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Zyclara

Zyclara

(imiquimod)

Zyclara (Imiquimod) cream belongs to a group of medications called immune response modifiers. It works by stimulating the body's defenses to fight certain types of skin conditions.

Available form

Dosage

Cream

3.75%, 5%

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Zyclara information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

Before applying the cream, wash your hands with soap and water, gently wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, and allow the skin to dry thoroughly. Apply Zyclara (Imiquimod) cream to the affected skin area once daily just before going to bed. Do not apply to areas larger than either the face or the balding scalp. Apply a thin layer of Zyclara (Imiquimod) onto the clean, dry AK lesion and rub gently into the skin until the cream is absorbed. Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and nostrils. If the cream gets in your eyes, rinse them with large amounts of water. Wash your hands after using the medication. Do not apply an occlusive dressing (one made of airtight material) over Zyclara (Imiquimod).

Leave the medication on the skin area for approximately 8 hours, and then remove it by washing the treated area with mild soap and water. Continue to use Zyclara (Imiquimod) for a total of 2 treatment cycles of 2 weeks, separated by a 2-week period with no treatment, or as directed by your doctor. A rest period from medication for several days may be taken depending on your discomfort and the severity of skin reactions, as directed by your doctor. Each treatment cycle should not last longer than 2 weeks even if a rest period is taken.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Zyclara (Imiquimod) is for external use only. Do not take it by mouth.

You may apply up to 2 packets or medication or 2 full actuations of the pump to the treatment area. If you are using the packets, use a new packet for each application. Throw away the remainder of an opened packet each time.

It is important to use Zyclara (Imiquimod) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and apply the cream at bedtime the next night. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Zyclara (Imiquimod) at room temperature, prevent it from freezing, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Zyclara (Imiquimod). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Zyclara (Imiquimod) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Zyclara (Imiquimod). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

blistering on skin
burning or stinging of skin (mild)
cracked lips
decreased appetite
Diarrhea
dizziness
dry skin
fatigue
flaking or peeling of skin
headache

lightened or darkened skin colour where skin is treated
nausea
pain or irritation at the site of application
redness of skin (mild)
scabbing, crusted skin
skin itching
swelling of skin (mild)
trouble sleeping
vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

any sign or symptom in the treatment area that makes daily activity difficult or impossible
any sign or symptom that makes it difficult to continue applying the medication
chest pain
Cold Sores
flare up of herpes infection
flu-like symptoms (e.g., Fever or chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea)
painful joints
rash
symptoms of an infection (e.g., coughing, sore throat, muscle or joint pain, swollen glands, fatigue)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

severe diarrhea

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Zyclara (Imiquimod).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zyclara (Imiquimod).

Exposure to sunlight: You should avoid or minimize any exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) and use protective clothing (such as long sleeves and a hat) during treatment with Zyclara (Imiquimod) cream due to an increased risk of Sunburn. If you get a sunburn, stop using the medication until you are fully recovered.

Immunosuppressed individuals: The safety and effectiveness of Zyclara (Imiquimod) cream has not been determined for people with medical conditions affecting the immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, Lupus, psoriasis) or people taking medications that reduce the effectiveness of the immune system. If you have any condition affecting the immune system, discuss with your doctor how Zyclara (Imiquimod) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyclara (Imiquimod), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

New actinic keratosis (AK) lesions: During treatment with Zyclara (Imiquimod) cream, new AK lesions may develop, but may clear with treatment. Even though initial AK lesions disappear with treatment, new lesions may develop in the future and will require further treatment. Keep in mind that AK is considered to be a chronic skin condition, and Zyclara (Imiquimod) cream is not a cure.

Skin colour changes: Some people using Zyclara (Imiquimod) cream notice that the area where the cream was applied has become lighter or darker. Sometimes, the change in skin colour is permanent.

Skin reactions: If you experience a severe skin reaction to this cream, wash the area with mild soap and water. Once the reaction has cleared, start using the cream again, unless your doctor has told you to stop using it.

Pregnancy: Zyclara (Imiquimod) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Zyclara (Imiquimod), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Zyclara (Imiquimod) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Zyclara (Imiquimod), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Zyclara (Imiquimod) have not been established for children under 18 years of age.

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