Imiquimod

Imiquimod Cream is a topical prescription medication for the treatment of:

• Actinic keratosis on the face or scalp characterized by a scaly, flat growth on the skin from years of exposure to too much sun.
• A certain type of superficial basal cell carcinoma which is a type of skin cancer on the neck, arms, hand, leg, feet, arms and trunk.
• Squamous cell carcinomas, also known as epidermoid carcinoma which results from squamous cell
• External genital warts and warts around the anus.

Genital warts are common sexually transmitted diseases or STD that passes on through sexual activity. Imiquimod cream can easily treat genital wart however there is no cure for genital wart. New warts may still appear during the treatment.

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis is a precancerous growth that slowly becomes big.  It usually causes no signs or symptoms other than a small white patch on the skin. The white patches take years to develop and usually appears in people over 40. This patch can eventually become skin cancer over time.

Superficial basal cell carcinoma or BCC is cancer that grows on parts of the skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. It starts as a small bump that grows very slowly and often doesn’t show up for many years. Superficial carcinoma occurs when the skin cells multiply abnormally.

Imiquimod cream contains 5% Imiquimod, which is a type of immunomodular medicine. It acts by acting directly on the immune defense mechanism of the body. Imiquimod cream binds to the immune cells in the skin causing the cells to release cytokines, a natural defense mechanism. Cytokines help fight viruses that cause infections on the affected lesions of the body. It prevents the virus from multiplying inside the cells by stimulating the immune cells to attack the abnormal cells causing the cancerous growth to shrink.  This also prevents malignant abnormal cells from increasing in number. Imiquimod Cream helps treat genital warts caused by the Human papilloma virus or HPV by also stimulating the immune cells in the skin to attack the virus which clears up warts.

Why Buy Imiquimod Cream?

Imiquimod Cream is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration since 1997 for the treatment of certain growths of the skin specifically genital warts, actinic keratosis and other small non-malignant skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma). These skin lesions are harmless, but they can turn into a skin cancer if left untreated. Imiquimod topical cream is available only as a generic version worldwide under many brands.

How to Take Imiquimod Cream?

Imiquimod Cream comes with an Information Leaflet that you can read before you start using it. Use it according to the instructions written on the information leaflet or exactly as directed by your physician.

How to apply:

Apply a thin layer of cream on the affected area and rub it, usually before bedtime. Before doing so, see to it that your hands are clean. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after each application. Leave the cream overnight or at least 8 hours if you are using this to treat basal cell carcinoma or actinic keratosis. If you are using it to treat genital warts, leave it for about 6 to 10 hours. Do not bathe or shower during this time. Wash the treated area in the morning. Do not leave the cream on longer than the prescribed time.

How much to apply:

Your dose and length of treatment are based on your condition and response to the initial treatment.

• Actinic keratosis: Apply 2 times a week for 16 weeks
• Superficial basal carcinoma: Apply 5 times a week for 6 weeks
• Genital warts: Apply 3 times a week for up to 16 weeks

What are the side effects of Imiquimod Cream?

Imiquimod Cream may cause some side effects. Inform your doctor if the following side effects do not go away:

• Itching, burning, redness or bleeding on the treated area
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Back pain
• Bumps or blisters on the skin
• Stinging, swelling or pain in the treated area
• Scaling, flaking, dryness or thickening of the skin

Some side effects can be serious. Call your doctor if you will experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, chill, muscle weakness, tiredness or pain.
• Sores on the treated area that may have drainage especially during the first few weeks of treatment.

A very serious side effects are rare. If you notice any of the serious side effects mentioned seek medical help as soon as possible. If your skin reaction is severe, stop using Imiquimod Cream to allow your skin to heal.

We care for your safety:

• Use Imiquimod Cream regularly to get the most benefit from it.
• Imiquimod Cream is for topical use only. Do not apply on eyes, mouth, nose, vagina or rectum. If the cream gets in your eyes, wash it with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, consult your doctor right away.
• Imiquimod cream is suitable only for adults 18 years and above.
• If you are using this to treat genital warts, remember that this product can damage condoms and diaphragms which can make it less effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. To reduce the risk of spreading sexually transmitted disease it’s best to avoid having sex while under medication.
• If you are treating actinic keratosis or superficial basal carcinoma, avoid sun exposure. Protect the treated area from sunlight by using wide-brimmed hats when outdoors. Do not use sunlamps or sunbeds.
• Do not use this cream in treating genital warts that are inside the anus, cervix or vagina. If you have warts inside those areas, inform your gynecologist.
• Before using Imiquimod Cream inform your doctor if you:
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have an organ transplant
  • Have an autoimmune disorder such as Lupus
  • Are taking immunosuppressant medications
  • Have HIV
  • Have an inflammatory conditions
  • Have a low blood level

Pregnant women should only use Imiquimod Cream only when