Actinic keratosis

Active Ingredient: Imiquimod

Indication for Imiquimod

Population group: only adults (18 years old or older)

Clinically typical, nonhyperkeratotic, nonhypertrophic actinic keratoses (AKs) on the face or scalp in immunocompetent adult patients when size or number of lesions limit the efficacy and/or acceptability of cryotherapy and other topical treatment options are contraindicated or less appropriate.

For this indication, competent medicine agencies globally authorize below treatments:

1 spread once every other day

Route of admnistration

Cutaneous

Defined daily dose

1 - 1 {spreads}

Dosage regimen

From 1 To 1 {spreads} once every 2 day(s)

Detailed description

Treatment should be initiated and monitored by a physician. Imiquimod cream should be applied 3 times per week (example: Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for four weeks prior to normal sleeping hours, and left on the skin for approximately 8 hours. Sufficient cream should be applied to cover the treatment area. After a 4-week treatment-free period, clearance of AKs should be assessed. If any lesions persist, treatment should be repeated for another four weeks. The maximum recommended dose is one sachet.

An interruption of dosing should be considered if intense local inflammatory reactions occur or if infection is observed at the treatment site. In this latter case, appropriate other measures should be taken. Each treatment period should not be extended beyond 4 weeks due to missed doses or rest periods.

If the treated area does not show complete clearance at a follow-up examination about 8 weeks after the last 4-weeks course of treatment, an additional 4-weeks course of imiquimod treatment may be considered.

A different therapy is recommended if the treated lesion(s) shows insufficient response to imiquimod.

Actinic keratosis lesions that have cleared after one or two courses of treatment and subsequently recur can be re-treated with one or two further courses of imiquimod cream following an at least 12 weeks treatment pause.

Dosage considerations

Before applying imiquimod cream, patients should wash the treatment area with mild soap and water and dry thoroughly. Sufficient cream should be applied to cover the treatment area. The cream should be rubbed into the treatment area until the cream vanishes. The cream should be applied prior to normal sleeping hours and remain on the skin for approximately 8 hours. During this period, showering and bathing should be avoided. After this period it is essential that imiquimod cream is removed with mild soap and water. Sachets should not be re-used once opened. Hands should be washed carefully before and after application of cream.

Active ingredient

Imiquimod

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier. Saturable binding studies suggest a membrane receptor for imiquimod exists on responding immune cells. Imiquimod has no direct antiviral activity.

Read more about Imiquimod

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