Imiquimod (i-mi-KWI-mod)

Treats genital and rectal warts that are outside the body (external). Also treats certain types of a skin condition called actinic keratoses. Also treats a form of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma.

Brand Name(s):

Aldara

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.How often you apply this medicine will depend on the condition being treated.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Do not let the medicine get in your eyes or nose, or on your lips. You should not use the medicine inside your vagina or anus. Do not apply the medicine to skin that has not yet healed after surgery or other skin treatments.
• Before applying the cream, wash the treatment area with mild soap and water. Wait for at least 10 minutes for the area to dry. It is best to apply the medicine right before you go to bed. When you awake in the morning, wash the treated skin area with mild soap and water.
• Use only one packet each time you apply this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine left in the packet after your application.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage, or tightly wrap the area so air cannot get to it. You may wear clothing over the treated skin area.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Do not have sex while being treated for genital warts, even if you or your partner are using a condom. The cream can weaken condoms and diaphragms, so you and your partner may be unprotected during sex.
• Imiquimod is not a cure for genital or anal warts, so you may develop new warts while using the cream.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Severe burning, pain, swelling, bleeding, oozing, scabbing, or peeling of treated skin areas.
• Worsening of other skin conditions.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in the color of the treated skin.
• Mild skin redness, swelling, or hardening.
• Itching, flaking, or dryness of treated skin area.
• Headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, or feeling like you have the flu.