About AKs

What are actinic keratoses (AKs)?

AKs, also called solar keratoses, are patches of skin, or lesions, that can look rough, dry, or scaly.

They appear on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. AKs range in color from tan to pink to skin-toned.

Who can get AKs?

Sunlight damages your skin. Over time, this damage can lead to AKs. Anyone can get AKs, but fair-skinned people are most affected. Long-term sun exposure increases the chances of getting AKs.

How are AKs treated?

There are many options. Only your doctor can determine the appropriate therapeutic option for you.

Your doctor may prescribe topical creams like Carac® to treat AKs. Another procedure, such as freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, is also an option.

How do I know if Carac® is right for me?

Only your doctor can determine if Carac® is the right treatment for you. Carac® is a topical treatment, and it is important to follow your doctor’s direction. The active ingredient in Carac® is called fluorouracil (floor-oh-your-a-sill). Since 2001, Carac® has been used to treat AKs. It works by getting into the AK cells and destroying them. Carac® contains fluorouracil in a patented drug-delivery system and provides once-a-day dosing.

Indication

Carac® is indicated for the topical treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses of the face and anterior scalp.

For more information, please see Full Prescribing Information for Carac®.

Important Treatment Considerations for Carac®

  • Carac® is for external use only.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, nostrils, and mouth.
  • Cleanse affected area and wait 10 minutes before applying Carac®.
  • Wash hands immediately after applying Carac®.
  • 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® 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® therapy, stop the medication and contact your physician and/or pharmacist.
  • Report any side effects to the physician and/or pharmacist.

Important Safety Information for Carac®

Carac® should not be used by women who are pregnant, considering becoming pregnant, or nursing. Carac® should not be used by people with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency or in people allergic to any of the ingredients in the product. If you develop abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or chills while using Carac®, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor.

Carac® is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, and mouth. Wash hands immediately after applying Carac®. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or other forms of UV light.

Most patients using Carac® get skin reactions where the medicine is used, and the treatment areas may become unsightly during and after therapy. The most common skin reactions include redness, dryness, burning, pain, erosion (loss of upper layer of skin), swelling and eye irritation. These skin reactions can last for two or more weeks after therapy is discontinued.

Healthcare Professionals

This information is intended for U.S. Healthcare Professionals only.

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