Imiquimod is used to treat actinic keratosis (rough or scaly patches on the skin that develop from exposure to the sun over the years) on the face or scalp.
This medicine is also used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) when surgical methods are less appropriate and a follow-up check-up can be assured.
Imiquimod may also be used to treat warts (skin growths or bumps caused by a certain viral infection) on the surface of the genitals and around the anus.
Apply Imiquimod exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more often or over a larger area than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a cream in a sachet or pump bottle.
If you are using the cream in a sachet, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Clean and thoroughly dry the affected area before application, usually before bedtime.
- Open the sachet and squeeze some cream onto your fingertip.
- Apply a thin layer on the affected area and rub the cream gently on the skin until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
- Leave the cream on the affected area for a certain time as prescribed by your doctor. Do not bathe, shower, or swim after applying the cream.
- After the prescribed treatment time, wash the affected area with mild soap and water.
- Wash your hands carefully after application.
- Cream sachets should not be reused once opened. Open a new sachet each time you use the cream. Throw away the opened sachet according to your doctor or pharmacist's instructions even if all the cream was not completely used.
If you are using the cream in a pump bottle, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Clean and thoroughly dry the affected area before application, usually before bedtime.
- If you are using this medicine for the first time, remove the cap and prime the pump by pressing the top a few times until the cream appears. Discard the cream obtained from priming. The pump is now ready to use and you will not have to repeat this process during your treatment.
- Slightly tilt the pump, press the top and dispense the cream onto your hand or fingertip.
- Apply a thin layer on the affected area and rub the cream gently on the skin until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
- Leave the cream on the affected area for a certain time as prescribed by your doctor. Do not bathe, shower, or swim after applying the cream.
- After the prescribed treatment time, wash the affected area with mild soap and water.
- Wash your hands carefully after application.
- Replace the cap of the pump bottle.
If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid contact of Imiquimod with your eyes, lips, or nostrils. Rinse immediately with water if this medicine gets into your eyes, lips, or nostrils. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.
Do not apply on broken or sunburned skin.
If you are using Imiquimod for genital or anal warts, avoid getting this medicine into your anus. Females must take special care when applying near the vaginal opening to avoid getting it into the vagina. Uncircumcised males treating warts under their penis foreskin must pull their foreskin back and clean the area daily before each treatment.
The dose of Imiquimod will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- autoimmune disease (a condition wherein your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissues)
- weak immune system
- organ transplant recipient
- sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight and other sources of light
- abnormal levels of blood count
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are using this medicine for genital or anal warts, avoid sexual contact (e.g. genital, anal, oral) while the cream is on your skin. This medicine may weaken condoms or diaphragms. Do not rely on these devices to prevent pregnancy while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss other birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Imiquimod does not reduce your risk of passing sexually transmitted diseases. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Imiquimod may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and redness, itchiness, dryness, burning or tingling sensation, pain, swelling, scabbing or crusting of the skin.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when going outdoors. Avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fever, nausea, chills, tiredness, weakness, joint pain
- skin discharges, severe skin ulceration or lesions
- swelling of the vagina
- inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Let your doctor know if you are using any other creams, ointments, lotions, or other medicines on the affected area.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Do not freeze.
Keep the cream in a pump bottle in an upright position.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Do not throw this medicine away in the household waste. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly throw away expired, unused, or partially used Imiquimod cream.
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