Imiquimod

About imiquimod

Imiquimod works with your body's immune system to help it fight against the virus that causes anogenital warts or against basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis

Before using imiquimod cream

Before using imiquimod cream make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have ever had a problem with your immune system.
• If you have ever used imiquimod cream before.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you have an abnormal blood count.
• If you are male and have not been circumcised.
• If you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to use imiquimod cream

• Use this preparation exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Read the manufacturer's information leaflet, before beginning treatment.

For Anogenital Warts:

1. Apply imiquimod cream three times a week or as directed by your doctor.
2. It should be applied at night, for example on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights.
3. Wash your hands and the treatment area with mild soap and water before applying the cream. Dry thoroughly.
4. Apply a thin layer of cream onto the wart area and gently rub it into the skin until the cream vanishes. Wash the hands with soap and water
5. The following morning (6-10 hours later) wash the affected area with mild soap and water.

For Basal Cell Carcinoma:

1. Wash your hands and the treatment area with mild soap and water before applying the cream. Dry thoroughly.
2. Apply enough cream to cover the affected area and 1cm around it.
3. Rub the cream in gently until it vanishes.
4. Leave for 8 hours until the next morning and then wash off with mild soap and water. Repeat 5 times a week or as directed by your doctor.
5. The treatment period is for 6 weeks.
6. Wash your hands again after applying the cream.

For Actinic keratosis:

1. Apply imiquimod cream three times a week or as directed by your doctor.
2. It should be applied at night, for example on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights.
3. Wash your hands and the treatment area with mild soap and water before applying the cream. Dry thoroughly.
4. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and gently rub it into the skin until the cream vanishes. Wash the hands with soap and water.
5. The following morning (8 hours later) wash the affected area with mild soap and water.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not apply imiquimod to broken or inflamed skin.
• Avoid contact with eyes, lips and nostrils. If contact occurs, remove the cream by rinsing with water.
• Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings after you have applied imiquimod cream.
• Only use each sachet once and carefully discard each sachet after use.
• Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside imiquimod.

For anogenital warts:

• Treatment usually continues until the warts have cleared, but if after 16 weeks the area has not cleared, you must stop using imiquimod and see your doctor.
• Be careful to ensure the cream is applied only to the wart. If the cream spreads to normal skin or if you use too much cream it may result in a severe local skin reaction including reddening, swelling, flaking or breaking of the skin.
• Men treating warts underneath the foreskin should wash the affected area every day.
• Imiquimod cream should be washed off before sexual activity.
• The cream may damage latex condoms or diaphragms so effective contraception should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist

For superficial basal cell carcinoma:

• Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds and avoid sunlight as much as possible during treatment.

For actinic keratosis:

• Continue treatment for four weeks. After another four to eight weeks your doctor will assess your skin. If the lesions have not all cleared up, a further four weeks treatment may be necessary.
• Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds and avoid sunlight as much as possible during treatment.

Can imiquimod cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The table below shows the most common side effects:

Less commonly, imiquimod may cause other side effects. These could include a lowering of blood count (this makes you more likely to get infections, makes you tired or more likely to get bruises), changes in skin colour, and (in women) pain passing water. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store imiquimod

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines