Imiquimod

Molluscum Contagiosum, Condylomata Acuminata, Carcinoma, Basal Cell + 3 more

Treatment

8 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Imiquimod

What is Imiquimod

Imiquimod

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Imiquimod is a medicine used to treat skin conditions caused by viruses, such as warts on the genital and anal areas. It does not kill the virus that causes warts, but it can help stop new warts from appearing. Imiquimod can also be used to treat actinic keratoses, a skin condition that affects the face and scalp, as well as some types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Aldara

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Imiquimod Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Aldara

Imiquimod

1997

27

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Imiquimod, also known as Aldara, is approved by the FDA for 8 uses like Face and Actinic Keratoses of the scalp .

Face

Actinic Keratoses of the scalp

Actinic Keratoses of the face

Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma

Condylomata Acuminata

Scalp structure

Carcinoma, Basal Cell

Condylomata Acuminata

Effectiveness

How Imiquimod Affects Patients

Imiquimod is a medication used to help control the growth of warts on the skin, usually in the genital and anal areas. It does not cure warts or attack the virus that causes them, but it does reduce the amount of warts appearing. Imiquimod is not recommended for use inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. It is also used to treat actinic keratoses and certain types of skin cancer (superficial basal cell carcinoma) on areas such as the face and lower legs, where surgery or other treatments may not be feasible.

How Imiquimod works in the body

Imiquimod works by activating the immune system to respond to the treated area. It does not directly fight viruses, but it does encourage the body to produce certain proteins that help fight off infection. In the case of treating basal cell carcinoma, imiquimod triggers the immune system to send in lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages to fight off the cancerous cells. It also stimulates apoptosis, which is the programmed death of unhealthy cells in the area.

When to interrupt dosage

The specified dosage of Imiquimod is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, such as Communicable Diseases, Face and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma. The amount likewise fluctuates as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Cream - Topical or Topical) highlighted in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Face

, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Gel - Topical, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous

Condylomata Acuminata

, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Gel - Topical, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous

Carcinoma, Basal Cell

, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Gel - Topical, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous

Communicable Diseases

, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Gel - Topical, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous

Molluscum Contagiosum

, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Gel - Topical, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous

Scalp structure

, 0.05 mg/mg, 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Gel - Topical, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous

Warnings

Imiquimod Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 6 known major drug interactions with Imiquimod.

Common Imiquimod Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Allogeneic processed thymus tissue

Minor

The therapeutic efficacy of Allogeneic processed thymus tissue can be decreased when used in combination with Imiquimod.

Inebilizumab

Minor

The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Imiquimod is combined with Inebilizumab.

Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen

Minor

The therapeutic efficacy of Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Imiquimod.

Haloperidol

Moderate

The serum concentration of Haloperidol can be increased when it is combined with Imiquimod.

Magnesium

Moderate

The serum concentration of Magnesium can be decreased when it is combined with Imiquimod.

Imiquimod Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Overdosing on ibuprofen can lead to flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle pain.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Imiquimod Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Imiquimod?

Currently, 9 active clinical trials are underway to investigate the efficacy of Imiquimod in treating Molluscum Contagiosum, Facial conditions and Condylomata Acuminata.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Condylomata Acuminata

0 Actively Recruiting

Carcinoma, Basal Cell

0 Actively Recruiting

Scalp structure

0 Actively Recruiting

Molluscum Contagiosum

0 Actively Recruiting

Communicable Diseases

0 Actively Recruiting

Face

0 Actively Recruiting

Imiquimod Reviews: What are patients saying about Imiquimod?

5

Patient Review

9/25/2019

Imiquimod for Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia

After using this treatment on my upper lip, I developed a full blister across my bottom lip that was incredibly painful. Stopped use immediately and have been given prednisone and Pepcid to help with the reaction.

