Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Efudex vs. Picato

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

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.

  • Fluorouracil (Efudex) topical
    Picato (ingenol mebutate)
  • Fluorouracil (Efudex) topical
    Picato (ingenol mebutate)

  • Summary of Efudex vs. Picato

    Summary for Antimetabolite
    Prescription only

    Fluorouracil (Efudex) topical is an antimetabolite. It's available as 5% topical cream and solution, and as 2% solution. Both strengths can treat actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light over time. But only fluorouracil 5% is approved to treat basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Fluorouracil (Efudex) topical is applied directly on the affected area(s) twice daily for 2 to 6 weeks, depending on what condition you're being treated for. Side effects of this medication can include skin burning, crusting, and irritation.

    Summary for Topical gel
    Prescription only

    Picato (ingenol mebutate) was a medication used for actinic keratosis. It was a gel that was applied directly on the skin. It has been discontinued in the United States because it's linked to higher a risk of skin cancer.

  • Indications of Efudex vs. Picato

    Indications for
    •Actinic (or solar) keratosis (scaly pre-cancerous spot or growth on the skin) in adults
    •Basal cell carcinoma (certain type of skin cancer) in adults
    Indications for

  • Pros and Cons of Efudex vs. Picato

    Pros and Const for Antimetabolite
    Pros
    •Preferred treatment option for actinic keratoses
    •Up to a 90% cure rate for people with basal cell carcinoma
    •Treatment might last as short as 2-3 weeks, depending on your condition
    Cons
    •Can cause uncomfortable skin reactions
    •Need to use twice daily
    •Hasn't been studied in children
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Topical gel
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Efudex vs. Picato

    Common Side Effects for
    •Crusting of the skin
    •Stinging or burning feeling of the skin
    •Itchiness
    •Soreness on the skin
    •Scarring
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Efudex vs. Picato

    Common Side Effects for
    •Avoid sensitive skin areas
    •Don't cover skin areas after application
    •Sunburn
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Rare toxicity reaction
    Common Side Effects for

  • Prices with our coupons for Efudex vs. Picato

    Learn more about Fluorouracil
    Learn more about Picato

Compare other Actinic Keratosis drugs

Efudex vs AldaraEfudex vs PicatoEfudex vs Solaraze

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.