Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm is indicated in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), actinic keratosis (precancerous growths) and warts on the foreskin of the penis in men and on the vagina in women. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer where that appears as a slightly transparent bump on the upper layer of skin. Actinic keratosis is a scaly, rough patch on the skin that develops due to excessive sun exposure for many years. A wart is a small, fleshy bump on the skin or mucous membrane. Warts can spread from one body part to another.

Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm consists of 'Imiquimod', which works by stimulating the immune system of the body so that the immune system releases chemicals that fight various viruses and destroy the cells of cancer. When Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm is used directly on precancerous lesions and skin cancers, then it causes inflammation on the affected part of the skin that destroys the lesion. However, the degree of infection varies from person to person.

Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm is for external (skin) use only. You should use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm may cause side effects such as wearing away the upper layers of the skin, irritation, redness, itching, and burning sensation at the application site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, consult a doctor immediately.

Do not use Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm if you are allergic to any contents of it. It is not recommended to use Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm on broken or bleeding skin and warts more than 4 centimetres in size (approximately the size of a postal stamp). Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children below 12 years of age. Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm may not interact with alcohol. Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm may not affect your ability to drive.

Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm is used in the treatment of certain types of abnormal growth on the skin, such as precancerous growths, a certain type of skin cancer and warts on the outside of the anus or private parts of males and females (gentiles). Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm is an immunotherapy that activates the immune system of the body to fight these conditions.

• Peeling of the upper layers of the skin

• Pain and hardening of the skin

• Burning sensation

• Skin irritation

• Redness

• Itching

Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm is not recommended for use on damaged and bleeding skin and warts more than 4 cm in size. Do not use Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm on the warts present inside of the penis, vagina or anus. Make sure the Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm solution doesn’t get into the eyes or healthy skin. If the medicine accidentally enters into the eyes, rinse with water thoroughly and consult a doctor. Don’t put a bandage or plaster over the treated area. Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm is not recommended for pregnant women, so ask your doctor for reliable contraception to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine. Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm has flammable nature, so avoid smoking or stay away from open flames when you have applied this solution. Condoms or another external contraceptive will not work well to prevent pregnancy so using hormonal pills reduces the chances of getting pregnant while taking Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm. Use sunscreen cream, wear full clothing and avoid sunlight or sunlamps as excessive ultraviolet may worsen the medical condition.

Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Imiquad Cream 0.25 gm should not be used in patients with cervical, urethral, intra-vaginal, rectal or intra-anal viral disease.

• Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths. Avoid using harsh products on your skin.

• Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.

• Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.

• Prefer saltwater baths (two handfuls of plain salt per bath, twice daily) as they can help to soothe and heal the genital area during treatment.

• Avoid sexual contact as it may lead to skin friction and delay healing.

• Your doctor may perform tests to detect sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when you have genital warts.

• Warts are highly contagious, so avoid sexual contact until the completion of the therapy.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): It is a common form of skin cancer that occurs due to abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells on the skin. BCCs occur when the DNA of the skin is damaged due to excessive exposure to sunlight. 

Actinic keratosis: It is a type of precancer that develops when the skin is damaged by overexposure to ultraviolet rays or indoor tanning. It is usually found on lips, ears, face, forearms, neck and hands.

Genital warts: It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus infects the moist parts of the genital area. Warts appear as small, flesh-coloured swellings in the genital area. Other symptoms include itching and bleeding during sexual intercourse. In women, warts are usually seen on the vulva, the wall of the vagina and the area between the vagina and the anus. In men, warts are seen on the tip of the penis, the scrotum and the anus. The risk factors of warts are having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown and having a weak immune system. Vaccination against the HPV virus can prevent warts.