5

Patient Review

5/11/2021

Imiquimod for External Genital Warts

I had been using liquid nitrogen for a few months to try and get rid of a wart on my finger, but it just wouldn't go away. I decided to give this cream a try, and at first there was no change. But after about a month, the skin around the wart became very inflamed, scabbed, bled, burned, and itchy. It was extremely painful to touch and very tender. However, I think that's just the cream doing its job. I didn't experience any flu-like symptoms like other people have reported.

4.3

Patient Review

11/24/2020

Imiquimod for External Genital Warts

The medication is effective, but the side effects are not fun. I'm looking forward to the warts being gone and no longer having to deal with this burning sensation and flu-like symptoms.

4

Patient Review

4/15/2021

Imiquimod for Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

I've been using this treatment for three weeks now, as per my doctor's orders, and while it has killed the cancer cells, I am now left with oozing blisters from my nose down to my lip. It also created sores on my lower lip and inside my mouth. I have felt exhausted ever since starting the treatment, and the burning sensation is unbearable at times. If this treatment can heal me completely, then it will be worth it; however, unless the area is biopsied again, who knows if it truly is effective?

3.3

Patient Review

8/16/2022

Imiquimod for External Genital Warts

I saw a significant improvement over the course of four months, but I ultimately decided to stop using it in favor of ablation.

3

Patient Review

7/17/2022

Imiquimod for External Genital Warts

I've been using this treatment for a few weeks now, and it's gotten rid of some warts but not others. Recently, I started having allergy symptoms like sneezing and coughing, which I think might be from the drug. The area around where I applied the treatment looks pretty bad, but I guess that means it's working to some extent.

2.3

Patient Review

8/21/2021

Imiquimod for Roughened Red Patches of Skin due to Sun Exposure

My husband was given this cream by his dermatologist for his skin condition on his face. Within 3 weeks, he had a crusty rash all over his back and on his chest along with diarrhea, coughing, lack of energy and loss of appetite. Even all of his teeth hurt.

2

Patient Review

9/3/2022

Imiquimod for Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

I had a lot of adverse reactions to this cream, including congestion, burning sensations, and headaches. I felt terrible for days after I stopped using it.

2

Patient Review

2/3/2019

Imiquimod for Roughened Red Patches of Skin due to Sun Exposure

1.7

Patient Review

4/27/2019

Imiquimod for Roughened Red Patches of Skin due to Sun Exposure

This medication really kicked my butt. I had flu-like symptoms and zero energy. I stopped taking it a few weeks ago, and I'm still recovering from the side effects.

1.3

Patient Review

2/27/2022

Imiquimod for External Genital Warts

I can't speak to the science of this drug, but I can say that after a week of taking it I am feeling very emotional and experiencing some strange side effects. In particular, I have been having a dull pain on my penis accompanied by existential dread and agony.

1.3

Patient Review

3/22/2022

Imiquimod for External Genital Warts

I didn't notice any changes after using this product, it's like watery lotion.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about imiquimod

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is imiquimod a steroid?

"Imiquimod has been shown to be a very effective therapy for superficial basal cell Carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis.

Imiquimod is a non-steroidal medication that increases the activity of the immune system. It is available under the trade names Aldara and Zyclara. It is primarily available as a cream. Imiquimod has been shown to be a very effective therapy for superficial basal cell Carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis."

Answered by AI

What is imiquimod used to treat?

"Imiquimod is a medication used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. It works by activating the immune system to help the body fight viruses that cause warts. It is not known how imiquimod works for actinic keratosis or skin cancer."

Answered by AI

How long does it take for imiquimod to work?

"The majority of patients observed complete wart clearance after using 5% imiquimod cream. Of those who saw wart disappearance, 44% were clear by 8 weeks and 69% were clear by 12 weeks. Out of the total patients using the cream, 77% of women and 40% of men experienced complete wart clearance."

Answered by AI

How does imiquimod work on HPV?

"Imiquimod can kill viral infected cells and tumour cells by inducing programmed cell death. If more HPV infected KCs are made apoptotic when Langerhans cells are activated by imiquimod, more HPV related antigens will be taken up and processed by LCs, activating a more robust adaptive immune response."

Answered by AI