Imiquimod
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
|
Aldara 5% Cream
Imiquimod
|
Imiquimod Prescription Drug Information
Imiquimod (On the skin)
Imiquimod (im-I-kwi-mod)
Treats genital and rectal warts that are outside the body (external). Also treats certain types of a skin condition called actinic keratosis (AK) and a form of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma.
Brand Name(s):Aldara, Zyclara
There may be other brand names for Imiquimod.
When Imiquimod Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Imiquimod if you have had an allergic reaction to imiquimod.
How to Use Imiquimod:
Cream
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Imiquimod to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- Imiquimod is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Do not let the medicine get in your eyes, nose, or on your lips. You should not use the medicine inside your vagina or anus. Do not apply the medicine to skin that has not yet healed after surgery or other skin treatments.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using Imiquimod.
- Before applying the cream, wash the treatment area with mild soap and water. Wait for at least 8 or 10 minutes for the area to dry. Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
- It is best to apply the medicine right before you go to bed. When you awake in the morning, wash the treated skin area with mild soap and water.
- Use one or two packets for each dose. Throw away any unused medicine in the packet after your dose.
- Do not cover the treated area with a bandage or wrap the area so air cannot get to it, unless your doctor tells you to. You may wear cotton clothing or place cotton gauze over the treated skin.
- Imiquimod comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If a dose of Imiquimod is missed:
- The cream is usually applied once a day and left in place for 8 to 10 hours. If you miss a dose or forget to use the medicine, wait until it is time for your next dose and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Imiquimod:
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Imiquimod:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.
Warnings While Using Imiquimod:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a weakened immune system, chronic rheumatoid arthritis (always present), or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Stop using Imiquimod and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, oozing, scabbing, or peeling on the skin where the medicine was applied.
- Stop using Imiquimod and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have severe skin irritation or flu-like symptoms, such as diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, nausea, muscle or joint pain, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Imiquimod may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
- Do not have sex while you are being treated for genital warts, even if you or your partner are using a condom. The cream can weaken condoms and diaphragms, so you and your partner may be unprotected during sex.
- Imiquimod is not a cure for genital or anal warts, so you may develop new warts while using the cream. The cream will also not keep you from spreading genital warts to other people.
- Do not use Imiquimod for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
- Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Imiquimod. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using Imiquimod:
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.
- Fever, chills, diarrhea, nausea, muscle or joint pain.
- Itching, flaking, or dryness of treated skin area.
- Severe burning, pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, oozing, scabbing, or peeling of the treated skin areas.
- Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck, armpit, or groin.
- Unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Worsening of other skin conditions.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Imiquimod, talk with your doctor:
- Changes in the color of the treated skin.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Mild skin redness, swelling, or hardening.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Imiquimod, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
