User Reviews for Zyclara topical

was suprised at the number of ak that showed up on the second application, some were in the same location as the first application, but did not show up untill the second application. A few of the ak's were pertty severe,in both the first and second application.

I was prescribed Zyclara by my dermatologist because of sun damaged skin on my scalp. He told me that there would be some red blotchy spots when I used it. I was to use it daily for two weeks, then stop for two weeks and then use it for two more weeks. After about four days of using Zyclara my scalp began to look as if I had gotten third degree burns. It continued to get progressive worse in appearance to the point where I had to cover my head in public because it was horrid to see. I also experienced considerable fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeping 12 hours a day, aches, and my scalp was extremely sensitive. It was so sensitive that even running shower water on my scalp was painful. I called the doctor's office and was told that the worse the scalp looked the more effective was the treatment. After another day or two I insisted on seeing the doctor. When I got to see him he showed me pictures of others who had had the treatment to alleviate my concern that my experience was unusual. I stuck with the treatment for the first two weeks. Shortly after I stopped the treatment the fatigue and aches went away. It took several more days before the scalp began to heal. It is now 3 1/2 weeks since I stopped and the scalp is healing nicely. I spoke with the doctor who said don't do the second two weeks but come in to see him to see how it heals. I'm becoming conviced that the treatment works, however the rather serious side effects of lethargy, lost appetite, aches, pain and an awful,( not just blotchy) red, scalely, oozing , appearance were not what I expected. I believe my doctor should have been far more thorough in explaining to me the possible side effects. People who are given this treatment need to know in advance what they may experience. If forewarned I mioght still have opted for the treatment but it certainly wouldn't have been the shocking experince which I had. Read More Read Less

My Zyclara treatment was supposed to be 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off and 2 weeks on for basal cell on my chest area. I had to stop treatment on day 6 due to severe blisters, bleeding, large lymph nodes under my left arm and swollen lymph nodes under my chin and behind my ear. This was combined with flu like symptoms and dizziness. My dermatologist said I had a severe reaction and had me stop immediately. It is 3 weeks later and I still have one area that is not healed. I am scheduled to have a punch biopsy in 1 week. The dermatologist said a scrap biopsy would not determine if the cancer was gone due to treatment with the Zyclara to the top layer of skin. I will never use this product again.Read More Read Less

I normally have my pre-cancerous skin cells frozen from my face. This prodct was recommended to me by a PAC. She gave no explanation as to what would take course over the treatment period or the side effects. My reactions were normal but I did not know this - I was in a panic. So embarrassed & sore. I stuck out the 2 treatment program. I am in the processs of healing but feel like the Phantom of The Opera and am hiding my face behind a bad hair comb over. Just be prepared for the worst - you are going to look and feel bad.Read More Read Less

The treatment did make me somewhat ill during the first two weeks and the only way to ease the discomfort was to lie down. I was also troubled with constipation. My physician advised me to spread out the last phase of treatment over a longer period of time and this proved to make the situation more bearable.

I too are in the beginning,day 10. Sever welps all over chest and itches like crazy. I did have flu like symptoms first week but better now. Found using a wash cloth over my chest helps with showering. Self inflicked neglect has brought this on.glad there is something I can be proactive in healing precancerous areas. No fun though

I am on day 18 having to take a 5 day break after using 8 days. Severe blisters & swelling to double on lips. Very painful, could only use straw to drink and spoon to eat. Started back up and thankfully no more blisters on lips. Area above upper lip now has really red, scabby blisters that are oozing. Top lip started swelling again. I am stopping for a while and not sure if I will start up again. have had several AKs frozen off this area before and may go back to that and just use makeup to cover white spots since I read zyclara isn't necessarily going to get rid of ak permanently anyway. Why go thru all this if it isn't permanent?Read More Read Less

I was very much looking forward to using this product, as I had an allergic reaction to the Veregin ointment that I was previously prescribed. I have had a horrible experience with this product. After applying the product for just five days, I had to stop because of pain at the site. I cannot sleep on my stomach because the sting is so bad when I lay down. I cannot even wear my normal underwear because it is too tight and rubs the area. My skin was literally raw after using this product and there are multiple areas on my penis where the skin will have to REGROW to recover from this drug. I seriously hope that the damage is not permanent. Read More Read Less

Don't like having to rate a product before I've completed the treatment. I'm 10 days into the first 2 weeks. I'm using on my forehead and cheeks. Lesions on my face, sore red and itchy. No other side effects. I have lost most of my sense of taste, but not sure if that's a side effect of the drug. Should find that out once I'm on the 2 weeks off cycle.

I am a strawberry blond with fair skin. I sailed a lot in my youth. Result:lots of sun during prolonged periods causing skin damage that I have to deal with now. I did use zinc oxide extensively at the time, but obviously missed the area just above my upper lip. I have just completed the 14th day of the first round of treatment, which brought out many more places than I had originally targeted. The sores are crusty and painful. I have treated the pain topically with Lidocaine ointment after the 8 hours of Zyclara application, and Tynlenol PM at night in order to sleep. The ointment does give me relief during the day, making the situation bearable. My doctor had warned me that it would be an uncomfortable experience and gave me a brochure describing the treatment as well as time to think about it before proceeding. I am going to go through with the rest ofthe treatment unless the second time around causes some severe complications, making it impossible to continue. I will see the doctor next week during my two weeks off. The fact of the matter is the alternative is allowing the precancerous areas to develop into full blown skin cancer requiring extenisive surgery, disgifurement, and, in the worst case scenario, loss of life. It seems to me that temporary discomfort is worth it in the long run. I dream of the day when treated area will all be entirely healed. Read More Read Less

I used it on my face for sun damaged areas as I had too many to want to have the doctor remove them. Zyclara worked there without extreme sore spots, however when I began using it on my chest the reaction was far more severe. Lots of open wounds and itching, plus I have an overall feeling of flu like symptoms. The skin reaction is so severe that I'm concerned it may result in scars.

