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 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.
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.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use imiquimod topical for genital warts on a child younger than 12 years old. All other uses of this medication are for adults over 18 only.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a weak immune system or autoimmune disorder;
a sunburn or other skin problems; or
If you are treating the genital or rectal area, avoid sexual activity while the medicine is on your skin. Imiquimod topical can weaken rubber condoms or diaphragms, which could break during sex and result in an unplanned pregnancy.
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.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
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.
Wash your hands before and after applying imiquimod. Also wash the skin to be treated and allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the medicine.
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.
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.
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.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with imiquimod does not improve, or if it gets worse.
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.
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.
Do not use imiquimod to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Wash off the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious skin reaction such as severe itching, burning, oozing, bleeding, or skin changes where the medicine was applied.
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.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, tiredness, body aches, or swollen glands;
bleeding or swelling where you applied this medicine; or
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);
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.