Imiquimod 5%

Source: UK SPC for Aldara 5% Cream, §4.2. Application frequency and duration differ by indication. EXTERNAL GENITAL WARTS (adults): continue until clearance of visible genital or perianal warts or for a maximum of 16 weeks per episode; a single-use sachet is sufficient to cover a wart area of 20 cm2. SUPERFICIAL BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (adults): apply 5 times per week (e.g. Monday to Friday) for 6 weeks, leaving on the skin for approximately 8 hours; apply sufficient cream to cover the treatment area including 1 cm of skin surrounding the tumour; assess response 12 weeks after the end of treatment. ACTINIC KERATOSIS (adults): treatment should be initiated and monitored by a physician; apply 3 times per week for four weeks, leaving on the skin for approximately 8 hours; after a 4-week treatment-free period, assess clearance and, if lesions persist, repeat for another four weeks; each treatment period should not be extended beyond 4 weeks due to missed doses or rest periods; if not completely cleared at follow-up about 8 weeks after the last 4-week course, an additional 4-week course may be considered; recurrent cleared lesions may be re-treated with one or two further courses after a pause of at least 12 weeks. ALL INDICATIONS: if a dose is missed, apply as soon as remembered then continue the regular schedule, but do not apply more than once a day; avoid showering or bathing during the treatment period; sachets should not be re-used once opened; wash hands before and after application. Interrupt dosing if intense local inflammatory reactions occur or if infection is observed at the treatment site. PAEDIATRIC: use in the paediatric population is not recommended — there are no data on the use of imiquimod in children and adolescents in the approved indications, and it should not be used in children with molluscum contagiosum due to lack of efficacy.