How to Use Imiquimod

Imiquimod, under the brand name Aldara in the United States, is a topical cream used to treat warts around the rectum and genital areas. While it does not eliminate the virus that causes the wart, it may relieve discomfort caused by warts and reduce their production. The cream may also be prescribed to treat actinic keratoses, a skin condition that occurs on the scalp and face, or basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Read your prescription carefully. Dosing guidelines will vary with condition, strength of the medicine and patient need. In general, you will need to apply Imiquimod two to three times per week for six to 16 weeks.

2. Wash your hands.

3. Apply a thin layer of medicine to the area needing treatment before your normal bedtime hour. Avoid your lips, eyes, nostrils, vagina and anus.

4. Dispose of remaining cream from the single-dose pack.

5. Wash medicine off your hands.

6. Keep the medicine on for eight hours to treat actinic keratosis or basal cell carcinoma or six to 10 hours for the treatment of warts. If treating genital warts, do not have sexual contact during treatment time.

7. Wash area with soap and water.

Tips & Warnings

• Uncircumcised men who are treating genital warts with Imiquimod should also wash under the foreskin daily.
• Imiquimod is only available with a prescription. Let your doctor know all other medications you are taking and if you have an autoimmune disorder, inflamed skin, surgery or sensitivity to sunlight. Do not use if you have a sunburn. Imiquimod will not prevent you from spreading genital warts to your partner. Tell your doctor if you experience flu-like symptoms while using Imiquimod.

References

• Mayo Clinic Imiquimod Guide

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