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how long do you use imiquimod cream

by Gisselle Klein Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Imiquimod cream should be left on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. Continue using imiquimod until all of the warts are healed, up to a maximum of 16 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.Jan 15, 2018

What Do I Need to Tell My Doctor Before I Take Imiquimod Cream?

1. If you have an allergy to imiquimod or any other part of imiquimod cream (aldara). 2. If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other...

What Are Some Things I Need to Know Or Do While I Take Imiquimod Cream?

For all uses of imiquimod cream (aldara): 1. Tell all of your health care providers that you take imiquimod cream (aldara). This includes your doct...

How Is This Medicine (Imiquimod Cream) Best Taken?

Use imiquimod cream (aldara) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. 1. Follow how to use as...

What Are Some Side Effects That I Need to Call My Doctor About Right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor o...

What Are Some Other Side Effects of Imiquimod Cream?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help i...

How Do I Store and/or Throw Out Imiquimod Cream?

1. Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. 2. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. 3. Throw away...

Is imiquimod the same as Aldara?

Imiquimod is the generic name for Aldara 5% cream and they contain the same active ingredient. Aldara cream is made by 3M Health Care Limited.

Does Zyclara work for genital warts?

The 3.75% strength of Zyclara topical cream is approved by the FDA to treat external gential and anal area (perianal) warts in people 12 years of a...

Who makes Zyclara and where is it manufactured?

Zyclara Cream is manufactured by Bausch Health Companies Inc. located in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The US headquarters for Bausch Health US is in Brid...

How do I use imiquimod?

You apply the cream to the AKs, skin cancer, or warts. Most patients apply imiquimod before bedtime. You must leave imiquimod on your skin for several hours and then wash it off.

How does imiquimod work?

Imiquimod stimulates the patient’s immune system. This helps the patient’s body to destroy the genital warts, AKs, or cancer cells.

What are possible side effects?

It is normal to have a skin reaction. This tells you that the medicine is working. You may experience redness, swelling, and itching. If the intensity becomes too much, you should contact your dermatologist. Your dermatologist can adjust the dose or frequency to make you more comfortable.

What to wear when taking a med?

To do this, you should seek shade when outdoors; wear long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses; and use a sunscreen. Be sure to use sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF30+, and water-resistant. Avoid sexual activity while the medicine is on your skin.

Can tanning beds cause AKs?

Tanning beds, sunlamps, and the sun damage our skin. When the damage is severe, new AKs and skin cancers can form. Protecting your skin from the sun and not using tanning beds or sunlamps helps to reduce the chance of new getting AKs and skin cancers.

Does imiquimod cause redness?

You may have redness, swelling, burning, itching, and tenderness. As the skin starts to heal, you will see scabs and flaking. These reactions indicate that the medicine is working. When a patient does not have a reaction, imiquimod tends to be ineffective.

Can Imiquimod kill genital warts?

Some patients, however, continue to get new AKs, skin cancers, or genital warts. Imiquimod can destroy a tumor or wart — but not its cause.

How is this medicine (Imiquimod Cream) best taken?

Use imiquimod cream (aldara) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What are some other side effects of Imiquimod Cream?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects . Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

What is imiquimod cream used for?

Uses of Imiquimod Cream: It is used to treat genital warts . It is used to treat perianal warts . It is used to treat skin harmed by the sun and some skin cancers.

What to do if you have a skin reaction to imiquimod?

Call your doctor right away if you have a skin reaction that bothers you or if the reaction makes it hard to keep putting imiquimod cream (aldara) on. Call your doctor right away if you have a skin reaction that causes problems with daily living.

How to avoid sunburns?

You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. People using imiquimod cream (aldara) may get skin reactions where imiquimod cream (aldara) is used or around the area.

How to get rid of warts under foreskin?

If you are an uncircumcised man with warts under the foreskin, pull back the foreskin and clean every day. Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently. Do not put on sunburned skin. Avoid putting on healthy skin unless you have been told to do so by the doctor.

How should I use imiquimod topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What other drugs will affect imiquimod topical?

But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-count er medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

How long does it take to take imiquimod?

Even if you have skipped some of your doses, do not add time to the total number of weeks you use imiquimod topical (2 weeks for actinic keratitis, 8 weeks for genital warts). Your doctor will need to check your skin on a regular basis.

What is imiquimod used for?

What is imiquimod topical? Imiquimod topical (for the skin) is used to treat actinic keratosis (a condition caused by too much sun exposure) on the face and scalp. Imiquimod topical also treats genital warts on the outside of the body, in adults and children at least 12 years old. imiquimod topical is not a cure for genital warts.

What to do if imiquimod does not improve?

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with imiquimod does not improve, or if it gets worse.

What is the purpose of imiquimod?

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 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Are you currently using imiquimod topical?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

How to apply imiquimod cream?

