Imiquimod (Zyclara) Tips from Pharmacists

• Imiquimod is for external use only. Do not use this medicine near your eyes, nostrils, mouth, vagina, or anus. Wash thoroughly with soap and water if the medicine gets into your eyes or mouth.

• Make sure you understand how much imiquimod cream to apply, how many times a week to use the medicine, and for how many weeks to continue treatment.

• Wash the affected area with mild soap and water and allow it to dry before applying imiquimod.

• Leave the cream in place overnight (8 hours) or 6-10 hours (for external warts). Wash the treated area with mild soap and water in the morning.

• If you are using imiquimod to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma, apply a thin layer of cream on the skin cancer and a 1-cm area surrounding it.

• Do not cover the treated area with tight bandages or wraps. You may, however, wear cotton underwear after applying the medicine on external warts in the genital or anal area.

• Stop using imiquimod and call your health care provider if you develop an intense skin reaction in the treated area.

• Avoid too much sun exposure or artificial UV exposure (sunlamps or tanning beds) while using imiquimod.

• If you are using imiquimod to treat genital or anal warts, you should know that it can make condoms and vaginal diaphragms less effective. Use other forms of birth control until you finish treatment.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.