Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil is an approved anti-cancer drug that works by preventing cell division. In its intravenous formulation it is used to treat a number of tumours including breast cancer and cancer of the colon. It also comes as a cream, which can be used to treat or prevent the recurrence of cervical, anal, or genital neoplasia caused by human papilloma virus. It is also being testes for use in treating anal cancer, often in combination with other drugs and radiotherapy.

Side-effects of the cream include burning, inflammation and discoloration of the skin.

Fluorouracil is also known as 5-fluorouracil, or the abbreviation 5-FU. It is available in a generic formulation and is also manufactured by Roche under the trade name Efudix.

A test tube study has suggested that fluorouracil can enhance the anti-HIV activity of d4T (stavudine, Zerit).1

References

  1. Gong YF et al. Potentiation of the stavudine anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity by 5-fluorouracil. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 40: 1329, 1996

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Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.