Before applying, wash your hands and the area to be treated with mild soap and water. Dry the area well. Apply a thin layer of medication on the affected area (s) as directed and rub in. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or waterproof coverings. However, you may cover the area with cotton gauze, or wear cotton underwear if treating the genital area. Leave the cream on overnight, usually for about 8 hours if treating actinic keratoses or basal cell carcinoma, or 6 to 10 hours for warts. Do not shower or bathe during this time. In the morning, wash the treated area with soap and water to remove the cream. Do not leave imiquimod cream on longer than prescribed.

What is a keratosis med?

Uses. This medication is used to treat certain types of growths on the skin. These are precancerous growths ( actinic keratoses ), a certain type of skin cancer (superficial basal cell carcinoma ), and warts on the outside of the genitals/ anus. Treating these conditions can decrease complications from them.

How to report imiquimod side effects in Canada?

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before using imiquimod, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

How long does it take to leave a cream on a genital area?

However, you may cover the area with cotton gauze, or wear cotton underwear if treating the genital area. Leave the cream on overnight, usually for about 8 hours if treating actinic keratoses or basal cell carcinoma, or 6 to 10 hours for warts. Do not shower or bathe during this time.

What is the purpose of imiquimod?

It is believed to work by helping to activate your immune system to fight these abnormal skin growths.This product is not recommended for use on children under 12 years of age unless specifically directed by your doctor.

What are the symptoms of a flu like fever?

Flu -like symptoms (such as fever, tiredness, muscle aches), runny/stuffy nose, cough, diarrhea, nausea, and back pain may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze.

How long does it take to apply imiquimod cream?

If you are using imiquimod cream to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma, you will probably apply it once a day for 5 days a week (e.g., Monday through Friday). Apply the cream to the basal cell carcinoma and the immediate surrounding area. Imiquimod cream should be left on the skin for approximately 8 hours.

How long does imiquimod cream last?

Do not apply the cream to an area larger than your forehead or cheek (about 2 inches by 2 inches). Imiquimod cream should be left on the skin for approximately 8 hours. Continue using imiquimod cream for a full 16 weeks, even if all the actinic keratoses are gone, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor.

Why is Imiquimod cream prescribed?

Why is this medication prescribed? Imiquimod cream is used to treat certain types of actinic keratoses (flat, scaly growths on the skin caused by too much sun exposure) on the face or scalp.

How long does it take for a wart to heal with imiquimod?

Continue using imiquimod until all of the warts are healed, up to a maximum of 16 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use imiquimod exactly as directed.

What to do if someone swallows imiquimod cream?

In case of emergency/overdose. Expand Section. If someone swallows imiquimod cream, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

How to get a copy of the manufacturer's information?

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

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1.Imiquimod (Topical Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/imiquimod-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20067474

23 hours ago Most patients apply imiquimod before bedtime. You must leave imiquimod on your skin for several hours and then wash it off. Be sure to follow the directions carefully. Using more than …

2.Imiquimod: Skin cancer treatment FAQs - American …

Url:https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/imiquimod-skin-cancer-treatment-faqs

9 hours ago  · Use imiquimod cream (aldara) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Do not use more or for longer than you have been …

3.Imiquimod (Topical Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/imiquimod-topical-route/proper-use/DRG-20067474?p=1

31 hours ago  · Use at bedtime and leave the medicine on for 8 hours. In the morning, wash the skin with water and a mild soap. Do not cover treated skin with any type of plastic bandaging …

4.Imiquimod Cream (Aldara) - Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/cdi/imiquimod-cream-aldara.html

5 hours ago Leave the cream on overnight, usually for about 8 hours if treating actinic keratosesor basal cell carcinoma, or 6 to 10 hours for warts. Do not shower or bathe during this time. In the morning ...

5.Imiquimod topical Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Url:https://www.drugs.com/mtm/imiquimod-topical.html

33 hours ago If you are using imiquimod cream to treat genital and anal warts, you will probably apply it once a day for 3 days a week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, and …

6.Imiquimod Cream In Packet - Uses, Side Effects, and …

Url:https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1191-8193/imiquimod-topical/imiquimod-topical/details

13 hours ago  · Apply a thin layer to the affected area of the skin just before bedtime. Rub it in gently. Allow the medicine to stay on the treated skin for 8 hours (for actinic keratosis or basal …

7.Imiquimod Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Url:https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698010.html

3 hours ago If you are using imiquimod cream to treat genital and anal warts, you will probably apply it once a day for 3 days a week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, and …

8.Imiquimod Cream: Wart Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, …

Url:https://www.medicinenet.com/imiquimod/article.htm

21 hours ago  · Topical Cream. 2.5% (Zyclara) 3.75% (Zyclara) 5% (Aldara) Adult: Actinic Keratosis. Indicated for topical treatment of clinically typical, nonhyperkeratotic, …

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