ImiquimodTopical - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Imiquimod images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Imiquimod

Uses
This medication is used to treat certain types of growths on the skin. These include precancerous growths (actinic keratoses), a certain type of skin cancer (superficial basal cell carcinoma), and warts on the outside of the genitals/anus. Treating these conditions can decrease complications from them. Imiquimod belongs to a group of drugs called immune response modifiers. It is believed to work by helping to activate your immune system to fight these abnormal skin growths.This drug may also be used to treat a skin infection called Molluscum contagiosum.
Notes

Do not share this medication with others.Keep all medical appointments.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).
Avoid freezing.
Discard any medication that has been frozen.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

How To Use

First read the manufacturer's patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using imiquimod cream and each time you get a refill.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Apply this medication to the affected area once a day, usually 2-5 times weekly for 6-16 weeks or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your specific skin problem and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember, use a calendar to mark the days you will be applying the medication each week.
Before applying the medication, wash the area to be treated with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.
Use a new packet of cream for each use.
Apply as directed by your doctor just before going to bed.
Wash your hands with soap and water after each application.
Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other waterproof dressings.
Covering the area with cotton gauze or cotton underwear for the genital area is permitted.
Leave the cream on overnight, usually for about 8 hours or as directed.
In the morning, wash the treated area with soap and water to remove the cream.
Do not bathe or wet the treated area before the prescribed time has passed.
Do not leave imiquimod cream on longer than prescribed by your doctor.
Throw away any partly used packets of medication.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if new growths appear during treatment.

Side Effects

Treatment area reactions may include redness, swelling, itching, burning, pain/tenderness, thickening/hardening of the skin, peeling/flaking/scabbing/crusting, leaking a clear fluid, or changes in skin color that may not go away.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If the skin reaction is severe (bleeding, formation of sores/blisters/ulcers), imiquimod may need to be temporarily stopped so that the skin can heal.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: headache, back pain, muscle aches, tiredness, swollen glands (lymph nodes), diarrhea.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: cough, breathing problems, fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, unusual sweating, nausea.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

See also Side Effects section.Before using imiquimod, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: recent/unhealed surgery on the skin area to be treated.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems, HIV infection, high blood pressure, a certain complication of bone marrow or some organ transplants (chronic graft-versus-host disease), autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, thyroiditis, lupus).This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.
Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.Genital/anal warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).
Since imiquimod does not destroy the virus but only helps to eliminate the wart, new warts may form, even while you are being treated.
You may also be able to infect any sexual partner who comes into contact with the areas of skin infected with HPV.To reduce the risk of spreading HPV to others, always use effective barrier protections (e.g., latex or polyurethane condoms, dental dams) during all sexual activity.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.During treatment of genital/anal warts, avoid all sexual contact while the cream is on the skin.
Condoms, dental dams, and diaphragms may be weakened by the cream, and therefore they may not work as well to prevent pregnancy or spreading of HPV or HIV.This drug has not been studied in children under 12 years of age.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.