Imiquimod Cream

August 04, 2020

Medicine

formuladrugs.com

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Imiquimod is a type of medicine called immunomodulator used for the treatment of external genital warts. This cream acts by stimulating the body’s defense mechanism. It binds to the immune cells in the skin which causes them to release natural defense chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines help fight viral infections by preventing viruses from multiplying in cells. They also prevent abnormal or malignant cells from increasing in numbers. Imiquimod is a prescription already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each gram contains 25 mg or 37.5 mg of Imiquimod respectively in a white cream base. 

Non-malignant skin cancer occurs when certain skin cells multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. This cream stimulates immune cells in the skin to attack the abnormal cells which shrink the cancerous growth. Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Imiquimod Cream helps clears up warts. 

Genital warts 

This is one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. Nearly all sexually active people will become infected with at least one type of human papillomavirus. Genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They can look like small, flesh-colored bumps. In most cases, the warts are too small to be visible. 

In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, and the anus. In men, they may occur on the tip or shaft of the penis, the scrotum, or the anus. Genital warts can also develop in the throat or mouth of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person. The signs and symptoms may include:

• A cauliflower-like shape caused by several warts close together
• Small and flesh-colored swellings in your genital area 
• Bleeding with intercourse
• Itching or discomfort in your genital area 

Most people who are sexually active get infected with this disease. Factors that can increase your risk of becoming infected are:

• Having had another sexually transmitted infection
• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Becoming sexually active at a young age
• Having sex with a partner whose sexual history don’t know
• Having a compromised immune system such as from HIV or drugs from an organ transplant 

If get genital warts while you’re pregnant, call your doctor right away. Genital warts during pregnancy:

• Might appear for the first time or come back after a long time of not being there
• Can grow and multiply
• May be removed if they’re very big to avoid problems during birth 
• Can be treated safely but some treatments should be avoided
• May be passed to the baby during birth but this is rare. It is because the virus can cause infection in the throat of the baby or the genitals as well 

Most pregnant women with genital warts have a vaginal delivery. You might be offered a cesarean depending on your circumstances. 

How to use Imiquimod Cream?

Imiquimod Cream is applied to the skin. This is usually applied once a day for 3 days a week. This medicine should be left ion the skin for 6-20 hours. Apply only the cream in the affected area. The number of times you apply this medication depends on the specific skin problems is being treated. 

Use this cream regularly for the best benefit. Apply the cream at the same time each day or as directed by your doctor. Before applying the medication, wash your hands and the area to be treated with soap and water and dry it thoroughly. Apply as directed by your doctor just before going to bed. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other waterproof coverings. Leave the cream overnight usually for about 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 application time has passed. 

Do not use more Imiquimod Cream than prescribed or leave it longer than prescribed by your doctor. Doing so may cause more severe skin reactions to occur. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse. 

What are the side effects of Imiquimod Cream?

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Back pain
• Chest pain
• Fever blisters
• Cold sores
• Vaginal itching or discharge 

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Bleeding or swelling where you applied the cream 
• Flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, tiredness, swollen glands, and body aches
• Symptoms of herpes zoster such as skin sores, itching, burning pain, tingling, torso, or rash on your face. 

Warnings:

• Always check with your doctor before using any other medicines on the same area of skin where Imiquimod Cream is applied. 
• Imiquimod is only absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream in very small amounts. So, it’s unlikely to affect any medicines that you take by mouth or injection. 
• As Imiquimod stimulates the immune system, this medicine should be used with caution in people who are taking medicines to suppress the immune system. There is the possibility that it could make these medicines less effective. 
• Imiquimod Cream should use with caution in people with an inflammatory skin condition, with an autoimmune condition, who had an organ transplant, with a weak immune system, and who are HIV positive. 
• If you get an infection at the application site, do see your doctor or it can be treated. If needed, you can take a rest period of several days before starting the treatment again. 
• If you also get a severe skin reaction that causes discomfort, do remove the cream by washing the area with mild soap and water. On rare occasions, skin reactions may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. If necessary, you can take a rest period of several days before starting treatment again. 
• Imiquimod Cream may make you more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Do not apply the cream to sunburned skin. 
• Before having treatment with this product, let your doctor know if you have any other medications including herbal/food supplements or vitamins. 
• Consult your doctor first if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman before applying this cream.