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Imiquimod Coupon - Imiquimod 5% packet

imiquimod

Generic Aldara
Used for Skin Cancer, Actinic Keratosis, Warts, HPV
Used for Skin Cancer, Actinic Keratosis, Warts, HPV

Imiquimod is a topical cream that works well for various skin conditions, including certain skin cancers and genital/anal warts. It takes a long time to work and often causes irritation. The instructions on how often you use the medication also depends on your skin condition and the strength of cream you're using.

Last reviewed on April 2, 2021
basics-icon

What is Imiquimod?

What is Imiquimod used for?

  • Face or scalp actinic keratosis (scaly precancerous spot or growth on the skin) in adults - all brands and strengths

  • Genital and anal warts in adults and children 12 years and older - Zyclara 3.75% and Aldara 5% only

  • Superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults - Aldara 5% only

How Imiquimod works

Imiquimod is a topical skin product. It's not exactly clear how the medication works, but it activates the immune system to fight off certain types of cancer, warts, and skin damage.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAldara, Zyclara
Drug ClassTopical skin product
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Imiquimod essentials

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Avg retail price
$306.03(save 90.28%)
GoodRx discount
$29.76
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Imiquimod?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Skin reaction (33% total), including itching (20%), burning (6%), bleeding, stinging, and pain
  • Common cold symptoms (15%)
  • Sinus inflammation (7%)
  • Headache (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Eczema
  • Skin cancer
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Back pain
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Fever
  • Viral infection
  • Chills
  • Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Hair loss

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe skin reactions
  • Difficulty urinating due to genital swelling
When do Imiquimod possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Itching, burning, and other skin reactions
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blisters on the skin

body aches or pain

chills

cough

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

itching in the genital or other skin areas

loss of voice

open sores or scabs on the skin

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

redness of the skin (severe)

scaling

shortness of breath or troubled breathing

skin rash

sneezing

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

tightness of the chest or wheezing

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain

bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

chest pain

cold flu-like symptoms

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dizziness

fainting

fast or irregular heartbeat

frequent urge to urinate

hoarseness

joint stiffness or swelling

lower back or side pain

lump in the abdomen or stomach

nervousness

persistent non-healing sore

pink growth on the skin

pounding in the ears

reddish patch or irritated area

severe headache

shiny bump on the skin

slow or fast heartbeat

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

white, yellow or waxy scar-like area

Incidence not known

Blue lips and fingernails

convulsions

coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum

dilated neck veins

extreme fatigue

fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

headache

irregular breathing

nausea or vomiting

pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw, or neck

slurred speech

sudden and severe inability to speak

suicide

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

temporary blindness

weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body

weight gain

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Confusion

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Burning or stinging of the skin (mild)

flaking of the skin

mild headache

pain, soreness, or tenderness of the skin (mild)

rash

redness of the skin (mild)

swelling at place of application

Less common

Back pain

lightening of the treated skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Imiquimod

thumbs-up

Pros

A first-choice treatment for genital and anal warts

A good option if you prefer treating your condition privately at home rather than getting in-office procedures

Available as a lower-cost, generic form

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to remember to wash off after the recommended amount of time (usually first thing in the morning)

Doesn't work as fast as lasers or surgery

Not the first-choice treatment for skin cancer

Skin reactions and irritation are pretty common.

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Imiquimod

pharmacist
  • It's important to use imiquimod exactly as prescribed. When you first start using this medication, your provider may show you how to apply it correctly in order to get the best effect.

    • Before applying imiquimod, wash the affected area(s) with soap and water, then let it dry completely for at least 10 minutes. Make sure to wash your hands beforehand too.

      • Apply imiquimod just before going to bed. Be sure to rub it in gently and completely, and leave it on the affected area(s) for about 8 hours (can be 6 to 10 hours if using Aldara for warts). Afterwards, remove the medication by washing with soap and water.

        • After applying imiquimod, wash your hands well to prevent it from getting on other parts of the body. Keep this medication away from your eyes, lips, and nostrils. If it gets in your eyes or anywhere that it doesn't belong, rinse well with water.

          • Do not place bandages or dressings over the areas where you have applied this medication, since this can lead to more side effects.

            • Skin redness, swelling, scabbing, crusting, and flakiness are typical side effects from using imiquimod. If the irritation is severe, wash the medication off with soap and water, and talk to your provider.

              • If you are getting Zyclara from a pump, you'll need to "prime" the pump the first time you use it. Push down a few times until cream starts to come out, like how you would start using a brand new bottle of lotion.

                • Since Aldara is not used every day, you may want to mark your calendar or set a reminder to remember to apply your dose as scheduled.

                  • Imiquimod packets are for single-use only. If there is any cream left in an opened packet, throw it out and do not reuse it. Throw away the Zyclara pump after you have finished your treatment.

