Imiquimod cream is a medication used to treat skin conditions caused by sun exposure or a specific virus in individuals with normal immune systems. Following dosage instructions provided by the physician or pharmacist is important because each condition requires the medication to be used differently. Adverse reactions may occur when using the product, but the side effects will generally decrease with continued use.
Availability
Imiquimod cream is available with a physician's prescription. The cream comes in a 5 percent solution containing 250 mg of imiquimod in single-use packages, according to RxList.
Uses
Imiquimod cream treats several different conditions, including basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis and genital warts, according to RxList. Actinic keratosis occurs on the scalp and face due to too much exposure to the sun. Superficial basal cell carcinoma is a type skin cancer that responds to imiquimod cream. Imiquimod cream can help the body fight the virus that causes external genital warts. The medication will help treat the symptoms of genital warts, but will not cure the condition.
Application
Imiquimod cream is applied as directed by a physician--two to five times each week for up to 16 weeks is a typical dose, according to Drugs.com. The frequency of application depends on the condition treated with the imiquimod cream. Using too much of the product can cause an increased risk of developing complications from the medication. An individual should wash hands and the affected skin prior to the application, let the skin dry for 10 minutes or more, avoid spreading the cream on opened or cracked areas of skin, and wash the cream off the skin after the recommended time.
Side Effects
As with all medications, adverse reactions may occur when using imiquimod cream. Skin reactions such as irritation, color changes at the application site, burning, itching and bleeding may occur. The medication may also cause flu-like symptoms, cold symptoms, gastrointestinal distress and vaginal itching, according to Drugs.com. Side effects such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the airway and hives require immediate medical attention. An individual should report any side effects that do not go away with use or become bothersome to a physician.
Precautions
Imiquimod cream can increase the risk of developing a sunburn from exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. Imiquimod users need to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing each day while using the medication, avoid placing the medication in any mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, mouth, vagina and anus, and avoid sexual contact while using imiquimod cream on the genitals.
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