Imiquad Cream 0.5%

Dr. Emily Brown

Dr. Ryan Mitchell

## What is Imiquad Cream

Imiquad Cream is a topical medicine indicated to help with external genital and perianal warts, Actinic Keratosis, and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma. It contains FDA-approved Imiquimod as its active ingredient and belongs to the immune response modifier or topical immunomodulator class. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals manufactures the cream in WHO-GMP-certified facilities.

Imiquimod works by activating the body’s local immune response in the treated area of the skin. It helps immune cells release natural defense chemicals such as interferon, which support the removal of HPV-infected wart tissue and abnormal skin cells. Doctors prescribe Imiquad Cream for external genital or perianal warts, rough sun-damaged patches on the face or scalp, and small superficial basal cell carcinoma lesions.

Use the cream exactly as prescribed by your doctor, as the dose depends on the condition being treated. Put the cream only on clean, dry skin and rub it in gently until absorbed. It is usually left on the skin for 6-10 hours and then washed off with soap and water. For genital warts, doctors may advise using it 3 times a week for up to 16 weeks. For Actinic Keratosis or Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma, the schedule may differ. Avoid the eyes, nose, mouth, open wounds, and internal areas.

If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra cream. If you apply too much, wash the area and contact your doctor if severe burning, bleeding, oozing, peeling, or pain occurs.

Common side effects include redness, itching, burning, dryness, swelling, flaking, crusting, scabbing, pain, headache, tiredness, and flu-like symptoms. Seek medical help if reactions become severe, painful, or do not improve.

Avoid sun exposure, sexual contact while the cream is on the skin, latex condoms or diaphragms during application time, and other topical products unless advised. Let the doctor know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised, or taking immunosuppressants.

Store it below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, children, and pets.

## What are the benefits of taking Imiquad Cream

Imiquad Cream helps treat certain abnormal skin growths by supporting the body’s immune response in the affected area. It is used for external genital or perianal warts, Actinic Keratosis, as well as Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma when prescribed by a doctor.

Helps clear external genital and perianal warts: Imiquad Cream helps remove visible warts caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and supports the healing of the affected skin.

Supports treatment of sun-damaged skin patches: It helps treat Actinic Keratosis, which appears as rough or scaly precancerous patches on sun-exposed areas such as the face or scalp.

Helps manage early superficial skin cancer: Doctors may prescribe the cream for small Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma lesions when topical treatment is suitable.

Offers a non-invasive treatment option: It is applied directly to the affected skin, which makes it a useful option when surgery, freezing, or other procedures are not preferred or suitable.

## How to use Imiquad Cream

Imiquad is a prescription-only topical cream that must be used as directed by your doctor. General guidelines on its usage for optimal results are:

Take the dose and duration as directed by the doctor.

Wash the affected area clean before applying, then put a thin layer of cream only to the prescribed skin area.

Rub the cream gently until it gets absorbed, and leave it on for the duration advised by your doctor, usually 6-10 hours.

Wash the treated area with mild soap and water after the recommended contact time, and avoid applying it near the eyes, mouth, nose, open wounds, or internal areas.

## Strengths and Substitutes

At Cheap Medicine Shop, you can find effective substitutes for the Imiquad Cream, which you can opt for after consulting a doctor.

View all substitutes

## What are the side effects of Imiquad Cream

As with all topical treatments, you may experience mild, temporary side effects with Imiquad that tend to resolve on their own as you adjust to it. Some common side effects are:

Redness

Burning sensation

Itching

Dryness

Flaking or peeling

Crusting or scabbing

However, if they continue or worsen, consult a doctor immediately.

## Safety Advice

Liver Disease

Imiquad Cream is applied to the skin, so it is not expected to affect the liver like oral medicines directly. However, use it under medical supervision if you have liver issues or a weak immune system, especially if you need treatment over a larger skin area.

Kidney Impairment

Imiquad is generally not expected to affect kidney function because it works mainly on the treated skin area. Still, people with kidney impairment should consult a doctor before use, especially if they have other long-term health conditions or are using multiple medicines.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use Imiquad only if clearly prescribed by a doctor. Limited safety information is available, so the doctor will decide if the benefits are greater than the possible risks. Avoid applying it on or near the breast area while breastfeeding.

Avoid

Avoid applying Imiquad on open wounds, broken skin, eyes, mouth, nose, or internal genital areas. Avoid sexual contact with the cream on the skin, as it may irritate your partner and weaken latex condoms or diaphragms. Avoid excess sun exposure and other topical products unless advised.

## FAQs

## How does Imiquad Cream work on genital warts?

Imiquad works on genital warts by activating the body’s local immune response. This helps the immune system target HPV-infected skin cells and gradually clear visible external genital or perianal warts.

## Can Imiquad Cream be used for Actinic keratosis?

Yes, Imiquad can be used for Actinic Keratosis if prescribed by a doctor. It helps treat rough, scaly, sun-damaged patches by activating the skin’s immune response to clear abnormal cells and support healthier skin renewal.

## How long should Imiquad Cream be left on the skin?

Imiquad Cream is usually left on the skin for 6-10 hours, depending on the condition being treated and the doctor’s instructions. After that, wash the area with mild soap and water.

## Can Imiquad Cream cure HPV completely?

No, Imiquad Cream does not cure HPV completely. It helps clear visible external genital or perianal warts by supporting the local immune response, but the virus may still remain in the body and warts can return.

## Can I use Imiquad Cream every day?

No, do not use Imiquad Cream every day unless your doctor specifically advises it. The schedule depends on the condition being treated. Using it too often can increase redness, burning, peeling, pain, and skin damage.

## Can I cover the area after applying Imiquad Cream?

Do not cover the treated area with tight bandages or airtight dressings unless your doctor advises it. Covering the area can increase absorption and worsen local skin reactions such as burning, irritation, oozing, or peeling.

## Can I apply makeup or sunscreen over Imiquad Cream?

Avoid applying makeup, sunscreen, or other skin products over Imiquad Cream unless your doctor allows it. These products can irritate the treated area or interfere with the medicine’s action. Use sun protection after washing the cream off.