What is this medication for?
Imiquimod cream is used to treat external genital and perianal warts
caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) in adults. The external genital
area includes skin surfaces outside the vagina or penis. The perianal area includes
skin surfaces surrounding the opening (anus) through which fecal matter is passed.
Imiquimod cream is also used to treat actinic keratosis (AK) on the face
or balding scalp in adults. AK is a skin condition that could turn into skin
cancer (symptoms include rough, red, scaly patches/lesions, or crusts) that
is caused by chronic sun exposure. Imiquimod is also used for the treatment
of primary superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a type of skin cancer,
under certain conditions.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
External genital and perianal warts: Apply imiquimod cream to the affected
skin area three times a week just before going to bed. (Examples of a
three-times-a-week schedule include Monday/Wednesday/Friday, and Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday.)
Apply a thin layer of this medication onto the clean, dry, wart area and rub
gently into the skin until the cream vanishes. Leave the medication on the skin
area for 6 to 10 hours, and then remove it by washing the treated area with
mild soap and water. Continue to use this medication until the warts have completely
cleared, but do not use it for longer than 16 weeks. Wash your hands before
and after using the medication. Do not apply an occlusive dressing (made of
airtight material) over this medication.
Actinic keratosis (AK): Apply imiquimod cream to the affected skin area
two times a week just before going to bed. (Examples of a two-times-a-week schedule
include Monday/Thursday, and Tuesday/Friday.) Apply a thin layer of this medication
onto the clean, dry, actinic keratosis lesion and rub gently into the skin until
the cream vanishes. Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and nostrils. Leave the medication
on the skin area for approximately 8 hours, and then remove it by washing the
treated area with mild soap and water. Continue to use this medication for a
total of 16 weeks, or as directed by your doctor. A rest period from medication
for several days may be taken depending on your discomfort and severity of skin
reactions as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands before and after using
the medication. Do not apply an occlusive dressing (made of airtight material)
over this medication.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC): Before applying the cream,
gently wash the treatment area with mild soap and water and allow the skin to
dry thoroughly. Then apply the cream to the affected area 5 times per week prior
to normal sleeping hours. The cream should be removed with soap and water in
approximately 8 hours. Ensure that the cream covers the entire area and at least
one cm beyond the edges of the tumor. Apply with a light touch and gently rub
into the skin until the cream vanishes. The amount of cream to be applied depends
on the width of the tumor. Ask your pharmacist or physician how much to apply.
Wash your hands before and after applying the cream. Treatment usually continues
for 6 weeks. You should expect some skin irritation, but contact your physician
if symptoms affect your ability to perform daily tasks.
This medication is for external use only. Do not take it by mouth. Use a new
packet for each application. Throw away the remainder of an opened packet each
time. Store this medication at room temperature.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken used exactly as prescribed by
your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with
your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture,
and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Imiquimod cream should not be used by anyone who is allergic to imiquimod cream or any ingredients of the medication.