Two weeks on, two weeks off, two weeks on. I have one more day to go. Last week, I started to get flu-like symptoms and went to my doctor, who gave me a decongestant. I had not gone on-line at this site to read the potential side effects of the drug, flu-like symptoms. I have missed work for several days. I am drained. One more day for the treatment. First phase the areas on my bald head just looked red, mostly pink. This second phase they have gotten much more red, raised, and ugly. I am surprised more people have not asked me, "What happened?" It's not a pretty sight. I am hoping, within a matter of days, perhaps hours even, that my flu-like symptoms will go away, as I stop using the zyclara. So, I should have probably waited a few weeks to submit this review. Last night, I went to the website here, wanting to learn how long it took everything to finally clear up after stopping use. Did not find that, but did find the flu-like symptoms. I tried to go to work today. After 15 minutes there, I was burning up and shakey. I headed home and have spent most of this day in bed -- absolutely drained. So, is what I have just a coincidence to have it now, or is it a result of the zyclara? Don't know, but look forward to feeling 'normal' again soon. Read More Read Less

I am using this drug to treat precancerous skin on my lip. I am in day 12 of the 1st 2 wks. My lip is incredibly blown up & very painful. Brushing teeth is hardest & most painful. I wrap wax paper over my lip & hold in place while I try to brush. Trouble sleeping, eating (I am doing mostly liquids with a straw) & other lip areas are getting affected. I guess I've come this far so I will continue but very leery about going a 2nd round. I truly have no idea if this is effective yet.

Thanks to all that posted na sorry for the bad reactions many have had. This product was prescribed by my dermo, but after reading the reviews, I will opt for laser treatment.

I had an AK spot on the bridge of my nose that was scraped and biopsied; turned out that is was precancerous so then I was prescribed this cream for the biopsy site only on my nose. I applied the cream to my nose and developed several blisters. The blisters are oozing, red and several are bleeding. I went the two weeks and the blisters did not get severe until after I was off the cream for 3 days. I am now on Day 20 and I can begin to see where the blisters are not as crusted over. I went to the doc yesterday and was told that the medicine is working as it found other spots on my nose that I didn't know where there. I am going to wait until these blisters heal and the redness goes away before I start treatment again. And I am going to take it very slow for the next round of treatment; if I see redness developing again, then I am going to spread out the application and put a few days between applications. My reaction to this drug was severe and very disturbing as I just didn't realize how bad it could get -- be prepared. I am hoping that it will get better but I will check back in after I have completed treatment to update this message.Read More Read Less

This is the second treatment. One last year in December when sunlight exposure is limited. The first two weeks this time resulted in huge cold sores on lips which have been the MOST painful thing I have ever experienced lasting 2 weeks of constant pain without any relied either from valtrex, Zovirax! Oral gel, hydrocortisone etc? Painful lesions on lips inside and out and still have nerve pain around lips? Have decided not to continue 2nd week treatment. Dr. Indicated I am stressed which causes immune system to rev up even more which the ah Lara does as well. Very upsetting not to sleep, eat and crying due to pain and I think depression? I am a very upbeat non depressed person? This made me crazy and doubting myself? Was relieved to finish first round and really skeptical about continuing since the first outbreak strain of herpes still in system. Read in other posts of using aquafora around lips but if this works with immune system a topical barrier does not seem to eliminate the possibility of this outbreak happening again and once it starts two weeks of blisters is not something I want again. A dilemma? The doctor really does not reassume me that it won't happen again even if I do the valtrex treatment a day before starting the topical zyclara. Hope this helps fellow sufferers.Read More Read Less

My 8 week treatment for basic cell carcinoma on my right lower leg has gone well. I am ending my treatment and noticed the last 2 weeks that the affected area has become for inflamed and sore with mild itching and burning sensation. I applied daily in am after shower and towel dryed affected area. As far as side effects, I experienced neck muscle stiffness, but not sure if it was associated with medication. I will return to my dermatologist next month for followup.

I used this on my chest for pre-cancers and my first two weeks were tough, with headaches, flu like symptoms, fatigue, chills and fever and much itching and burning. I was so relieved to have the two weeks off. I went back on for ten more days, but could not finish due to the extreme side effects. I am drug sensitive. I was given a steroid cream to aid in healing. The Dr. was pleased with the results, but it was like torture to be on this topical treatment. She said I really needed it, as she observed the area treated was dense with the effects of the cream. If it saves me from having cancer, I guess it was worth it, but it was quite aggressive. Others may be less sensitive that I was. Read More Read Less

I finished my 2nd treatment of 14 days. Several sores raised to the surface of my nose that I didn't know were there.They looked bad. They leaked & bleed off & on.People gave me double takes so I stayed home for 2 weeks until they healed.I stuck it out,& it looks like the AK's are almost gone. All have to se the Dr 1 more time to see if they are completely healed. I PRAY to God they are. As bad as the treatment is I would do it again if it meant saving my life to keep these things from spreading. All let you know what the Dr says.Read More Read Less

I was using zyclara on my lips, as ok'd by my physician. I noticed severe swelling, blistering, and unbearable pain after day 7. Called dr. and was advised to stop til healed. I quit med. on day 9 then placed on steroid to help side effects. I'm like previous blogger, I'll keep freezing but no more zyclara for me. hmmm, mine was free also - coupon from physician.