Zyclara

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.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: occasionally, it may cause stinging and/or itching; it may cause tissues to break down at the site where the medication is used; it could cause water retention and swelling; it may cause local redness. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

2.5%
Each gram of off-white to faintly yellow cream contains Zyclara (Imiquimod) 25 mg (2.5%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: isostearic acid, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, glycerin, xanthan gum, purified water, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

3.75%
Each gram of off-white to faintly yellow cream contains Zyclara (Imiquimod) 37.5 mg (3.75%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: isostearic acid, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, glycerin, xanthan gum, purified water, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

Do not use Zyclara (Imiquimod) if you are allergic to Zyclara (Imiquimod) or any ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between Zyclara (Imiquimod) and any of the following:

• corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
• echinacea
• Leflunomide
• live vaccines (e.g., BCG, yellow fever)
• medications that suppress the immune system (such as medications for cancer or organ transplants, e.g., Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine, Methotrexate)
• Natalizumab
• Pimecrolimus
• other medications applied to the skin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Zyclara (Imiquimod). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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.

Use this product according to the package's instructions. WARNING: Some of the ingredients contained in this product may weaken latex condoms, making them prone to breakage. During treatment, avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun. This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you.