What is the most important information I should know about imiquimod topical?
Imiquimod topical is used to treat different types of skin disorders, including actinic
keratosis, a minor form of skin cancer, and genital warts that appear on the outside of the body.
Imiquimod topical is not a cure for genital warts and it may not keep you from spreading
this condition to others through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You may develop new lesions during
treatment with imiquimod topical. For best results, keep using the medicine for the entire length
of time prescribed by your doctor.
Wash your hands before and after applying imiquimod topical cream. Also wash the
skin area to be treated, and allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the medicine.
Do not use imiquimod topical on areas of broken,
wounded, or burned skin. Wait
until these conditions have healed before using imiquimod topical.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Imiquimod topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and
sunburn may result. Use a
sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Imiquimod will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia,
gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
If you are treating the genital or rectal area with imiquimod topical, avoid sexual
activity while the medicine is on your skin. Imiquimod topical can weaken the rubber that
condoms or diaphragms are made out of. If you use a
condom or
diaphragm for birth control,
these items could break if the rubber weakens and an unplanned pregnancy could result.
What is imiquimod topical?
Imiquimod is an immune response modifier. Imiquimod topical is used to treat actinic
keratosis (a condition caused by too much sun exposure) on the face and scalp.
Imiquimod topical is also used to treat a minor form of skin cancer called superficial basal
cell carcinoma, when surgery would not be an appropriate treatment.
Imiquimod topical also treats genital warts that appear on the outside of the body, but this
medicine is not a cure for genital warts.
Imiquimod may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Print
Email
Save
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
