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Imiquimod

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Immune Modulator Aldara Adult, Children

Imiquimod - What is it for

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier. It causes your body to produce more interferon which helps to fight viruses, and therefore, it can be used to treat warts. The exact way how Imiquimod works to get rid of warts remains unknown. It is believed to be due to its effects on the immune system.

Imiquimod - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Imiquimod cause?

Imiquimod cream causes mild to moderate skin reactions. These reactions may show that the medicine is working.

Such side effects may include:

  • Redness, flakiness, rashes, hardening under the skin
  • Crust that forms during healing
  • Itching
  • Burning sensation
  • Stinging
  • Skin colour becomes lighter on the warts or on the skin around the warts

However, if your skin reacts badly or the skin reaction becomes too uncomfortable when using Imiquimod cream, wash the cream off with mild soap and water. Consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Before taking Imiquimod, what precautions must I follow?

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Imiquimod?

Imiquimod - Dosage and How to Use

How should Imiquimod be used?

Before going to bed, wash your hands.
​Open a new sachet. Squeeze the cream onto your fingertip.
​Apply a thin layer of Imiquimod cream onto clean, dry wart area and rub gently into the skin until the cream vanishes.
​After application of the cream, throw away the unused Imiquimod cream in the sachet carefully, where children cannot reach it. Wash hands with mild soap and water.
​Leave Imiquimod cream on the warts for 6 to 10 hours. Do not shower or bathe during the time.
​After 6 to 10 hours, the area where Imiquimod cream was applied should be washed with mild soap and water.

 

When to use Imiquimod cream?

  • Unless instructed by the doctor, Imiquimod cream is to be applied once a day, at bed time, three times a week (e.g. Monday, Wednesday and Friday OR Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).
  • Treatment of Imiquimod cream should continue until the warts are completely gone. It usually takes around 8 to 10 weeks for your warts to disappear. Warts may clear as early as 4 weeks.
  • If your warts reappear, talk to your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose, apply the missed dose of cream as soon as you remember and then continue on the regular schedule. Do not double the dose at any time to make up the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Imiquimod - Handling and Storage

How should I handle Imiquimod safely?

How should I store Imiquimod?

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Imiquimod safely?

Imiquimod - Additional Information

  • If you use too much Imiquimod cream, it may cause severe skin reactions.
  • If too much cream is applied, simply wash the extra cream away with mild soap and water.

Updated on Friday, April 30, 2021

This article is contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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