General Information
Zyclara (Imiquimod) Cream is indicated for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK). It is a type of condition that is precancerous growth on the skin. AK is caused by too much sun exposure. Treating this type of condition may lessen the risk of complications from them.
This cream may also be used to treat warts on the outside of the genitals or anus. Warts are growth on your skin that is caused by an infection.
How does Zyclara (Imiquimod) Cream work?
Zyclara (Imiquimod) Cream works by stimulating the body’s own protection device. This works by binding to immune cells in the skin. It causes them to release a natural protection chemical which is cytokines. It helps fight viral infections by avoiding viruses from developing in cells. They also inhibit abnormal or malignant cells from growing in numbers. This cream stimulates the immune cells in the skin to attack the abnormal cells, which shrinks the cancerous growth.
Why use Zyclara (Imiquimod) Cream?
Zyclara Cream contains Imiquimod as an active ingredient. It belongs to the group of medications called immune response modifiers. It is intended for topical administration. Each gram has 25 mg of Imiquimod in a white-faintly yellow oil-in-water cream base. This product comes as a premeasured packet containing 9.4 mg of Imiquimod 0.25 g of cream. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription.
How to use Zyclara (Imiquimod) Cream?
This medication is to be used on the skin only. Apply it to the affected area once a day as directed by your doctor. The number of times you apply it depends on the specific skin problem that is being treated.
If you are using this cream to treat AK, use it once a day for 2 weeks. You will then rest the treated skin for the next two weeks by not applying any more cream. After the rest period, you will resume the medication once a day for another 2 weeks.
If you are using this cream to treat warts, apply it once a day. It is until warts clear or up until 8 weeks.
What are the side-effects of Zyclara (Imiquimod) Cream?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Cold sores
- Back pain
- Fever blisters
- Dizziness
- Cold symptoms such as sneezing, sore throat, or stuffy nose
Warnings and Precautions
- Do not use this past the expiration date.
- Consult your doctor first if you have any allergies or medical history before using this cream.
- Do not share this with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- Keep this away from the direct sunlight/heat.
- Keep this away from the reach of children or from your pets.
