Imiquimod (cream)

How often and for how long you should use imiquimod cream will depend on your skin condition. Imiquimod cream is not usually applied every day but rather a few times a week.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying imiquimod cream.
• Cut the top off the sachet or pierce the sachet with a needle and squeeze out a tiny amount of cream onto your fingertip. Apply this to the affected area and gently rub it in until the cream is absorbed into your skin.
• Although the information on the packet states that the sachet is for single use, you could seal it using a paper clip or tape and store in a closed container to prevent the cream drying out.
• Imiquimod cream should be left on the skin for about 8 hours, so it is best to apply imiquimod cream at night and wash it off in the morning.
• If you have to apply the cream to a large area, treat a small area at a time. This will help make the treatment reaction more tolerable. Your doctor will provide further advice about this.
• Always use your imiquimod cream exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much imiquimod cream to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.
• If you forget to apply the cream on your usual day, use it on the next night and then continue with your regular schedule. Never apply the cream more than once a day.

• After 20 minutes of applying imiquimod cream, you can apply moisturisers and/or make-up as part of your usual skin care routine.
• When outdoors, you should protect yourself from the sun with clothing and sunscreen.
• Do not apply imiquimod cream on broken or sunburnt skin.
• Take care not to get the cream in your eyes and nostrils or on your lips.
• Only cover imiquimod cream with a plaster if advised to do so by your doctor, otherwise leave the treated area uncovered. 
• Make sure you put the used sachets into a rubbish bin that children cannot access.
• It can take up to 6 weeks for healthy new skin to replace the damaged skin.
• You will need to see your doctor during treatment to see if imiquimod is working and if you have any reactions. Your doctor may change how often you use your cream, depending on your response.
• If the skin lesion is still there 3 months after treatment, go back to see your healthcare provider.

• Be careful to apply the cream only to the wart. If the cream spreads on to normal skin it can cause skin reactions such as redness, swelling, flaking and irritation.
• Sexual contact is not recommended while you are treating genital warts. It is best to wait until your warts have gone and your skin has healed.
• If you do have sex, use a condom and wash the area first as the cream can damage latex condoms and diaphragms.
• If you are a male and have not been circumcised wash the area under the foreskin daily.
• It can take up to 6 weeks for healthy new skin to replace the damaged skin.
• You will need to see your doctor during treatment to see if imiquimod is working and if you have any reactions. Your doctor may change how often you use your cream, depending on your response.
• If the skin lesion is still there 3 months after treatment, go back to see your healthcare provider.

Like all medicines, imiquimod cream can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.