IMIQUIMOD

Overview

IMIQUIMOD is a Schedule H drug.
This medication is an immune response modifier, prescribed for certain types of skin growths  or skin cancer,treats warts around the genital and anal areas, flaking and discoloration of the skin from sun exposure, and a form of skin cancer. Avoid exposure to sunlight as much as possible.Imiquimod works in genital warts by triggering the immune system to produce natural substances which help fight against the virus, that causes warts. Researchers don’t know how exactly it works in actinic keratosis or basal cell cancer.


Usage

IMIQUIMOD is generally used to treat: Actinic Keratosis, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Skin Cancer, Genital Warts

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe on my liver?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe on my kidney?
A: Check with your Doctor first

Q: Can I take it with alcohol?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Not Advised for age < 12yrs

Q: Can it be taken during pregnancy?
A: Not enough studies to prove Risk – Ask your Doctor

Q: Is it safe to take for someone breastfeeding?
A: Check with your Doctor first

How Do I Take It?

Route of Administration: Topical (Local Application)

Precautions

  • 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 tanning beds. Imiquimod topical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
  • Avoid sexual activity while the medicine is on your skin.
  • Imiquimod topical can weaken the rubber that condoms or diaphragms are made out of.
  • 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
  • .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 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.
  • Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings.
  • Do not take if Patients is allergic to imiquimod or any of its ingredients.

Symptoms of Overdosage

IMIQUIMOD over-dosage can result in: Skin Irritation, Lightheadedness, Fainting, Confusion, Dizziness

Common Side-Effects

IMIQUIMOD : Pain, Skin Rash, Skin Irritation, Head Headache, Dizziness, Back Pain, Chest Pain, Fever, Runny Nose, Sneezing, Throat Soreness, Nausea, Loss Of Appetite, Vagina Discharge Or Mucus, Chills, Cough, Fatigue (tiredness), Abdomen Pain, Ankles Joint Pain, Knees Joint Pain, Blood Or Red Colored Urine, Eyes Blurred Vision, Pain With Urination, Irregular Heartbeat, Hoarse Voice, Frequent Urge To Urinate, Lower Back Pain, Nervousness, Neck Enlarged Or Swollen Glands, Armpits Enlarged Or Swollen Glands

Serious Side-Effects

IMIQUIMOD : Swollen Lymph Nodes, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Urinary Tract Infection, Eczema, Difficulty Breathing, Genitals Itching, Loss Of Voice, Eyes Pain, Shortness Of Breath, Chest Discomfort, Body Burn

Technical Classification

IMIQUIMOD is categorized as:
  • TOPICAL ANTI-INFECTIVES / DERMATOLOGICAL AGENTS / TOPICAL AGENTS
  • TOPICAL ANTINEOPLASTICS / DERMATOLOGICAL AGENTS / TOPICAL AGENTS

Storage Conditions

Room Temperature (Between 15 To 25 C)

Available Alternatives

Common Drugs with IMIQUIMOD as Ingredient

IMIQUAD 12.5MG CRMIMIQUIMOD 12.5 MG
NILWART 5% W/W CRMIMIQUIMOD 5.0 %W/W
QMICA 5% CRMIMIQUIMOD 5.0 %