patients find less tolerable.

• What is the history behind the development of Fluorouracil?
  Fluorouracil was synthesized by Dr. Charles Heidelberger in the early 195s as part of a program to discover antimetabolites that interfere with nucleic acid synthesis. Its first clinical trial in 1957 demonstrated efficacy against solid tumours, establishing it as one of the earliest chemotherapy agents.

• Can Fluorouracil be combined with radiotherapy?
  Yes. In curative protocols for head‑and‑neck or gastrointestinal cancers, fluorouracil acts as a radiosensitizer, enhancing the DNA‑damage effect of radiation. The combination is standard in many concurrent chemoradiation regimens.

• Is there a difference between 5‑Fluorouracil and Capecitabine?
  Capecitabine is an oral pro‑drug that is metabolised in the body to 5‑fluorouracil. While both deliver the same active metabolite, capecitabine provides a convenient oral route but may have a different side‑effect profile, especially increased hand‑foot syndrome.

• What storage considerations apply when traveling with Fluorouracil?
  For injectable forms, keep the reconstituted solution in a insulated container with a cold pack to maintain refrigeration. The powder can be stored at ambient temperature if protected from moisture. Topical cream should be placed in a sealed pouch to avoid leakage and kept out of direct sunlight.

• Does Fluorouracil affect drug‑testing results?
  Fluorouracil is not a substance screened for in standard employment or sports drug tests. However, it may cause transient changes in liver enzymes and blood counts that could appear in comprehensive health panels.

• Are there known formulation differences between regions?
  Some manufacturers produce fluorouracil in .5 % or 5 % topical concentrations in the United States, whereas Asian markets often provide a 1 % or 2 % cream. Injectable forms are generally supplied as 5 mg/mL vials globally, but excipient compositions may vary slightly to meet regional regulatory standards.

Glossary

Thymidylate synthase (TS)

An enzyme that catalyses the conversion of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP), essential for DNA synthesis. Fluorouracil’s active metabolite FdUMP inhibits TS, leading to impaired DNA replication.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency

A hereditary or acquired reduction in the activity of DPD, the enzyme responsible for metabolising > 80 % of administered fluorouracil. Deficiency markedly increases the risk of severe toxicity.

Topical formulation

A medication prepared for application onto the skin surface, often as a cream, ointment, or gel, intended to deliver the active drug locally with minimal systemic absorption.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Fluorouracil is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Fluorouracil for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.