Dosage
The exact dosage of Imiquimod depends on the form of application (cream, suppository, etc.) on the one hand and on patient-related facts and the disease to be treated on the other. To avoid undesired skin reactions on the hands, it is important that the hands are washed thoroughly before and after applying the cream.
Alternatively, the cream can be applied with disposable gloves. The cream is usually applied to the area three times a week overnight and then left on the skin for several hours. This application is repeated until all warts have disappeared or for a maximum of 16 consecutive weeks. Sun exposure should be avoided during therapy with Imiquimod, as the skin is highly irritated by the therapy.
Application form
The Imiquimod cream is used to treat new skin formations. These include genital warts, which can occur mainly in the genital area and anus. Small basilomas, which are a special form of skin cancer, are also treated with Imiquimod cream.
In addition, the cream can also be used for proliferations of the upper skin layer, the so-called actinic keratosis. The specific forms of application vary depending on the disease. A consultation with your dermatologist is helpful in order to carry out the application correctly and to correctly classify any side effects that occur.
The Imiquimod-containing suppositories are used to treat genital warts in the rectal or vaginal area. New preparations combine the active ingredient with a retention device in the sense of a mullein insert, which is intended to prevent the suppository from sliding up into higher sections of the genital tract or rectum. The person affected can also check and correct the position of the suppository. Especially in gynecology, suppositories are expected to be able to treat precursors of cervical cancer caused by HPV at an early stage.
Side effects
As a drug, Imiquimod can cause side effects, but not all users experience them. During treatment with Imiquimod, local skin reactions to which the drug has been applied may occur.Such skin reactions can manifest themselves as hyper- or hypopigmentation, redness, swelling or even itching. If the skin reaction is too strong, you should stop using the product immediately and inform your doctor or pharmacist to avoid permanent skin changes as far as possible.
Some users have shown a decrease in the number of blood cells, which can increase the risk of infection. Tiredness and the development of bruises (haematomas) may also be a result of the reduction in the number of blood cells. Rarely have serious skin reactions been observed in patients, which first appear as redness and then turn into pimples, which can cause symptoms such as fever, itching, joint pain, general feeling of illness, visual disturbances, burning, eye irritation and inflammation of the oral mucosa.
Alopecia (loss of hair in the areas where the drug has been applied) is also known in a few patients. Side effects in the treatment of genital warts may be different from those of actinic keratosis or basal cell carcinoma. Side effects in the treatment of genital warts:
- Skin redness,
- Thinning of the skin in the treated areas (30% of users),
- Scaling of the skin,
- Swelling,
- Hardening and blistering under the skin,
- Open wounds,
- Itching,
- Burning,
- Pain in the area of application,
- Headaches, migraines,
- Fever, flu-like symptoms,
- Joint and muscle pain,
- Uterine prolapse,
- Pain during sexual intercourse in women,
- Erectile dysfunction,
- Nausea, stomach and intestinal symptoms,
- Increased sweat formation,
- Ear noises,
- Skin redness,
- Tiredness,
- Dazed,
- Tingling,
- Insomnia,
- Depressions,
- Loss of appetite,
- Glandular swellings,
- Bacterial, viral and fungal infections,
- Vaginal infection,
- Painful urination in women.
Side effects in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma: Side effects in the treatment of actinic keratosis: If you experience side effects, you should inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
- Tingling, burning of the skin,
- Small swollen areas of skin,
- Pain,
- Bleeding,
- Redness,
- Rash,
- Pus formation,
- Glandular swellings,
- Back pain,
- Nausea,
- Dry mouth,
- Weariness,
- Flu-like symptoms,
- Local skin reactions at the area of application.
- Itching,
- Pain,
- Redness,
- Pus formation,
- Infections,
- Headache,
- Loss of appetite,
- Nausea,
- Muscle and joint pain, aching limbs
- Tiredness,
- Bleeding,
- Inflammation,
- Wound secretion,
- Sensitivity,
- Swelling,
- Small swollen areas in the skin,
- Tingling,
- Scab and scarring,
- Ulceration,
- Feeling of warmth,
- Uncomfortable,
- Inflammation of the nasal mucosa
- Stuffy nose,
- Flu-like symptoms,
- Depression,
- Eye irritation,
- Swelling of the eyelids,
- Sore throat,
- Diarrhea,
- Redness,
- Facial swelling,
- Ulcers,
- Fever,
- Weakness, chills.
