No, you cannot buy imiquimod cream over the counter. Imiquimod is a prescription-only medication used to treat certain skin problems, including actinic keratosis, genital warts, and superficial basal cell carcinoma.
Imiquimod cream must be prescribed and supervised by a doctor or other healthcare professional. Even if you know the brand name, it is illegal to purchase a prescription drug without a valid prescription.
If you wish to use imiquimod cream, you must schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss whether it’s the best option for your condition, and they can provide you with a valid prescription if they believe it is.
Table of Contents
How effective is imiquimod cream?
Imiquimod cream is an effective treatment for some skin conditions, particularly actinic keratosis and certain forms of skin cancer. Studies have found that the cream has led to positive outcomes in the majority of cases.
It is an effective form of therapy for actinic keratosis due to its ability to stimulate the immune system to respond to abnormal or precancerous skin cells. This helps to combat abnormal or antioxidant cells, inhibit the growth of new abnormal cells, and even help destroy cancerous cells.
In addition to its effectiveness in treating precancerous cells and actinic keratosis, the cream has also been shown to be a successful therapy for some non-melanoma skin cancers, including superficial basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
In particular, studies have found that the cream is a particularly successful treatment option for superficial basal cell carcinoma, with a complete response rate of 90-100% during clinical trials. Ultimately, while more research is needed to determine how effective imiquimod cream is in treating other skin conditions, current studies suggest that it is a highly successful treatment for actinic keratosis and certain forms of skin cancer.
Does imiquimod get rid of warts?
Imiquimod is a topical cream that can be used to treat genital and perianal warts caused by certain strains of the human papilloma virus. It is not typically used to treat common warts. Common warts are caused by a different strain of the human papilloma virus, and they can be successfully treated with other over-the-counter medications and at-home remedies.
Imiquimod works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack the wart-causing virus. As with any medication, your doctor will decide if imiquimod is the best approach for you and can provide more information about its potential side effects.
Who can prescribe imiquimod cream?
Imiquimod cream is a prescription medication used to treat genital and perianal warts and basal cell carcinoma. It is a topical cream which, when applied to the skin, helps to stimulate the body’s own immune system to fight off the affected cells.
Imiquimod is available as a prescription only medicine and can only be legally prescribed by a healthcare professional authorised to prescribe. This may include a qualified doctor, general practitioner, specialist dermatologist, and in certain cases, a nurse.
Before a health care professional can prescribe the medication, they will usually assess the patient’s medical history to ensure that it is suitable for their condition, as there are some cases where the treatment might not be adequate for the affected area.
It is also important that patients are aware of any potential risks associated with using this medication and that they can recognize signs of any unforeseen allergic reactions.
Can I apply imiquimod everyday?
No, you should not apply imiquimod every day. Imiquimod is a topical cream used to treat certain types of skin conditions, like actinic keratosis and genital warts. The recommended dosage and frequency of application is dependent on the condition being treated and should be discussed with your doctor.
Generally, imiquimod is applied to the affected area three times per week, usually on alternate days. Do not apply imiquimod more often than directed by your doctor, as consistently applying the cream too frequently can reduce its effectiveness.
Additionally, applying imiquimod too often can irritate your skin. If you have any questions or concerns about applying imiquimod or if you have applied it too often, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
What can I use instead of imiquimod?
When treating a skin condition such as warts, molluscum contagiosum, actinic keratosis, or basal cell carcinoma, there are a few treatments that can be used instead of imiquimod. These include cryotherapy, which involves the freezing of the affected area; laser ablation, where the area is targeted with a laser to remove the lesions; chemical peels, which involve removing the affected skin with a chemical; and topical creams including salicylic acid, tretinoin, and fluorouracil.
Depending on the skin condition, your doctor may recommend a course of combination therapy, such as using both cryotherapy and a topical cream. Additionally, you may choose to use natural remedies, such as using castor oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, and aloe vera, to help hasten healing.
Does imiquimod cure HPV?
No, imiquimod is not a cure for HPV (human papillomavirus). Imiquimod is a topical cream approved by the FDA to treat certain types of external genital and anal warts caused by HPV. It works by stimulating the body’s own immune system to fight the virus that causes the warts.
While imiquimod can help reduce the number of visible warts, it is not a cure for HPV. The virus will remain in the body and can still spread to other people. In addition, some warts may return after treatment.
For this reason, it is important for individuals to practice safe sex and get regularly tested by their healthcare provider even if the warts are no longer visible.
The HPV vaccine can help protect against certain types of HPV, and it is important to speak with a healthcare provider about ways to reduce the risk of transmitting HPV to others.
How often should I use imiquimod?
The frequency of use of imiquimod varies depending on the condition being treated. In general, imiquimod is applied once daily, usually in the evening, and left on for 8 hours. When treating warts, imiquimod should be applied three times per week on alternate days.
When treating actinic keratoses, it should be applied twice per week on alternate days. Consult your doctor or physician to find out the best frequency and duration of application of imiquimod based on the condition being treated.
