Has your doctor prescribed Imiquimod cream to treat a skin condition? Maybe it's for genital warts or anus warts. Or it could be for actinic keratosis, a skin condition caused by sunburn, or some types of skin cancer. The most common brand names for this medication are Aldara and Zyclara. So today, let's talk about the important things you need to know about using this cream, just like you would with a friend.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
It is very important that your doctor is aware of these things before you start using this cream.
- Weakened immune system: If you have any weakness in your immune system (for example, due to HIV infection, cancer treatment, or another autoimmune disease), be sure to tell your doctor. This is because this cream works by stimulating our body's own immune system. So if that system is weak, it may affect the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Imiquimod or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to inform your doctor before using this medicine.
How exactly do you use this cream?
This is a medicine that is applied to the skin only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you, in the prescribed dosage.
1. Best time: Usually, the best time to apply this cream is before going to bed at night .
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the cream.
3. How to apply: Take a very thin layer of the cream, apply it only to the affected skin area, and gently massage until the cream is no longer visible.
4. Avoid sensitive areas: Do not apply this cream to the mouth, eyes, or inside the vagina.
5. Do not use more than the prescribed amount: Do not use more than the amount prescribed by your doctor. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects.
6. Do not use for longer than the prescribed period: Avoid using this for longer than the prescribed period.
This medicine may be prescribed for some selected conditions, especially for young children over 12 years of age. However, talk to your child's doctor about it and only follow his or her instructions.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when using this medicine
- Medical tests: Be sure to see your doctor on scheduled dates to check the progress of your treatment.
- After other treatments: If you have previously had any other skin treatments (e.g. podofilox, podophyllin resin) or surgery, do not use this cream until the wounds have completely healed.
- For genital warts: It is important for women who are being treated for genital warts to have regular pelvic exams. Symptoms usually clear up within 4 weeks. However, it can take up to 16 weeks for warts to completely disappear. Importantly, this is not a cure-all. New warts may appear during or after treatment.
- Sexual Health: Avoid sexual intercourse (genital, anal, oral) while using the cream. This cream may reduce the effectiveness of birth control methods such as condoms and diaphragms.
- Sunlight: Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight while using this medicine. So protect yourself from the sun as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds.
- Covering the skin: Do not cover the area where the cream is applied with an airtight bandage. If necessary, you can use cotton gauze. You can wear cotton underwear after applying the medicine to the genital area.
- Skin discoloration: The skin in and around the treated area may become lighter or darker. In some people, this change may be permanent.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Skin lesions | Conditions such as open sores and pus oozing where the medicine is applied. |
| Skin infections | Showing signs of a skin infection with redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. |
| Severe skin reactions | A rash or unusual, severe skin reaction occurs. If your skin becomes so uncomfortable that you cannot do your daily activities, tell your doctor immediately. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Skin redness, inflammation, itching | These are very common. Most of the time, they are harmless. But if they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor . |
| Skin peeling or crusting | The skin in the treated area may become dry, flaky, or crusty. |
| Skin thickening or swelling | You may notice thickening or swelling of the skin in the treated area. |
Remember, this list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, please contact your doctor for advice.
How to store the medicine?
This is also very important. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children . Store at a temperature between 4 and 25 degrees Celsius (39 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not freeze at any time. Throw away expired medicine. These usually come in small packets. Use one packet at a time, and do not reuse any leftovers. Throw them away.
Take-Home Message
- Imiquimod is a medicine that is applied to the skin only. Use it only as directed by your doctor, and only in the prescribed amount.
- Before using the medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, allergies, and whether you are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- If you develop a severe skin reaction (wounds, infection) where the medicine was applied, seek medical advice immediately.
- Please understand that this cream is a treatment for genital warts, not a cure for the disease.
- Protect yourself from the sun during treatment. Also, remember that this medicine may reduce the effectiveness of birth control methods such as condoms.
- If you have any other concerns about this medication, discuss them with your doctor.
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