imiquimod topical

What is the most important information I should know about imiquimod topical?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is imiquimod topical?

Imiquimod topical (for the skin) is used to treat actinic keratosis (a condition caused by too much sun exposure) on the face and scalp.

Imiquimod topical also treats genital warts on the outside of the body, in adults and children at least 12 years old. This medicine is not a cure for genital warts.

Imiquimod topical is also used to treat a minor form of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma, when surgery would not be an appropriate treatment.

Imiquimod topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using imiquimod topical?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a weak immune system or autoimmune disorder;
• a sunburn or other skin problems; or
• graft-versus-host disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use imiquimod topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Using too much imiquimod topical or using it for too long can increase your risk of severe skin reactions. Do not use two different forms of imiquimod topical on the same treatment area.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Apply the cream in a thin layer and rub in completely. Use at bedtime and leave the medicine on for 8 hours. In the morning, wash the skin with water and a mild soap. Do not cover treated skin with any type of plastic bandaging (you may use cotton gauze). Wear only cotton underwear when treating genital warts.

How often and how long you use imiquimod topical will depend on the condition you are treating.

Actinic keratosis:

• Aldara is usually applied 2 times per week for 16 weeks.
• Zyclara is usually applied once daily for 2 weeks, followed by 2 weeks without treatment.

Genital warts:

• Aldara is usually applied 3 times per week for 16 weeks.
• Zyclara is usually applied once daily for up to 8 weeks.

Superficial basal cell carcinoma:

• Aldara is usually applied 5 times per week for 6 weeks. Apply the cream to the treatment area and surrounding skin, and rub in completely.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.

Imiquimod topical is not a cure for genital warts. You may still spread this condition to others through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You also may develop new lesions during treatment with imiquimod topical.

Your doctor may tell you to stop using imiquimod topical for several days if you have a skin reaction to this medicine. Even if you have skipped some of your doses, do not add time to the total number of weeks you use imiquimod topical (2 weeks for actinic keratitis, 8 weeks for genital warts).

Your doctor will need to check your skin on a regular basis. If you have superficial basal cell carcinoma, you may need a skin biopsy after you have completed your 5-week treatment with imiquimod topical.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include severe skin irritation, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while using imiquimod topical?

Avoid swimming or taking a bath or shower while the medicine is on your skin.

Avoid using imiquimod on open wounds or on skin that has not yet healed from surgery or other medical treatment.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Imiquimod will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including genital warts, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Talk with your doctor about safer sex practices.

What are the possible side effects of imiquimod topical?

When treating genital warts around the vagina, if you have severe swelling or urination problems, stop using imiquimod topical and call your doctor right away.

• flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, tiredness, body aches, or swollen glands;
• bleeding or swelling where you applied this medicine; or
• symptoms of herpes zoster (shingles) --skin sores or blisters, itching, tingling, burning pain, rash on your face or torso.

Common side effects may include:

• minor skin pain, irritation, itching, redness, dryness, flaking, scabbing, crusting, scaling, or swelling where the medicine was applied;
• changes in the color of treated skin (may be permanent);
• headache;
• tiredness; or
• nausea.

What other drugs will affect imiquimod topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about imiquimod topical.