Imiquimod, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: immune response modifier

Generic and brand names: imiquimod, topical; Aldara

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a cream applied to the skin to treat:

• warts on the genitals or around the rectum
• actinic keratosis on the face or scalp
• certain kinds of skin cancer.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine comes in packets that contain enough cream for one application. Gently rub in a thin layer of medicine into the area that you need it until the cream disappears. Do not bandage the area where the cream is applied. Leave the cream on for 6 to 10 hours, then remove the cream by washing the treated area with mild soap and water. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the cream.

Do not use tight bandages or wear tight underwear while you are using this medicine. Loose bandages or loose cotton underwear may be worn.

Continue using the cream until the warts or sores are completely gone or until your healthcare provider tells you to stop. This medicine is not usually used for more than 4 months.

Do not get the cream in your eyes, mouth, nostrils, or inside the vagina or anus. If you accidentally get cream in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of cool water. If your eyes get very irritated, call your healthcare provider.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may cause your skin to become discolored. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

Avoid sunlight as much as possible during treatment with this medicine. This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. While you are taking this medicine, wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn or other severe skin reaction, contact your healthcare provider right away.

While some mild skin irritation is normal with the use of this medicine, report any severe irritation to your healthcare provider right away.

If you are using this medicine to treat genital or anal warts, avoid sexual contact for 10 hours after applying this medicine. This medicine will weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. Do not use either of these products as your only method of birth control while using this medicine.

If you are an uncircumcised male and your warts are under the foreskin, pull it back and clean the area daily.

Since this medicine is not a cure, new warts may develop during treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe skin reactions (open sores, severe pain or burning), fever, unexplained muscle pain, extreme tiredness.

Other: Mild to moderate skin irritation (rash, flaking, itching, burning, swelling, scabbing at the spot where the cream is applied); headache; dizziness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Keep it away from heat and open flames.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.