Imiquimod is an alternative when other treatments are not indicated
Consider topical treatments when other options are inappropriate or not preferred. Buy imiquimod 5% cream over the counter In considering the sachet presentation of imiquimod in 2006, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) noted that there are no direct contraindications to surgical excision, cryotherapy and curettage,12therefore the choice of treatment will depend on clinical judgement. For any BCC for which non-surgical treatments are considered, treatment should be compared with surgery when discussing with patients the likelihood of complete clearance and the risk of recurrence.
Risk of haematoma, infection and wound dehiscence and unacceptable cosmetic outcomes such as deformity, variation in pigmentation, hypertrophic or keloid scarring (especially for lesions of the upper chest and arms) are some of the disadvantages of surgical interventions that may favour other methods.4Other patient-related factors such as general fitness, coexisting serious medical conditions or the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication also influence the choice of treatment.3 Patient choice, local availability of specialised services and the experience of the treating clinician are other factors to be considered.
Pharmacokinetic Properties
In patients with solar keratosis (n = 58), only minimal systemic absorption of imiquimod across the affected skin was observed when Aldara was applied three times per week for 16 weeks. At the end of week 16, a urinary recovery of imiquimod and its metabolites of less than 0.6% of the applied dose were observed in these patients. Peak serum imiquimod concentrations were observed between 9 and 12 hours and were approximately 0.1, 0.2 and 1.6 nanogram/mL for applications to face (12.5 mg imiquimod, 4 actuations or 1 sachet), scalp (25 mg, 8 actuations or 2 sachets) and hands/ arms (75 mg, 1 pump or 6 sachets) respectively. A small number of systemic adverse events such as 'flu-like' symptoms that could be associated with innate immune response activity (IFN induction) were reported (e.g. 'flu-like' symptoms 4/58). These were mild and no dose response was observed. An apparent terminal half-life of imiquimod was approximately 10 times greater than the 2 hour half-life seen following subcutaneous application, suggesting prolonged retention of imiquimod in the skin for greater than 24 hours after the cream is removed. Percutaneous absorption of imiquimod following topical administration of Aldara has been studied over a wide spectrum of skin types, from keratinised skin of genital warts to intact healthy skin to the lesions of sun damaged skin. The results from these studies should also encompass the likely pharmacokinetics of imiquimod across the affected skin of patients with sBCC. The percutaneous penetration of imiquimod following topical application of Aldara for 8-12 hours was minimal ( 14 ] labeled Aldara was recovered in the urine and faeces. Radioactive imiquimod levels could not be quantified in the serum of these subjects. In patients with genital/ perianal warts (n = 12) treated with Aldara three times a week for 16 weeks median imiquimod peak serum concentrations of approximately 0.1 and 0.3 nanogram/mL were observed during the study. Median urinary recoveries of imiquimod and its metabolites following the last dose of week 16 were approximately 0.09% and 1.2% of the dose for males and females, respectively, indicating only minimal systemic absorption of Aldara.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Aldara?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Aldara. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.
Description
Aldara (imiquimod) is an immune response modifier. http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28871935/ Aldara is used to treat actinic keratosis (a condition caused by too much sun exposure) on the face and scalp.Aldara (for the skin) is also used to treat a minor form of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma, when surgery would not be an appropriate treatment.Aldara also treats genital warts that appear on the outside of the body, but this medicine is not a cure for genital warts. Imiquimod may be used in adults and children who are at least 12 years.Aldara may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.