02-12-2020
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using imiquimod and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medication on the skin only. Apply this medication to the affected area(s) as directed by your doctor, usually just before you go to sleep for the night. click here If you are using the single-use packets, use a new packet for each dose. If you are using the pump, prime the pump as directed before using it for the first time. Before applying, wash your hands and the area to be treated with mild soap and water. Dry the area well. Apply a thin layer of medication on the affected area(s) as directed and rub in. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or waterproof coverings. However, you may cover the area with cotton gauze, or wear cotton underwear if treating the genital area. Leave the cream on overnight, usually for about 8 hours if treating actinic keratoses or basal cell carcinoma, or 6 to 10 hours for warts. Do not shower or bathe during this time. In the morning, wash the treated area with soap and water to remove the cream. Do not leave imiquimod cream on longer than prescribed. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. When treating actinic keratoses, this medication is usually applied twice a week for 16 weeks. When treating superficial basal cell carcinoma, this medication is usually applied 5 times a week for 6 weeks. When treating warts, this medication is usually applied 3 times a week for up to 16 weeks. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, it may help to mark your calendar. Do not apply this medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If you get this medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, contact your doctor right away. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse, or if new growths appear during treatment.
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Aldara (imiquimod) topical (for the skin) is an immune response modifier used to treat actinic keratosis (a condition caused by too much sun exposure) on the face and scalp. Aldara is also used to treat a minor form of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma, when surgery would not be an appropriate treatment. Aldara also treats genital warts that appear on the outside of the body, but is not a cure for genital warts. Aldara topical is available in generic form.
Genital warts caused by human papillomavirus infection are encountered commonly in primary care. http://www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/imiquimod-topical.html Evidence guiding treatment selection is limited, but treatment guidelines recently have changed. Biopsy, viral typing, acetowhite staining, and other diagnostic measures are not routinely required. The goal of treatment is clearance of visible warts; some evidence exists that treatment reduces infectivity, but there is no evidence that treatment reduces the incidence of cervical and genital cancer. The choice of therapy is based on the number, size, site, and morphology of lesions, as well as patient preferences, cost, convenience, adverse effects, and clinician experience. Patient-applied therapy such as imiquimod cream or podofilox is increasingly recommended. Podofilox, imiquimod, surgical excision, and cryotherapy are the most convenient and effective options. Fluorouracil and interferon are no longer recommended for routine use. The cost per successful treatment course is approximately $200 to $300 for podofilox, cryotherapy, electrodesiccation, surgical excision, laser treatment, and the loop electrosurgical excision procedure. Genital warts are the visible manifestation of infection by one or more of the nearly 100 recognized human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Visible genital warts typically are caused by HPV types 6 and 11, which rarely are associated with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the external genitalia.1 HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 35 have been found in genital warts and are associated with squamous intraepithelial neoplasia1; types 16 and 18 are associated most strongly with malignant potential. These virus types also are associated with vaginal, anal, and cervical intraepithelial dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma.