GENERIC NAME: IMIQUIMOD - TOPICAL (imm-ICK-qwih-mawd)

BRAND NAME(S): Aldara

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat a precancerous skin condition known as actinic keratosis (AK) and a cancerous skin condition called superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Imiquimod is also used to treat external genital and anal warts (or condyloma). It is not recommended for use to remove human papilloma virus (HPV) growths.

HOW TO USE: This medication comes with a Patient Information leaflet. Read it thoroughly before you apply this medication for the first time. Follow the directions provided by your doctor and/or the Patient Information leaflet to treat your specific condition. If you have a sunburn, wait until you are fully recovered before using imiquimod. Also, wait for your skin to heal from any previous drug or surgical treatments before using this medication. This medication should be applied right before bedtime on the days of the week directed by your doctor. Wash hands before use. Wash the areas to be treated with mild soap and water and let the area dry. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and thoroughly rub in the medication. Only use enough medication to cover the area being treated. Wash hands after use. Leave the medication on the treated areas for the amount of time directed. The amount of time is different depending on the specific condition the medication is being used to treat. Do not bathe or get the treatment area wet during the time the medication is on the skin. Do not leave the medication on the skin for longer than directed. After the full amount of time as passed, wash the treatment area with mild soap and water. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other closed dressings; however, a cotton gauze dressing may be used. Do not get this medication in the the mouth, nostrils, eyes, anus, or vagina. If the medication accidentally gets into your mouth or eyes, immediately rinse well with water. Seek immediate medical attention if the medication gets into your eyes. This drug is packaged in a single use packet and should only be used once and then thrown away. Do not use any leftover cream from an opened pouch. Be sure to keep the discarded package away from children and pets.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Photodynamic Therapy - Read about photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses a photosensitizing agent and light source to treat cancers (skin, lung, esophageal, Barrett's esophagus), acne and rosacea.
• Skin Cancer - Learn the types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma), their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques. Get the facts about sun exposure and sunscreen.
• Keloid - Read about keloids, tough, irregularly shaped scars that progressively enlarge. Keloid symptoms include dome-shaped, shiny, raised scars that may be itchy, even painful. Treatment for keloids may involve cortisone injections, laser, silicone sheets, and cryotherapy.

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