Key takeaways
Fluorouracil (Efudex) and ingenol mebutate (Picato) are both topical medications used to treat actinic keratosis, a skin condition caused by sun exposure. However, they differ in several ways. Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite available as a cream or solution, and it is also FDA-approved to treat basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Ingenol mebutate (Picato), on the other hand, was a gel that has been discontinued in the United States due to its potential to increase the risk of skin cancer. Fluorouracil is applied twice daily for 2 to 6 weeks and can cause side effects like skin burning and irritation. Additionally, fluorouracil is not safe for use during pregnancy and requires careful application to avoid affecting healthy skin.
