Imiquimod drug: uses, application and precautions

Imiquimod is applied to the skin rather than taken as a tablet. It signals local immune activity, which can help the body respond to selected abnormal or infected skin cells. Doctors may use it for particular superficial skin cancers, precancerous sun-related lesions or external viral warts. It is not a general cream for every bump, rash or changing mole, and the diagnosis should be established before use.

Read the prescription instructions and apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin at the stated times. Avoid eyes, lips, nostrils and broken skin unless specifically instructed. Wash hands before and after use, keep the sachet or container away from children, and do not share it. Redness, itching, burning, scaling or crusting may occur. Pause or change treatment only after speaking with the prescriber, who can advise based on the reaction and the condition being treated.

Contact your clinician for severe or persistent irritation, spreading inflammation, significant bleeding, pus, or a sore that is not healing as expected. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, sudden swelling of the face or throat, widespread blistering, faintness or fever with rapidly worsening skin pain.

Ask what diagnosis the cream is treating, how much to apply, whether the area should be covered, what to do after a missed dose, and when the response will be reviewed. Mention immune-system disorders, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies and other topical medicines.