* Generic Name: imiquimod
* Brand Name: Aldara
* What is imiquimod topical (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
* What are the possible side effects of imiquimod topical
(Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
imiquimod topical (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
imiquimod topical (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
* How should I apply imiquimod topical (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara
Pump)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
* What happens if I overdose (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
* What should I avoid while using imiquimod topical (Aldara,
Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
* What other drugs will affect imiquimod topical (Aldara,
Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
* Where can I get more information (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara
Pump)?
Wh
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 (for the skin) 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 be used in adults and children who are at least 12
years.
Imiquimod topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of imiquimod topical (Aldara, Zyclara,
Zyclara Pump)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Wash off the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a
serious skin reaction such as severe itching, burning, oozing,
bleeding, or skin changes where the medicine is applied.
Stop using imiquimod topical and call your doctor at once if you have a
serious side effect such as flu symptoms such as fever, chills, body
aches, tired feeling, swollen glands.
When treating genital warts around the vagina, if you have severe
swelling or urination problems, stop using imiquimod topical and call
your doctor right away.
Less serious side effects may include:
* mild skin irritation, itching, dryness, flaking, scabbing,
crusting, redness, or hardening of the skin where the medicine was
applied;
* changes in the color of treated skin;
* headache, dizziness, chest pain, back pain;
* cold sores, fever blisters;
* cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore
throat;
* nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite; or
* vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about imiquimod topical
(Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
Using too much of this medicine, or using it for too long can increase
your risk of severe skin reactions. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not use imiquimod topical on areas of broken, wounded, or burned
skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using imiquimod
topical.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a weak
immune system, an autoimmune disorder, graft-versus-host
disease, or if you have recently received a bone marrow transplant
or cord blood transplant.
When treating genital warts around the vagina, avoid getting the cream
on the more sensitive inner layers of vaginal tissue. This could result
in vaginal swelling or irritation and painful urination.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Imiquimod topical can make
you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
(SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
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.
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.
Aldara Patient Information including How Should I Take
STD Diagnosis, Images, Symptoms, Treatment
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using imiquimod
topical (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
To make sure you can safely take imiquimod topical, tell your doctor if
you have any of these other conditions:
* sunburn or other skin problems;
* a weak immune system or autoimmune disorder;
* graft-versus-host disease;
* if you have recently been treated for actinic keratosis or
genital warts with surgery or other medications; or
* if you have recently received a bone marrow transplant or cord
blood transplant.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether imiquimod topical
will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant while using this medication.
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, these items could break if the
rubber weakens, and an unplanned pregnancy could result.
It is not known whether imiquimod topical passes into breast milk or if
it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without
telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 12 years old.
Imiquimod topical is for use in treating genital warts in patients who
are at least 12 years old. All other uses of this medication are for
adults over 18 only.
How should I apply imiquimod topical (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or
smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions
on your prescription label.
Using too much of this medicine, or using it for too long can increase
your risk of severe skin reactions.
Before applying imiquimod topical, wash your hands and wash the skin
area to be treated. Allow the skin to dry for at least 10 minutes
before applying the medicine. Always wash your hands after applying the
medicine also.
Do not use imiquimod topical on areas of broken, wounded, or burned
skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using imiquimod
topical.
Imiquimod topical is normally used 2 to 5 times per week for up to 16
weeks. How you use this medication will depend on the condition you are
treating. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Actinic keratosis:
Aldara is usually applied 2 times per week (such as Monday and
Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday) for a full 16 weeks. Zyclara is
applied once daily for 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks without treatment.
Apply the cream to the treatment area in a thin layer, and rub in the
cream until it disappears. Use the medicine before going to bed and
leave it on for 8 hours. In the morning, wash off the medicine with
water and a mild soap.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma:
Usually applied 5 times per week (such as Monday through Friday) for a
full 6 weeks. Apply the cream from one imiquimod topical packet to the
treatment area and the border of skin around it, and rub in the cream
until it disappears. Use the medicine before going to bed and leave it
on for 8 hours. In the morning, wash off the medicine with water and a
mild soap.
Genital warts:
Usually applied 3 times per week (such as Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday) for no longer than 16 weeks. Apply the cream from one imiquimod
topical packet to the treatment area, and rub in the cream until it
disappears. Do not cover the treated skin areas with any type of
plastic bandaging, and avoid nylon underwear. You may wear
cotton gauze or underwear over the treated area. Use the medicine
before going to bed and leave it on for 6 to 10 hours. Then wash off
the medicine with water and a mild soap.
When treating genital warts under the foreskin of an uncircumcised
penis, pull back the foreskin and wash it with mild soap and water
before applying imiquimod topical. Clean this area daily during
treatment.
When treating genital warts around the vagina, avoid getting the cream
on the more sensitive inner layers of vaginal tissue. This could result
in vaginal swelling or irritation and painful urination.
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.
All conditions:
Your doctor will need to check your skin on a regular basis, especially
if you have a more severe skin reaction to the medication. Do not miss
any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve or if it gets
worse during treatment.
Do not use imiquimod topical to treat any skin condition that has not
been checked by a doctor. Do not share this medication with anyone
else, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Each packet of imiquimod topical is for a single application only.
Throw away the packet after one use, even if there is medicine left in
it. If you treat more than one skin area at a time, ask your doctor how
many packets to use.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
Keep each packet unopened until you are ready to use it.
Aldara Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
STD Diagnosis, Images, Symptoms, Treatment
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Causes and Treatment
Impotence (ED) Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Quiz on STDs
What happens if I miss a dose (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
Skip the missed dose and wait until the next time you are getting ready
for bed to use the medicine. Do not use extra medicine to make up the
missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe skin irritation, feeling
light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while using imiquimod topical (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara
Pump)?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your
lips. Do not place the cream in your rectum, vagina, or
urethra. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.
Do not use imiquimod topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped,
irritated, or broken skin.
Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with imiquimod
topical unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Imiquimod topical can make
you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
(SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Avoid having unprotected sex. Imiquimod is not a cure for genital
warts, and it will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and
trichomoniasis. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent
transmission during sex.
What other drugs will affect imiquimod topical (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara
Pump)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have
an effect on topically applied imiquimod topical. But many drugs can
interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you
use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal
products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information (Aldara, Zyclara, Zyclara Pump)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about imiquimod topical.
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