Imiquimod: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Imiquimod?

What is imiquimod for?

Imiquimod is a drug used to treat certain types of growths on the skin, namely precancerous growths (actinic keratosis), certain types of skin cancer (superficial basal cell carcinoma), and warts on the outside of the genitals / anus. Overcoming this condition can reduce complications that can occur. Imiquimod belongs to a group of drugs called immune response modifiers. It is believed to work by helping to activate the immune system to fight abnormal skin growth.

This product is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age unless specific instructions are given by your doctor.

How is imiquimod used?

Use this medication only on the skin. Use this medication on the infected area once daily as directed by your doctor. The amount of time and length of time you use this medication will depend on the specific skin problem being treated. When dealing with actinic keratoses, use it twice a week for the full 16 weeks. When dealing with superficial basal cell carcinoma, use it 5 times a week for the full 16 weeks. When dealing with warts, use them 3 times a week for up to 16 weeks. If you have questions about which days to use this medication or how often or for how long to use this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use this medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If you are using this medication in the area, wash it off with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, contact your doctor immediately.

Use this remedy regularly for the best benefits. To help you remember, use a calendar to mark the days you will use this medication each week. Before using this medication, clean the treated area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly. Use a new pack of cream for each use. Use as directed by your doctor right before bed. Clean your hands with soap and water after using them. Do not cover the treated area with a bandage or other waterproof covering. Covering the area with gauze, or cotton underwear if treating the genital area, is allowed. Leave the cream on overnight, usually for 8 hours if treating actinic keratoses or basal cell carcinoma, or 6-10 hours for warts or as directed. In the morning, clean the treated area with soap and water to remove the cream. Do not shower or wet the treated area before the prescribed time has passed. Do not leave imiquimod cream for longer than your doctor's prescription. Discard parts of the drug package that are already used.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse or if there are new growths during treatment.

How to store imiquimod?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Imiquimod dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of imiquimod for adults?

Adult Dose for Keratosis:

Actinic Keratosis:
2.5% and 3.75% creams: apply freshly dispensed to the infected area (also all over the face or bald scalp) once a day before going to bed. Up to 0.5 g (2 packs or 2 full pump actuation) can be used on the treated area per use.

5% cream: apply freshly dispensed to the designated treatment area 2 times per week before going to bed.

2.5%, 3.75%, and 5% creams: the cream should be applied a thin layer over the entire treated area and rubbed on until it disappears. It should be left on for about 8 hours and then cleaned by cleaning it with mild soap and water.

Adult Dose for Condylomata Acuminata:

3.75% cream: apply a thin layer on the outside of genital warts once a day before going to bed. Up to 0.25 g (1 pack or 1 pump full actuation) can be used on the treated area per use.

5% cream: apply the newly used on the external genital wart 3 times per week before going to bed.

Adult Dose for Basal Cell Carcinoma:

Confirmed - superficial biopsy of basal cell carcinoma:

5% cream: apply freshly dispensed to the target tumor 5 times a week at bedtime for the full 6 weeks.

What is the dose of imiquimod for children?

Children's Dose for Condylomata Acuminata:

12 years and over:
3.75% cream: apply a thin layer on the outside of genital warts once a day before going to bed. Up to 1 packet can be used on the treated area per use.

In what dosages is imiquimod available?

Cream, Topical: 2.5%, 3.75%, 5%.

Imiquimod side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to imiquimod?

Seek emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clean the skin of the medicine and call your doctor right away if you have a serious skin reaction such as severe itching, burning, oozing, bleeding, or skin changes where the medicine was used.

Stop using imiquimod and call your doctor right away if it has serious side effects such as flu symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, feeling tired, swollen glands.

When dealing with genital warts around the vagina, if you have severe swelling or problems passing urine, stop using imiquimod and call your doctor right away.

Less serious side effects can include:

• slight skin irritation, itching, dryness, spots, sores, hardening, redness, or hardening of the skin where the medicine was used
• discoloration of treated skin
• headache, dizziness, chest pain, hip pain
• runny nose, high fever
• cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat
• nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• vaginal itching or changes

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Imiquimod Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using imiquimod?

Before using imiquimod, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to imiquimod, any of the ingredients in imiquimod cream, or any other medications. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using or planning to use. Be sure to mention any treatment for genital or anal warts, actinic keratoses, or superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Tell your doctor if you get sunburned or if you have or have ever had sensitivity to sunlight, other skin conditions such as psoriasis, other skin conditions, recent surgery on infected areas or conditions that affect the immune system (such as HIV or AIDS).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using imiquimod, call your doctor.

Plan to stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear protective clothing (such as a hat), sunglasses, and sunscreen if you go outside during the day. Don't use a tanning bed or a sun lamp. Imiquimod cream can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

You should know that imiquimod cream can cause discoloration of your skin. These changes may not go away after you finish treatment with imiquimod cream. Tell your doctor if you notice a discoloration of your skin.

Is imiquimod safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There are not sufficient studies in women to find out the risk to the baby when the mother takes this drug during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and potential risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Imiquimod Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with imiquimod?

Interactions with other drugs can affect how the drug works and increase the risk of dangerous side effects. This article does not list all possible drug interactions. Record all medicinal products you use (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines) and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's permission.

Can food or alcohol interact with imiquimod?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with imiquimod?

The presence of other medical problems can affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, specifically:

• autoimmune disorders
• skin infections in or around the area where the drug is used
• large, broken skin, or severe skin injury to the area where the drug is used
• rheumatoid arthritis, adolescent or adult (chronic, always present)
• sunlight, including sun lamps
• surgery, at the treatment site
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SKE)
• swelling of the vulva (swelling around the vaginal opening) - the risk of side effects may increase
• basal cell nevus syndrome
• human papillomavirus (cervical, deep anal, intravaginal, rectal, urethral)
• weak immune system
• xeroderma pigmentosum (rare, hereditary skin disease) - it is not known whether this drug will work in patients with this condition

Imiquimod overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms can include:

• passed out
• dizzy
• blurred vision
• nausea

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.