Imiquimod is a prescription topical cream used to treat several skin conditions. It works by stimulating your immune system to target abnormal or infected skin cells. It is commonly prescribed for:

• External genital and anal warts (condyloma acuminatum): These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Imiquimod helps your immune system fight the virus, but it does not cure HPV or prevent new warts from forming.
• Actinic keratosis: Also called solar keratosis, this condition causes rough, scaly, or flaky patches on the skin, often on the face, scalp, hands, or neck. Imiquimod can reduce these precancerous skin lesions with regular application.
• Superficial basal cell carcinoma: This is a slow-growing form of skin cancer that usually appears as small bumps or lesions on the trunk, head, or neck. Imiquimod may be prescribed to treat these early-stage skin cancers and help prevent progression.

Before you use imiquimod cream, be sure to tell your Sesame provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have allergies, immune system problems, or autoimmune conditions. Imiquimod can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you shouldsunscreen and protective clothing and avoid tanning beds or sunlamps during treatment.

When you’re applying the cream, do not put it on broken or irritated skin. For genital or anal warts, you should avoid sexual contact while the cream is on the skin, and use barrier protection such as condoms as advised.

There are few known drug interactions with imiquimod, but because imiquimod stimulates the immune system, caution is advised if you are taking immunosuppressants.

Avoid applying other creams, ointments, or chemical treatments to the same area at the same time, unless directed by your provider. This may increase irritation or reduce the efficacy of imiquimod.

Your imiquimod cream should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Do not use the cream if it looks discolored, damaged, or past its expiration date. Always follow any additional storage instructions provided by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Using more imiquimod than prescribed can increase your risk of skin irritation, redness, burning, swelling, or blistering. Overdose symptoms may look like confusion, dizziness, nausea, flu-like symptoms such as fatigue or muscle aches, and changes in urine, like painful urination. In very rare cases, severe reactions affecting the lungs can cause pink frothy sputum.

If you apply too much or notice any of these severe reactions, wash the treated area thoroughly with mild soap and water and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Seek emergency care if you experience serious or unusual symptoms.

No, you can only get an imiquimod prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

There are currently no OTC creams equivalent to imiquimod for treating genital warts, actinic keratosis, or superficial basal cell carcinoma.

You can book a video visit with a Sesame provider to see if imiquimod is right for you and get a prescription sent to a local pharmacy for convenient pick-up.

You can only get imiquimod cream with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Imiquimod cream requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, so you won’t be able to buy it over-the-counter at any pharmacies or online.

However, if you do have a prescription for imiquimod, your Sesame provider can send it to your preferred pharmacy, where you’ll be able to buy it at the pharmacy counter when you go to pick up your Rx. If preferred, your Sesame provider can also send your imiquimod Rx to an online pharmacy for purchase and home delivery.