Can imiquimod causes more warts?
Imiquimod, an immunomodulator, is commonly used to treat certain types of genital and perianal warts. However, it is not known whether imiquimod can cause more warts to develop. While there have been reports of new, or additional, lesions of warts occurring during treatment with imiquimod, it is unclear whether these were new or pre-existing warts.
It is possible, then, that imiquimod can, in some cases, cause new warts to form.
That said, it is important to note that the overall effectiveness of imiquimod for treating viral infections like genital and perianal warts is well established. Therefore, the potential risk of developing new warts should be carefully weighed against the benefits of successful treatment.
If you have more questions about the potential risk of imiquimod causing more warts to form, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Will imiquimod hurt healthy skin?
Imiquimod can in some cases cause skin irritation even when it is applied to healthy skin, although this is not typically a severe issue. Generally, when the cream is applied as directed and the instructions for use are followed, it should not cause any significant discomfort or harm to healthy skin.
Imiquimod should not be used on skin that has been recently shaved or waxed, since it may increase sensitivity and cause more skin irritation. In some cases, a tingling, burning, stinging, or itching sensation may be felt when the cream is applied.
Additionally, it may cause redness or tenderness of the skin, a dry or scaly build-up, or hives near the application site.
Imiquimod should not be applied to large areas of the skin, and should always be used with caution. If any skin irritation does occur, the application of the cream should be stopped and medical attention should be sought to determine an appropriate way to reduce discomfort.
Generally, mild cases of skin irritation should resolve on their own after the cream has been discontinued.
Do you have to use imiquimod at night?
No, you do not have to use imiquimod at night. Imiquimod is usually applied once a day, but there is no set time of day that it must be applied. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to use imiquimod, which may depend on the condition it is used to treat.
It is best to use imiquimod at the same time every day if it is applied more than once a day. Generally, it may be easier for people to remember to apply imiquimod at night since it does not need to be washed off and it will not interfere with activities during the day.
Imiquimod can be applied up to 3 times a week, but make sure to read the instructions and talk to your healthcare provider before using it.
Does Aldara treat basal cell carcinoma?
Yes, Aldara (imiquimod) is an FDA approved topical cream used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It is a topical skin-applied medication that has been found to be an effective treatment for superficial BCC, including lentigo maligna, and some intermediate and nodular BCCs.
Imiquimod stimulates the body’s own immune cells to fight the BCC. Aldara works best when it is applied right after a biopsy is done and the cancer is identified. The cream should be applied for 5 days, followed by a 2-day break.
Depending on the size of the lesion and any surrounding areas, it may be necessary to repeat this pattern for up to 16 weeks. The American Cancer Society confirms that Aldara is effective in treating basal cell carcinomas, with response rates reported up to 90%.
How long to use imiquimod for basal cell carcinoma?
The length of time to use imiquimod for basal cell carcinoma depends on the size and type of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Generally, imiquimod is applied to the affected area five times a week for six weeks.
However, if a patient has a larger, more advanced cancer, or one that is considered more aggressive, a longer period may be necessary. Additionally, those with compromised immune systems may need to use imiquimod for a longer period of time.
It is important to speak with your doctor to determine the optimal length of time for your specific case.
How long does Aldara take to work on BCC?
Aldara (imiquimod) is a topical cream commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It works by boosting the skin’s immune system to help fight the cancer. The length of time it takes for Aldara to work on BCC varies from patient to patient and on the size, location, and severity of the tumor.
Most people will begin to see marked improvement within 8 to 12 weeks of treatment. However, it may take as many as 16 weeks (4 months) before full results can be seen. The majority of skin cancers that are treated with Aldara are cured within 16 weeks.
It’s important to take Aldara exactly as prescribed and to continue using it for the entire time prescribed. This helps ensure the best outcomes from treatment. It’s also important to have regular follow-up visits with your doctor to keep track of your progress and address any side effects.
When should you not use Aldara cream?
Aldara cream (generic: imiquimod) is an over-the-counter topical cream used to treat certain skin conditions such as actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and genital warts. While it can be effective in the treatment of these conditions, it’s important to understand the risks before use.
It is not recommended that Aldara cream be used in any of the following situations:
1. If you are pregnant or lactating. The safety of Aldara during pregnancy or lactation is not yet known, so it is safest to avoid using it during pregnancy and/or lactation.
2. If you have an active infection in the area to be treated. Aldara should not be used to treat an active infection as it could cause further irritation or even infection.
3. If you have a weakened immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplants, or certain medications). Using Aldara in this situation could exacerbate any existing health problems.
4. If you have allergies to any of the ingredients in the cream. Make sure to check the list of ingredients on the package and consult a doctor if any of the ingredients might cause allergies.
In general, it is best to consult with a doctor or pharmacist prior to using Aldara to determine if it is right for you. They will be able to review your medical history and advise whether Aldara is a safe and appropriate treatment option.
