What is imiquimod?
Imiquimod is a topical prescription medication used for the treatment of warts on the exterior of the genitals and rectum. It is also indicated for use as a treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), and actinic keratosis (a skin condition caused by too much sun exposure).
Talk to your health care provider about whether or not imiquimod is right for you.
What are the common side effects of imiquimod?
Imiquimod has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.
Common side effects reported from imiquimod use include:
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects caused by imiquimod.
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Imiquimod is a topical prescription medication used for the treatment of warts on the exterior of the genitals and rectum. It is also indicated for use as a treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), and actinic keratosis (a skin condition caused by too much sun exposure).
This medication is supplied as a topical cream meaning that it is applied to the outside of the body. It should not be ingested or applied under the skin.
Imiquimod is prescribed as a treatment for three distinct skin conditions. As a topical medication, it is meant to be applied to the affected area during treatment.
Genital Warts: Imiquimod is prescribed as a treatment for warts on the exterior of the genitals and rectum (also known as condyloma acuminatum). These warts are caused by an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.
Imiquimod does not cure genital warts. It works on the immune system to fight the virus (HPV) that causes these warts.
Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is characterized by rough, flaky, and scaly patches on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. It is commonly found on the face, back, hands, scalp, and neck. While actinic keratosis can affect people of all ages, it is most common in older adults.
According to Skin Cancer Foundation, actinic keratosis is the “most common precancer that forms on the skin”. When applied to the affected area regularly, imiquimod has been shown to reduce the scaly, flaking skin caused by this condition.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma: Superficial basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that commonly develops as a small bump on the trunk, head, or neck. Superficial basal cell carcinoma is the least aggressive form of basal cell carcinoma. While it rarely causes serious medical complications, it can cause open sores or lesions that do not go away.
Imiquimod belongs to a classification of medications known as immune response modifiers. These drugs work by targeting cells in the immune system. This encourages the production of certain proteins (known as interferons) that are released by the immune system to combat viruses and pathogens.
As a treatment for genital warts, imiquimod encourages the production of interferons that target the human papillomavirus (HPV). It does not attack the virus directly. However, by encouraging the immune response to HPV, imiquimod works to prevent the development of genital warts.
Imiquimod’s mechanism of action on actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma is not known, although it has been shown to reduce symptoms on the skin caused by these conditions.
Imiquimod has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.
Common side effects reported from imiquimod use include:
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects caused by imiquimod. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, open sores, or flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, nausea, etc…) contact your doctor immediately.
It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure as much as possible. If you are going outside, wear protective clothing and sunscreen – especially on the affected areas.
As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with imiquimod. Imiquimod can also interact with other forms of medication and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with imiquimod. If you become pregnant while taking imiquimod, notify your health care provider immediately.
Imiquimod is supplied as a topical cream to be applied to the affected area of the skin. It is not meant to be ingested or applied underneath the skin.
To use imiquimod:
1) Wash your hands with soap and warm water before applying.
2) Clean the affected area with warm water and mild soap.
3) Allow the skin to dry before applying.
4) Apply a thin layer of cream (one or two pumps from the dispenser) to the affected area. Rub the medication in gently.
5) Wash your hands after application.
6) Allow the medication to stay on the skin for the prescribed duration of treatment time.
7) After the treatment time is over, wash the affected area with warm water and mild soap until the cream is completely off the skin.
Talk to your health care provider about how much cream you should use, and how frequently you should apply it. Specific dosage may vary depending on the condition and needs of the patient.
Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of imiquimod without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.
Imiquimod is currently only available via prescription. This means that the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.
Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not imiquimod might be right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for imiquimod to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
