Imiquimod (Immiquid 12.5 Mg Tabs) is an immune response modifier that acts as a toll-like receptor 7 agonist used to treat actinic keratosis, a rough and scaly patch in the skin that develops from years of exposure to the sun, especially in the face or balding scalp.
Imiquimod is also used to treat skin cancer and warts on the surface of the genitals and around the anus.
Drug = Imiquimod
Strength = 12.5mg
Manufacturer = Glenmark
Quantity per sleeve = 0.75 Cream (for the price quoted) – 3 satchels
How To Take Imiquimod (Immiquid 12.5 Mg Tabs)
How to use this medicine:
- Before applying the medicine, wash your hands and the affected area with mild soap then dry thoroughly.
- This medicine is available in cream packets or cream pumps. If you are given the cream packet, open the packet and squeeze some cream onto your finger tip.
- Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area. Rub gently until the cream vanishes.
- Leave the cream on the affected area for a time prescribed by your doctor. Do not bathe or get the treated area wet during this time.
- Wash the affected area with mild soap and water.
- Wash your hands carefully after application.
- Cream packets should not be reused once opened. Open a new sachet each time you use the cream. Throw away the opened packet (according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions) even if all the cream was not completely used.
Avoid direct contact of Imiquimod with your eyes, lips, or nostrils. Rinse immediately with water if this medicine gets into your eyes, lips, nostrils. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.
If you are using this medicine for genital or anal warts, avoid getting this medicine in or on your anus or vagina. Uncircumcised males treating warts under their penis foreskin must pull their foreskin back and clean before treatment and clean daily during treatment.
Do not use occlusive dressing unless instructed by the doctor. Do not apply on broken skin.
Apply Imiquimod exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more often or over a larger area than instructed by your doctor.
Dosage of Imiquimod (Immiquid 12.5 Mg Tabs)
Anogenital warts; Perianal warts: As 3.75% cream: Apply thinly onto affected area once daily until total clearance or for a maximum duration of 8 weeks. As 5% cream: Apply 3 times weekly for up to 16 weeks.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma: As 5% cream: Apply 5 times weekly for 6 weeks.
Actinic keratoses: As 2.5% or 3.75% cream: Apply unto face or scalp once daily for 2 weeks, repeat course after a 2 weeks treatment-free interval. As 5% cream: Apply 3 times weekly for 4 weeks, repeat for further 4 weeks with a 4-week interval, if necessary; alternatively, apply 2 times weekly for 16 weeks.
Missed Dose of Imiquimod (Immiquid 12.5 Mg Tabs)
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use more than what is instructed by the doctor to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you may have used Imiquimod more than the usual dose, please seek medical help immediately.
Contraindications of Imiquimod (Immiquid 12.5 Mg Tabs)
There are no known contraindications for Imiquimod.
Side Effects of Imiquimod (Immiquid 12.5 Mg Tabs)
Imiquimod may have the following side effects:
- Local inflammatory reactions
- Photosensitivity
- Flu-like symptoms
- Vulvar swelling
- Hypersensitivity
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Myalgia
- Back pain
- Headache
- Burning
- Itching
- Excoriation
- Crusting
- Flaking
- Edema
Warnings of Imiquimod (Immiquid 12.5 Mg Tabs)
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction to Imiquimod.
Inform your doctor or your pharmacist if you are taking the following medicines:
- Immunosuppressants
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Imiquimod.
How Does It Work?
Imiquimod works by activating the immune cells but the exact mechanism of action is not yet clear. It has no direct viral activity, however, it is effective against viral infection and acts as an antitumor agent by inducing interferon-α (IFN-α) and other cytokines.
Uses
Imiquimod is used to treat the following conditions:
- Anogenital warts
- Perianal warts
- Superficial basal cell carcinoma
- Actinic keratoses
Special Precautions and Connected Warnings
Take special precautions if you have the following conditions:
- Patient with pre-existing autoimmune conditions
- Reduced hematologic reserve
- Organ transplant patients
- Not indicated for urethral, intravaginal, cervical, rectal, or intra-anal human papilloma viral disease
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Storage Conditions
- Store below 25°C.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not throw away this medicine via wastewater or household waste. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to throw away expired, unused, or partially used Imiquimod cream.
- Do not use Imiquimod that is expired or out of expiry date.