Description
Imiquimod (i-MI-kwi-mod) 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 keratoses. Imiquimod can also be used to treat certain types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).It works by aiding the immune system to help protect the body from viruses that cause warts. The medicine does not fight the viruses that cause warts directly. It does help to relieve and control wart production. It is not known how imiquimod helps actinic keratoses or skin cancer.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For imiquimod, the following should be considered:Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to imiquimod or parabens. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. Pregnancy—Imiquimod has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans. However, studies in animals using doses higher than recommended for humans have shown that imiquimod causes bone problems, brain problems, or low birth weight in pregnancies. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant. Breast-feeding—It is not known whether imiquimod passes into breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. Children—Studies of this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of imiquimod in children up to 12 years of age with use in other age groups. Actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma usually do not occur in children. Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of imiquimod in the elderly with use in other age groups. However, older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of imiquimod. Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin. Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of imiquimod. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Allergy to imiquimod, parabens, or any ingredients in the product—This drug should not be used
- Inflamed skin—May make condition worse
- Lower immune response (your body is not able to fight infections as well)—It is not known if imiquimod is safe to use with this condition
- Medicine that you have taken recently for the same skin problem or
- Surgery (recent)—Imiquimod should not be used until the skin is completely healed from any previous treatments that you have had with medicine or surgery
- Sensitive to sunlight—Use caution as you may have a higher risk of getting a sunburn Sunburn—Should not use until sunburn is gone
Proper Use of This Medicine
To apply the medicine:
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Wash your hands before and after using the medicine . Avoid getting the medicine into your eyes, lips, or nostrils or in vagina or anus. Use the medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it longer than directed. Allow medicine to stay on skin for 8 hours if you are using it for actinic keratoses or basal cell carcinoma, and 6 to 10 hours for genital warts, then wash area thoroughly with soap and water. Throw out any unused cream from the single-dose packet.
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Do not apply an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) over the medicine, unless told to do so by your doctor. To do so may cause irritation of the skin. Other materials that are not airtight, such as cotton gauze or cotton underclothes, may be used.
Dosing—The dose of imiquimod will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of imiquimod. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For topical dosage form (cream):
- For skin condition on face and scalp called actinic keratoses:
- Adults—Apply a thin film to the treatment area two times a week before normal sleeping hours Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday. Rub in well and leave on for about 8 hours. Remove medicine from skin by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until skin condition is gone or for up to sixteen weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
- For skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma:
- Adults—Apply a thin film to the treatment area five times a week before normal sleeping hours Monday through Friday. Rub in well and leave on for about 8 hours. Remove medicine from skin by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until skin condition is gone or for up to six weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
- For warts on the skin outside of the genital or rectal areas (condyloma acuminatum):
- Adults—Apply a thin film to wart once every other day (three times a week) before normal sleeping hours. Rub in well and leave on for six to ten hours. Remove medicine from wart by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until wart is gone or for up to sixteen weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, wait until the next evening to apply it. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Storage—To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If you notice severe skin irritation or flu-like symptoms (diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, or muscle pain), check with your doctor . It may be necessary for you to reduce the number of times a week that you use the medicine or to stop using the medicine for a short time until your skin is less irritated or your flu-like symptoms disappear.For treatment of warts on the skin outside of the genital or rectal areas (condyloma acuminatum), avoid having genital, oral, or anal sex while the medicine is on your skin. Make sure you wash the cream off your skin before you engage in any sexual activity . Also, the medicine contains oils that can weaken latex (rubber) condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps causing them not to work properly to prevent pregnancy.Do not use any other skin product on the same skin area on which you use this medicine, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Do not share your medicine with others , even if you think that they have the same condition you have.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
More common
Burning or stinging of skin (mild); flaking of skin; mild headache; pain, soreness, or tenderness of skin (mild); rash; redness of skin (mild); swelling at place of application
Less common
Back pain; fever; lightening of the treated skin; nausea
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
