Imiquimodum
Description
Imiquimod is an immune response modifier, a topical chemotherapeutic antiviral drug.
Indications
Imiquimod cream is indicated for external use to treat: genital warts and anal warts in adults, superficial basal cell carcinoma in adults.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Dosage
Adults. Genital warts in adults: the cream should be applied in a thin layer 3 times a week (for example: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) before usual bedtime and should remain on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. Treatment with imiquimod cream should continue until visible genital or perianal warts have cleared or for a maximum of 16 weeks of wart treatment. Superficial basal cell carcinoma in adults: apply imiquimod cream for 6 weeks 5 times a week (for example, from Monday to Friday) before usual bedtime and leave on the skin for approximately 8 hours. Actinic keratosis in adults: treatment should be monitored by a physician. A single-use sachet is enough to apply to an area of 20 cm2. Once opened, sachets should not be reused. Before and after applying the cream, wash hands thoroughly. If a dose is missed, the patient should apply the cream as soon as they remember. However, the cream should not be applied more than once a day.
Adverse reactions
Most common: redness, skin erosion, skin peeling, and itching. Other skin reactions may also occur, such as skin hardening, small open sores, formation of scabs during healing, or small air-filled blisters under the skin. You may also experience itching, burning sensation, or pain in the areas where Aldara cream was applied. Most skin reactions are mild, and the skin condition usually returns to normal within 2 weeks after stopping treatment. Some patients reported headaches, occasionally flu-like symptoms, joint and muscle pain, fever; uterine prolapse; women may experience pain during sexual intercourse; erectile dysfunction; increased sweating; malaise; gastrointestinal symptoms; ringing in the ears; redness; fatigue; dizziness; migraines; chills; insomnia; depression; loss of appetite; glandular swelling; bacterial, viral, or fungal infections (e.g., herpes); vaginal infection, as well as thrush; cough, cold, and sore throat.
Pregnancy
Caution is advised when prescribing the drug to pregnant women.
Breastfeeding
There is no specific advice on whether or not to use this preparation for breastfeeding mothers.
Warnings
Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and nostrils. Imiquimod cream can exacerbate skin inflammation. Imiquimod should be used with caution in patients with pancytopenia. The treated skin surface should be protected from sunlight.
Source | Drug Guide | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology | Doctor of Medical Sciences Rimas Jankūnas, Doctor of Medical Sciences Arvydas Milašius | Clinic of Internal Diseases | Doctor of Medical Sciences Palmira Leišytė