Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Imiquimod Cream, 5% is an immune response modifier for topical administration. Each gram contains 50 mg of imiquimod in an off-white oil-in-water vanishing cream base consisting of benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, glycerin, methylparaben, oleic acid, oleyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, propylparaben, purified water, stearyl alcohol, sorbitan monostearate, white petrolatum, and xanthan gum.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of Imiquimod Cream in treating AK, sBCC, and EGW lesions is unknown. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Actinic Keratosis In a trial of 18 subjects with AK comparing imiquimod cream to vehicle, increases from baseline in Week 2 biomarker levels were reported for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11c, and CD68 for imiquimod-treated subjects; however, the clinical relevance of these findings is unknown. Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma An open-label trial in 6 subjects with sBCC suggests that treatment with imiquimod cream may increase the infiltration of lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages into the tumor lesion; however, the clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Imiquimod Cream is indicated for the topical treatment of: • Clinically typical, nonhyperkeratotic, nonhypertrophic actinic keratoses (AK) on the face or scalp in immunocompetent adults. ( 1.1 ) • Biopsy-confirmed, primary superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) in immunocompetent adults with a maximum tumor diameter of 2.0 cm on trunk (excluding anogenital skin), neck, or extremities (excluding hands and feet), only when surgical methods are medically less appropriate and patient follow-up can be reasonably assured. ( 1.
Common Doses
- 10 mg
- 25 mg
- 40 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • For topical use only; not for oral, ophthalmic, intra-anal or intravaginal use. ( 2.1 ) • AK: Apply once daily before bedtime 2 times per week for a full 16 weeks to a contiguous area of approximately 25 cm 2 on the face or scalp. Apply no more than 1 packet at each application. ( 2.2 ) • sBCC: Apply once daily before bedtime 5 times per week for a full 6 weeks to a target tumor with 2 cm maximum diameter on the trunk (excluding anogenital skin), neck, or extremities (excluding hands and feet). Amount of Imiquimod Cream used based on target tumor diameter. ( 2.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Local Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Local Hypopigmentation Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Systemic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Most common application site or local skin adverse reactions (incidence >28%) are erythema, flaking/scaling/dryness, scabbing/crusting, edema, erosion/ulceration, induration, itching, burning, excoriation, vesicles.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.