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Article by Pharmacist Cao Thanh Tu - Pharmacist - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital
Drug Imiquimod is a drug indicated for the treatment of genital warts and many other conditions. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment, patients need to take medicine according to prescription or as directed by a consulting pharmacist.
1. Composition and uses of the drug Imiquad
Imiquad 5% cream contains the main ingredient Imiquimod as a single dose sachet, each weighing 0.25g. Imiquad is indicated for the treatment of adults and children from 12 years of age with warts on the outside of the genitals and around the anus. Genital warts (or genital warts) are sexually transmitted diseases that cause small, skin-colored or pink bumps on the surface of the genitals (such as on the labia, vaginal opening, penis, etc.) body) and around the anus. Disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Imiquimod can also be used in the treatment of actinic keratosis (photokeratosis), basal cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer).
Imiquimod activates the body's immune system to help produce natural substances that help fight the virus that causes warts, basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis.
2. How to use Imiquimod Cream 5
Imiquimod Cream 5 is packaged in small bags containing enough cream for one time to cover an area of warts up to 20 cm 2 . Each cream pack is only used once, the excess cream must be discarded, do not use this leftover medicine for the next application. In addition, patients need to wash their hands before and after taking the medicine. Wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, and dry completely. It should be noted, apply the cream before going to bed and leave it on the skin for 6 - 10 hours, do not bathe during this time.
After the treatment period, the cream is removed by washing with mild soap and water. Users need to pay attention, do not bandage the application area. To treat warts, apply cream 3 times a week (eg Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) until all genital and perianal warts are gone or for up to 16 weeks. Most patients will see the wart removed after 8-12 weeks, some may see results sooner (after only 4 weeks of treatment).
3. Notes when using Imiquad
During the use of Imiquad, it should be noted that the cream should only be applied outside the genitals and around the anus where warts are located, not inside these parts (such as in the urethra, in the vagina). , cervix, in the anus).
The most common side effects when using the drug are redness, itching, burning, scratching, peeling, and edema, which often occur at the application site and/or surrounding area. Most of these reactions are mild and the skin will return to normal after about 2 weeks of stopping the drug. Local reactions occur more and are stronger if the drug is applied daily, instead of 3 times a week as recommended. To minimize local reactions during treatment with imiquimod, 6 to 10 hours after each dose should be cleaned with mild soap and water. If a severe local reaction occurs, the treated area should be washed with mild soap and water. If necessary, stop taking the drug for several days until the reaction has subsided before restarting it.
Besides, you also need to note that you should wear clothes with absorbent fabric (cotton fabric, cotton underwear) to avoid skin reactions. You may experience skin color changes at the site of application, and sometimes these changes are long-lasting. In addition, some patients may have headache, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, weakness, fever, and diarrhea.
Topical creams can damage condoms or diaphragms, making them less effective at preventing pregnancy or STIs. Therefore, to bring about effective treatment, you should abstain from sexual intercourse during this time.
As a popular treatment for genital acne, many people do not know where to buy Imiquimod? You can buy medicine at pharmacies, hospitals and follow the instructions to get the best treatment effect.
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