Brand Imiquad (Aldara) Cream

This medication is used to treat certain types of growths on the skin. These include precancerous growths (actinic keratoses), a certain type of skin cancer (superficial basal cell carcinoma), and warts on the outside of the genitals/anus. Treating these conditions can decrease complications from them. Imiquimod belongs to a group of drugs called immune response modifiers. It is believed to work by helping to activate your immune system to fight these abnormal skin growths.

Drug Class and Mechanism:
Imiquad essentially plays the role of an immune response modifier. By stimulating the immune response of the skin, Imiquad aids in reducing the formation of actinic keratosis and prevents the formation of new AKs.

Before applying Imiquad:
Wash your hands and wash the skin area to be treated.
Allow the skin to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the medicine.
Always wash your hands after applying the medicine also.
Do not use Imiquad on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Imiquad .

Missed Dose:
Skip the missed dose and wait until the next time you are getting ready for bed to use the medicine. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Possible Side Effects:
Common to bothersome side effects of this medication may include
back pain, diarrhea, headache, mild pain, burning, itching, redness, flaking, swelling, tenderness at the application site, scabbing, thick or hardened skin at the application site.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
Hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Wash off the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious skin reaction such as severe itching, burning, oozing, bleeding, or skin changes where the medicine is applied.