Uses

Consult your pharmacist or physician.

How to use Imiquimod topical

cream that is applied to the skin

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical imiquimod?

The most common side effects of topical imiquimod are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions such as pain, itching, burning, redness, dryness, peeling, crusting, swelling, blisters, and ulcers (see below)
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms (see below)
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of topical imiquimod that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical imiquimod?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical imiquimod are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Local Skin Reactions. Topical imiquimod may cause severe skin reactions such as skin drainage (weeping) skin breakdown, sore development, and swelling of the outside of the vagina that can make peeing hard. Stop using topical imiquimod, wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, and call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any symptoms that interfere with your daily activities or do not go away.

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are using certain drugs, including topical imiquimod. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposing your skin to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical imiquimod may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical imiquimod and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Precautions

Consult your pharmacist or physician.

Interactions

Does topical imiquimod interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical imiquimod and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical imiquimod.

Does topical imiquimod interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other products that contain imiquimod before using topical imiquimod.

Does Imiquimod topical interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing , call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

No monograph available at this time.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

Consult your pharmacist or physician.

Storage Storage

Images

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.