patient education
topical imiquimod
IMIQUIMOD 3.75% - THEME
(mod im-i-in)
COMMON BRANDS: she flashed
In the EU:Imiquimod is used to treat actinic keratoses (AKs), which are precancerous growths on the skin. QAs are caused by too much sun exposure. Treating this condition can reduce the risk of complications. It is also used to treat warts on the outside of the genitals/anus. Imiquimod belongs to a group of medicines called immune response modifiers. It is believed to work by helping to activate your immune system to fight these abnormal skin growths. This product is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age unless specifically directed by your doctor.
HOW TO USE:Read the package leaflet from your pharmacist before you start using imiquimod and each time you get a refill. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Only use this medication on the skin. Apply this medication to the affected area once a day as directed by your doctor. How often you use this medication depends on the specific skin problem being treated. Use once a day for 2 weeks in the treatment of actinic keratoses. You will then care for the treated skin for the next two weeks without applying any more imiquimod. After this rest period, you will resume using this medicine once a day for another 2 weeks. When treating warts, apply once a day until warts disappear or for up to 8 weeks. Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If this medicine gets on these areas, wash it off with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, talk to your doctor immediately. When using the pump, prime it according to the instructions before the first use. If you use the packet, use a new cream packet for each application. Discard partially used medication packets. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time every day. Before applying the medicine, wash your hands and the area to be treated with soap and water and dry them well. Use as directed by your doctor before bed. Wash hands with soap and water after each use. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other impermeable coverings. Leave the cream on overnight, usually around 8 hours. In the morning, wash the treated area with soap and water to remove the cream. Do not bathe or wet the treated area before the prescribed exposure time has elapsed. Do not use more imiquimod than prescribed or leave it on for longer than prescribed by your doctor. This can cause more serious skin reactions. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, or if new growths appear during treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS:Reactions in the treatment area may include redness, swelling, itching, burning, pain/tenderness, thickening/hardening of the skin, peeling/flaking/flaking/scabbing, or loss of clear fluid. Additionally, skin color changes may occur that may not go away. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If the skin reaction is severe (bleeding, sores/blisters/ulcers), imiquimod may need to be temporarily stopped to allow the skin to heal. Follow the instructions of your doctor. Headaches, loss of appetite, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, back pain, and flu-like symptoms (such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches) may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Remember, this medication has been prescribed for you because your doctor believes that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of these unlikely but serious side effects: swollen glands (lymph nodes), unusual growths/skin changes, chest pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US: Call your doctor for medical advice on side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada: Call your doctor for medical advice on side effects. You can report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS:Before using imiquimod, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction or other problems. Consult your pharmacist for more details. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. This medicine may cause dizziness. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you use marijuana (cannabis). This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Do not use this medication on sunburned skin. Tell your doctor right away if you have sunburn or skin blistering/redness. Genital/anal warts are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). Since imiquimod does not destroy the virus but only helps to remove the wart, new warts can also form during treatment. You can also infect any sexual partner who comes in contact with HPV-infected skin. all sexual activities. For more details, contact your doctor or pharmacist. During treatment of genital/anal warts, avoid any sexual contact while the cream is on the skin. The cream can weaken condoms, dental dams, and diaphragms, so they may not work as well to prevent pregnancy or the spread of HPV or HIV. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medicine should not be used unless clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICINES:Drug interactions can change the way your medicine works or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's approval. Do not apply this product to the same area of skin as other imiquimod-containing products.
OVERDOSE:This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has taken an overdose and experiences severe symptoms, such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911. If not, call a poison control center immediately. US citizens can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center.
STAGES:Do not share this medicine with others. Make all appointments with the doctor.
MISSED DOSE:If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember it the next day, skip the missed dose. Use the next dose at the usual time in the evening. Do not double the dose to catch up.
SAVE ON THE COMPUTER:Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Store the pump in an upright position. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush the medication down the toilet or drain unless told to do so. Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Contact your pharmacist or local waste disposal service.
Information last reviewed October 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: USE OF THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT contain all possible information about this product. This information does not guarantee that this product is safe, effective, or suitable for you. This information does not constitute individual medical advice and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for complete information regarding this product and your specific health needs.