How To Use Imiquimod (Zyclara)

Imiquimod comes in the form of a cream to apply to the affected skin. It should be left in place for 6-10 hours as directed by your doctor.

Read the prescription label and patient information leaflet carefully. Make sure you understand how to use imiquimod correctly, including how much of the medicine to use, how many days of the week to use it, and how many weeks to continue treatment. Do not use more of the medicine, apply it more frequently, or use it for a longer duration than directed by your healthcare professional. Continue using the medication regularly for the recommended period of time even if your skin lesion has healed. 

Do not place a tight wrap or bandage on the treated skin. You can, however, cover the treated area with a cotton gauze dressing. You may wear cotton underwear after treating external genital warts with imiquimod. 

If you are treating genital or anal warts, avoid sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal) when the imiquimod cream is on your skin. The cream can make certain forms of birth control, such as vaginal diaphragms and condoms, less effective.

Uncircumcised men should pull back their foreskin and clean it daily before treating warts underneath.

Imiquimod skin is for external use only. Do not use this medication near your eyes, nostrils, lips, vagina, or anus. If the cream gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse thoroughly with water immediately.

To apply imiquimod cream:

• Wash your hands.
• Wash the affected area with mild soap and water.
• Once the area is dry, apply a thin film of the cream to the entire treatment area and rub it in gently.
• Apply the cream just before bedtime and leave it in place for your normal sleeping hours (usually 6-10 hours) as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid getting the treated area wet. Do not shower, bathe, swim, or sit in a hot tub when you have the cream on.
• Wash your hands after applying the cream.
• Wash the treatment area with mild soap and water after the treatment time finishes.

Missed dose: If you forget to apply a dose of imiquimod, do it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed application.

Storage: Store imiquimod at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from excess moisture and heat in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused imiquimod should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw imiquimod in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded imiquimod is through your local waste disposal company or a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on imiquimod. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about imiquimod, talk to your health care professional for medical advice.

Discounted prices for imiquimod (Zyclara)
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