Briefing note: fluorouracil + salicylic acid (Actikerall)

SMC accepted fluorouracil and salicylic acid for the treatment of slightly palpable and/or
moderately thick hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis (grade I/II) in immunocompetent adult patients.

• Actinic keratoses are small crusty, scaly or crumbly patches of skin which commonly occur in people that have had a lot of sun exposure. They may be red, light brown or skin-coloured and dry or rough to touch.
   
• This medicine contains fluorouracil to inhibit the growth of cells and salicylic acid to soften hard skin. It can be given as a solution applied directly to the skin to treat actinic keratosis in adults with a healthy immune system.
   
• A study has shown that fluorouracil/salicylic acid worked better than another medicine that was also applied directly to the skin.
   
• In the study, irritation at the place where the solution was applied to the skin was experienced more frequently by patients given fluorouracil/salicylic acid compared with patients given another similar medicine.
   
• SMC accepted fluorouracil/salicylic acid for use in NHSScotland because it is effective at an acceptable cost.