Description
Imiquad® Cream is manufactured by Glenmark. This is a topical immunomodulatory medication used to treat certain viral and cancer-associated skin conditions.
Imiquad® Cream comprises Imiquimod as an active ingredient. It is an immune response modifier. Imiquimod does not affect a disease directly, but it helps immune system in fighting the pathogen that causes a disorder.
Indications:
- superficial pre-cancerous skin lesions (Actinic keratosis);
- cancerous skin conditions (superficial basal cell carcinoma);
- external genital viral warts.
Imiquad® Cream also can be indicated for an off-label treatment of nodular basal cell carcinoma, non-genital viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, keloid scarring, melanoma metastases, Bowen’s disease, actinic porokeratosis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, vulval intra-epithelial neoplasia, extra-mammary Paget’s disease, lentigo maligna.
MOA (mechanism of action):
When pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and tumor cells invade the body, Imiquimod acts as a TLR7 (toll-like receptor 7) agonist and induces certain cytokines including interferon-alpha proteins. These proteins are important in cell signaling and recognition of harmful substances. After a harmful invader is recognized, immune system responds to it with inflammation aimed at ruining the pathogen. Imiquimod also may increase the infiltration of lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages into the tumor lesion.
Dosage
For external genital viral warts: apply 3 times a week (every second day) and leave for 6-10 hours, do not shower or bathe during this time. Treatment is required for 8 weeks for women and 12 weeks for men.
For basal cell carcinoma: apply 5 times a week (5 times in a row with a two-day break) and leave for 8 hours, do not shower or bathe during this time. Treatment is required during 6 weeks.
For actinic keratosis: apply 3 times a week (every second day) and leave for 8 hours, do not shower of bathe during this time. Treatment is required for 4 weeks. If lesions have not cured, the course might be prolonged for 4 weeks more.
It is recommended to apply Imiquad® Cream at bedtime and wash it off in the morning.
Wash your hands before and after using Imiquad® Cream. Always clean the treated area before applying the cream.
Cut a corner of the sachet, squeeze some cream onto your finger and apply it to the treated area.
Apply some cream on about a centimeter of healthy skin around the affected area.
Imiquad® Cream is for topical use only. Do not apply Imiquad® Cream in the uretra, cervix, vagina, and anus.
Do not use Imiquad® Cream in patients under 12 years old.
Do not use Imiquad® Cream for more than 16 weeks.
Do not cover the application site with a bandages or other dressing right after applying Imiquad® Cream.
Consult your doctor on how often to apply Imiquad® Cream. Use Imiquad® Cream exactly as directed.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose.
Overdose
Do not exceed the doctor's recommended dose. If an overdose occurs and you are feeling unwell, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at a room temperature from 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) away from moisture and heat. Throw away the tube after the expiration date. Keep away from children.
