Imiquimod

What is Imiquimod?

Imiquimod is a topical medication that calms the body’s immune response. It’s used to treat pre-cancerous and low-grade cancer skin cells, but it’s also effective against genital warts. Genital warts are caused by HPV and Imiquimod also has antiviral properties so it has the potential to treat the root cause of your genital warts safely and effectively.

Imiquimod comes as a cream that you apply straight to your skin. The clinician who prescribes it to you will tell you exactly what you need to do and what strength you should buy.

How does Imiquimod work?

Imiquimod is a type of drug known as an immune-response modifier. The mechanism of action involves ‘telling’ the immune system to make a type of protein called cytokines ^[1]. These proteins have the ability to decrease inflammation and soothe pain. The decrease in inflammation, in turn, helps heal genital warts.

Imiquimod also has an antiviral effect, helping to lessen the symptoms of the virus that causes the warts to appear – HPV ^[2].

What doses of Imiquimod are there?

Imiquimod cream is available in two different strengths: 3.75% or 5% concentration. Which one you use will depend on your symptoms. Usually, the 5% concentration version is the first choice.

Both the 5% and the 3.75% creams come in 250mg single-use packets, but the 3.75% version sometimes comes as a pump bottle too. The lower dose is meant to be used once a day, whilst the higher dose is meant to be used three times a week.

How to use Imiquimod

You should use Imiquimod exactly as directed by the clinician who prescribed it to you. Here are a few general guidelines you can follow. If you have any questions, you can always drop a message to our clinicians and they’ll get back to you.

• Apply the cream in the evening and wash it off in the morning
• Always wash the area of skin where you’re applying the cream beforehand. A non-medicated, unscented soap is the best option
• Cut the packet open with scissors and squeeze the cream onto your finger, then apply it to the skin
• Apply cream to the whole affected area, including about 1cm over the healthy skin
• Don’t cover the area after you’ve applied the cream
• Don’t apply any skincare products to the area while you’re using Imiquimod
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after you handle Imiquimod

How long does it take Imiquimod to work?

The Imiquimod 5% version is usually used for 16 weeks, and the 3.5% version is usually used for eight weeks. Of course, if the warts are completely gone before that you should stop the treatment, unless your clinician instructs you to do otherwise.

Also if you notice the warts haven’t cleared after 8 or 16 weeks, depending on your treatment, you should go back to your clinician so they can offer you alternatives.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Imiquimod?

If you forget to use Imiquimod, you should apply it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next application, you should just skip the missed one and continue as usual. Don’t double up on your dosage in one day, as doing so won’t make it more effective and it can cause your skin to become irritated.

If you accidentally use too much Imiquimod, don’t worry, just wipe the excess away with soap and water.

Accidental ingestion or contact with the eyes needs immediate medical attention. You should wash your eyes thoroughly with clean water.