Curaderm / BEC5  Cream 20ml

What does BEC5  contain?

BEC5  cream (20g) contains the active anticancer ingredient Solasodine Glycosides (BEC). It also contains Salicyclic Acid and Urea at relatively high concentrations that assist BEC to kill cancer cells. Salicyclic Acid Urea may irritate the skin.

What is BEC5  used for

This medicine is used to treat areas if the skin that may have become discoloured, thickened or scaly as a result of exposure to sun (UV) light. These areas of the skin are known as keratoses. This medicine is also been clinically shown to be very effective to treat malignant skin cancers such as the non-melanoma basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Before you use BEC5

Tell your health professional if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or drugs. The anticancer ingredient BEC is present in eggplant, so if you are allergic to eggplant, let your health professional know before you use BEC5. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to aspirin.

Not to be used on children under 12 years without doctor’s advice. BEC5 should be stored below 25 degrees C. Keep out of Reach of Children.

Areas being treated with BEC5 should remain covered with a dressing such as a micro pore.

BEC5 should not be applied to moles or melanomas.

How to use BEC5

Follow all information given by your health professional carefully. They may be slightly different from the information contained in this leaflet. If you do not understand the directions for use ask your health professional for help.

How to use BEC5

BEC5 is used only to treat external areas of the skin. Scientific published work and trials carried out by many dermatologists (skin specialists) show clearly how the BEC5 treats keratosis, BCC and SCC. The treatment areas may be characterized by swelling, thickening, redness or lesions. Care should be taken NOT to apply BEC5 cream to the unaffected areas. Areas near the eyes or lips should be treated very carefully. BEC5 should be used at least twice daily but may also be used up to ten times daily. It is important to always cover the treated area with dressing such as a micro pore. DO NOT let the area being treated dry out. The area should be treated until it has re-grown with new skin.

Before each application

1. Firstly cleanse the skin by applying a good antiseptic solution, massaging into the site and then rinsing clean under running water. This ensures removal of dead cells that might otherwise from a barrier against the penetration of BEC5.
2. Dry the site thoroughly, and then apply a thick layer of BEC5 across the treatment site. Cover with a dressing (micro pore). Wash hands after application.

How much BEC5 to use

Depending on the size of the area to be treated, between approximately 0.1 and 0.5g of cream may be required for each treatment. The total area of skin treated with BEC5 should not exceed 25cm squared at any one time. If larger areas require treatment extra care should be taken.

When to use it and what to expect

BEC5 should be used at least twice daily. In most cases some degree of redness and swelling will be observed during treatment. Tingling or some pain may be experienced for 30 to 60 minutes after each application, this is a normal reaction.

When BEC5 is used the following pattern of response can be anticipated. First reddening, then usually erosion, ulceration and decline of the treated unwanted skin cells followed by re-growth of normal skin tissue. During treatment the lesion may appear worse before treatment. This is because BEC seeks out and destroys the cancer cells that are not visible with the bare eyes.

How long to use BEC5

A usual treatment regime will last for 7 to 60 days, depending on the number of applications per day and on the individual’s sensitivity. When the swelling in the area subsides and the treated skin appears normal, the treatment should be discontinued and the redness will gradually fade. On occasion it may be necessary to prolong the treatment regime. If in doubt it is better to treat the area for an extended period in order to prevent re-occurrence. In this case, the treatment should continue until such time as the lesion has re-grown with new tissue.

If you forget to use BEC5

It is important to ensure a regular treatment regime. Multiple skipped treatments may result in growth of normal skin over the top of the lesion. This can result in masking and thus the incomplete, treatment of the lesion. IF you inadvertently forget to use BEC5, you should recommence using BEC5 at least twice daily, or as originally directed.

If you use too much

Wipe away any excess and then wash BEC5 cream from the affected areas using soap and water.

Unwanted effects

If swelling, irritation, pain or redness is prolonged, distressing or excessive- seek your health professional’s advice. If you experience any other effects that you believe may be associated with the use of this cream you should also discuss these symptoms with your health professional.

Disclaimer: This product and its statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.