Imiquimod
About
Imiquimod belongs to the class of medication called 'immune response modifiers', primarily indicated in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), actinic keratosis (precancerous growths) and warts on the foreskin of the penis in men and on the vagina in women. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer where that appears as a slightly transparent bump on the upper layer of skin. Actinic keratosis is a scaly, rough patch on the skin that develops due to excessive sun exposure for many years. A wart is a small, fleshy bump on the skin or mucous membrane. Warts can spread from one body part to another.
Imiquimod consists of 'Imiquimod', which works by stimulating the immune system of the body so that the immune system releases chemicals that fights various virus and destroy the cells of cancer. When Imiquimod is used directly on precancerous lesions and skin cancers, then it causes inflammation on the affected part of the skin that destroys the lesion. However, the degree of infection varies from person to person.
Imiquimod is for external (skin) use only. You should use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Imiquimod may cause side effects such as wearing away of the upper layers of the skin, irritation, redness, itching and burning sensation at the application site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, consult a doctor immediately.
Do not use Imiquimod if you are allergic to any contents of it. It is not recommended to use Imiquimod on broken or bleeding skin and warts more than 4 centimeters in size (approximately the size of a postal stamp). Imiquimod is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children below 12 years of age. Imiquimod may not interact with alcohol. Imiquimod may not affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Imiquimod
Medicinal Benefits
Imiquimod is used in the treatment of certain types of abnormal growth on the skin such as precancerous growths, a certain type of skin cancer and warts on the outside of the anus or private parts of male and females (gentiles). Imiquimod is an immunotherapy that activates the immune system of the body to fight these conditions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Imiquimod
- Peeling of the upper layers of the skin
- Pain and hardening of the skin
- Burning sensation
- Skin irritation
- Redness
- Itching
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Imiquimod is not recommended for use on damaged and bleeding skin and warts more than 4 cm in size. Do not use Imiquimod on the warts present inside of the penis, vagina or anus. Make sure the Imiquimod solution doesn’t get into the eyes or healthy skin. If the medicine accidentally enters into the eyes, rinse with water thoroughly and consult a doctor. Don’t put a bandage or plaster over the treated area. Imiquimod is not recommended for pregnant women, so ask your doctor for reliable contraception to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine. Imiquimod has flammable nature, so avoid smoking or stay away from open flames when you have applied this solution. Condoms or another external contraceptive will not work well to prevent pregnancy so using hormonal pills reduces the chances of getting pregnant while taking Imiquimod. Use sunscreen cream, wear full clothing and avoid sunlight or sunlamps as excessive ultraviolet may worsen the medical condition.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Imiquimod should not be used in patients with cervical, urethral, intra-vaginal, rectal or intra-anal viral disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionImiquimod may not interact with alcohol. However, consumption of alcohol may interfere with your ability to fight infections.
Pregnancy
cautionYour doctor may prescribe Imiquimod if the potential benefit justifies the risk associated with medicine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeImiquimod is not recommended for use in breastfeeding mothers. However, if clinically needed, the doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while using this medicine.
Driving
cautionImiquimod may not affect your ability to drive, so you should avoid doing activities like driving or operating any machine.
Liver
safe if prescribedImiquimod is probably safe when used in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
safe if prescribedImiquimod is probably safe when used in patients with kidney diseases.
Children
unsafeImiquimod is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths. Avoid using harsh products on your skin.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
- Prefer saltwater baths (two handfuls of plain salt per bath, twice daily) as they can help to soothe and heal the genital area during treatment.
- Avoid sexual contact as it may lead to skin friction and delay healing.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may perform tests to detect sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when you have genital warts.
- Warts are highly contagious, so avoid sexual contact until the completion of the therapy.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): It is a common form of skin cancer that occurs due to abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells on the skin. BCCs occur when the DNA of the skin damage due to excessive exposure to sunlight.
Actinic keratosis: It is a type of precancer that develops when the skin is damaged by overexposure to ultraviolet rays or indoor tanning. It is usually found on lips, ears, face, forearms, neck and hands.
Genital warts: It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus infects the moist parts of the genital area. Warts appear as small, flesh-colored, swellings in the genital area. Other symptoms include itching and bleeding during sexual intercourse. In women, warts are usually seen on the vulva, the wall of the vagina and the area between the vagina and the anus. In men, warts are seen on the tip of the penis, the scrotum and the anus. The risk factors of warts have multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown and having a weak immune system. Vaccination against the HPV virus can prevent warts.
FAQs
If Imiquimod is improving your medical condition then your skin becomes red and sore first before getting better completely. This soreness and redness may last for 2 weeks even after stopping the treatment. However, if used for sun damage, then the skin will eventually feel smoother.
Imiquimod usually takes about 8-10 weeks to show its effectiveness. Tell your doctor if your warts reappear on the skin.
Do not cover the area where you have applied the Imiquimod with bandages however you can cover the area with cotton underwear if you are using it on the genital area.
Imiquimod consists of 'Imiquimod', that works by stimulating the immune system of the body so that immune system releases chemicals that fights with the various virus and destroys the cells of cancer. When Imiquimod is used directly on precancerous lesions and skin cancers, then it causes inflammation on the affected part of the skin that destroys the lesion. However, the degree of infection varies from person to person.
Do not apply the Imiquimod solution on normal skin or eyes. Do not wear a bandage or plaster in the treated area. It is not safe to use Imiquimod in pregnant women, so ask your doctor for reliable contraception to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine. Please stay away from open flames and avoid smoking while using this medicine as it is highly flammable.
Patients with diabetes have weak immune systems and experience delayed wound healing. So, the use of Imiquimod may create an artificial wound at the treated area, making it difficult to heal. So, Imiquimod should not be used in patients with diabetes unless prescribed by your doctor.
Condoms or another external contraceptive will not work well to prevent pregnancy so using hormonal pills reduces the chances of getting pregnant while taking Imiquimod.
