Imiquimod

U.S. Brand Names

Aldara™

Canadian Brand Names

Aldara™

Mexican Brand Names

Aldara

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as a cream.

Pharmacologic Category

Skin and Mucous Membrane Agent; Topical Skin Product

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to imiquimod or any other part of this medicine.

• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to treat common warts.

How does this medicine work?

• Imiquimod helps the body's immune system fight viral infections.

How is this medicine given?

• Do not give by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of your child's mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Give this medicine at bedtime.

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently.

• Avoid applying to unaffected skin.

• Do not cover with dressings.

• Your child should not bathe, shower, or swim after applying.

• Leave on skin for the directed amount of time, then wash off.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• It may take several months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Apply a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.

• Do not apply a double dose or extra doses.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Your child can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; dress your child in protective clothing and encourage use of protective eyewear.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Skin irritation.

• Change in skin to hard and thickened.

• Change in color of skin. This may not be reversible.

• Swelling.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• For the occurrence of side effects.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.

• If your child has severe skin irritation.

• If your child develops a rash.

• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.

• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.

• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.

• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Created: 2006-10-16 11:28:09.0

Modified: 2008-01-29 08:59:06.0

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