Imiquimod (On the skin)

im-I-kwi-mod

Treats genital warts, actinic keratoses, and basal cell carcinoma.

Drug classes

Immune Modulator (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Imiquimod topical is used to treat external warts around the genital and rectal areas called condyloma acuminatum. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Imiquimod is also used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratosis (AK), which is caused by too much sun exposure. Imiquimod may be used to treat certain types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).

Imiquimod works on the immune system to help the body fight viruses that cause warts. It does not destroy the viruses directly. It is not known how imiquimod works for actinic keratosis or skin cancer.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Cream

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. The directions are different depending on what condition you are treating.

Pump: Prime the pump before you use it the first time by pressing down on the handle until some cream comes out. You will not need to prime it again.

Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

Wash the treatment area with mild soap and water before you apply the cream. Wait at least 10 minutes for the area to dry.Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor if you may wear cotton clothing or place cotton gauze over the treated skin if you have a skin reaction. .

Apply the medicine right before you go to bed. Leave the medicine on the skin for 8 hours. In the morning, wash the treated skin with mild soap and water.

Treatment for basal cell carcinoma: Also apply the medicine to a small area of skin around your basal cell carcinoma. This area of skin should be about the size of your fingertip.

Treatment for genital warts: Do not use the medicine inside your vagina or anus. Uncircumcised men treating genital warts under the foreskin should pull back the foreskin and clean the area daily.

Missed dose: Apply the medicine as soon as you can, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If so, skip the missed dose and apply the regular dose at the regular time. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Store the pump upright.

Packet: Throw away the packet after you apply your dose of medicine. Do not save an opened packet to use later.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not use it if you had an allergic reaction to imiquimod.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an autoimmune disorder or problems with your immune system.

This medicine may cause severe swelling or other skin reactions where it is applied. It could also cause flu-like symptoms. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop using the medicine until the reaction improves.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Treatment for genital warts:

Do not have sex during the treatment time, even if you use protection. The cream can weaken condoms and diaphragms and they could break. Imiquimod is not a cure for genital or anal warts. You may develop new warts while using the cream. The cream will not keep you from spreading genital warts to other people.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling red skin rash anywhere on your body

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nausea, or muscle or joint pain

Severe skin reaction, including burning, pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, itching, ulcers, oozing, scabbing, blisters, or peeling

Severe swelling near the vagina

Worsening of other skin conditions

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild skin reaction, including redness, swelling, stinging, or change in color

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Aldara, Zyclara

There may be other brand names for this medicine.