Yes it is true Efudix is currently unavailable and has been  for several months.

Efudix  contains flourouracil which selectively kills DNA damaged cells and is extremely effective.

The salicyclic acid defoliates skin so should help slough off the damaged skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Sometimes they will prescribe Solareze which contains diclofenac sodium and works in a similar way.

Yes. My mum couldn't get efudix at all ,been several months now.

I've had 2 patches 'burnt' off with liquid nitrogen - years ago- didn't return. But now have had 3 more v small patches , nose, knee and side. 2 have resolved and gone using hyaluronic acid serum  and heavy moisturiser, both bought otc in beauty isle,  tho they may have just gone anyway. 

We actually have a tube of efudix that I myself was prescribed a few months ago for some sun damage. It worked so quickly I used only a small amount. The use by date is actually 2026. Does anyone think that it would be a good idea to use? All we need then is the other cream . Can't see any problems using it. Thanks for replying best wishes to all

I'd check if it's the same strength and if it has to be used within a certain time after opening 

You are supposed to discard any leftover Efudix after 3 months because of the possibility of bacterial contamination once tube is opened. However I have used Efudix 9 months after opening without any problem. The potency does not seem to be reduced. Given that there is none available it may be an option to use that part used tube. Ed

That's what I was thinking. I used a tiny bit only and I would say over 90 per cent is unused. If they know it's not available why not discuss other options? Anyway this week we will have a word with dermatology. You see you have to use another cream to prepare the area for the chemotherapy cream,as yet that hasn't arrived !

Thanks very much for your advice 

Uncle.

Hello and thanks for posting

I'm afraid we have no role in the provision of medicines within the NHS, so I can't be of very much help I'm afraid.

Apparently, it can be harder for community pharmacies to get hold of drugs than it is for hospitals, this can depend on the manufacturers that the community pharmacies have contracts with. So where one pharmacy may be having issues, another may be fine as they use a different supplier. A way around this is for the community pharmacies to change their supplier. 

This may be a local issue that hopefully it gets sorted out soon.  All I can suggest is that your wife talks to her pharmacist to see what they know and try other pharmacists in the area, if needed.

I can appreciate that not being able to easily get a supply of this medicine may cause unnecessary stress. I hope this issue is ironed out quickly. 

I'm not sure if someone will come along and post here in ask the nurse section of the forum to share their experience of obtaining this drug. If not, you can try posting on other topic areas of the forum.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene

Hello and thank you for posting.

It looks like you have had some good support here already.

I think before using opened medication I would discuss it with the pharmacist or the doctor involved as it may not be as effective.

Take care and if you find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Sarah.

Hello and thank you for posting.

It looks like you have had some good support here already.

I think before using opened medication I would discuss it with the pharmacist or the doctor involved as it may not be as effective.

Take care and if you find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Sarah.