                    • Imiquimod should only be used on the skin. Do not take it by mouth, or apply it on the eye or in the vagina.

                      • Tips for treating actinic keratosis (scaly precancerous spot or growth on the skin): Only use imiquimod to treat one area at a time - for example, only on the face, or only on the scalp, but not both at the same time. Try to stay out of the sun or any artificial sunlight, and if necessary, wear sunscreen or use protective hats and face coverings. Some areas of disease will become more noticeable when you first start this medication, but should go away with time.

                        • Tips for treating genital or anal warts: Avoid all types of sexual contact while you are using imiquimod to avoid giving other people side effects from the medication and also because this medication doesn't necessarily prevent spread of warts. Imiquimod can also make condoms and vaginal diaphragms work less effectively, so it's best not to use those types of protection until you are done with treatment. Imiquimod doesn't cure warts, so it's possible to get new warts while you are taking this medication. Do not put any of this medication inside the vagina or anus. If you are female, be extra careful about getting it on the most sensitive parts (unless those areas have warts) to avoid pain, swelling, and irritation. Let your provider know immediately if it affects your ability to urinate. If you are a male with genital warts near the tip of the penis and are not circumcised, remember to clean thoroughly under the foreskin every day.

                          • Tips for treating basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer): Aldara should only be used on skin cancer that's located on your torso, neck, arms (not hands), or legs (not feet). Your provider will tell you the right amount to use, but make sure the medication covers 1 cm around all the edges of the tumor to be certain that you have treated it fully. Stay out of the sun or any artificial sunlight, and if necessary, wear sunscreen or use protective hats and clothing. Follow-up with your provider regularly to make sure the tumor is healing appopriately.

                            faqs

                            Frequently asked questions about Imiquimod

                            How long does it take imiquimod to work?
                            Imiquimod takes awhile to work. Many people have to use it for a couple weeks or even a month before they start to really notice a difference in their condition. If you have used up all of your prescribed medication and your condition has not improved, contact your provider.
                            What happens if you leave imiquimod on for too long?
                            Leaving imiquimod on for longer than recommended can cause more severe skin irritation, and there's no guarantee that it will do a better job of treating your condition. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Leave it on the affected area(s) for about 8 hours (can be 6 to 10 hours if using Aldara for warts), then wash it off with soap and water.
                            Is imiquimod a form of chemotherapy?
                            Imiquimod is not a chemotherapy (chemo) medication. Chemotherapy medications treat cancer by killing specific cells or stopping them from growing and spreading. Imiquimod boosts your body's immune response to help remove abnormal skin cells causing conditions like warts and skin cancer.
                            Does imiquimod lower your immune sytem?
                            Imiquimod does not lower or "suppress" your immune system, so it doesn't make you more likely to get infections. This medication has not been studied in people who already have weakened immune systems.
                            Does imiquimod make you tired?
                            Tiredness (or fatigue) is a known side effect of imiquimod, though it's pretty rare. If you feel more tired than usual after starting this medication, or if you also notice flu-like symptoms, such as fever, aches, and chills, let your provider know.
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                            What are the risks and warnings for Imiquimod?

                            Imiquimod can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                            risk-warning

                            Skin inflammation

                            Severe irritation of the skin can occur after a few uses of imiquimod. If you previously had surgery or used a different medication, make sure that area of the skin has completely healed before starting imiquimod. Let your provider know immediately if you experience blisters, weeping, severe peeling, or if you are having trouble urinating due to genital swelling. You may have to stop using imiquimod until this inflammation goes away.

                            risk-warning

                            Flu-like symptoms

                            Imiquimod can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, aches, chills, or swollen lymph nodes. Let your provider know right away, as you may need to stop using imiquimod until you get better.

                            risk-warning

                            Sunburn

                            Imiquimod can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, including sunlamps and ultraviolet (UV) light. Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning, and if necessary, wear sunscreen and protective clothing. If you currently have a sunburn, wait until it heals before using imiquimod in that area. If your job or lifestyle requires that you be in the sun for long periods of time, or if you tend to get sunburned easily, talk to your provider about whether this medication is right for you.

                            risk-warning

                            Caution with actinic keratosis (Aldara only)

                            There are not enough studies to say if it is okay to use imiquimod on the same area of actinic keratosis for more than one treatment cycle (for Zyclara, one treatment cycle means two 2-week treatments with a 2-week break in between). Talk to your provider if your actinic keratosis didn't respond fully to the first treatment cycle or if the symptoms have returned. Do not use this medication on a large area (more than 5 cm x 5 cm) for actinic keratosis unless your provider tells you to do so.

                            risk-warning

                            Not for other types of skin cancer (Aldara only)

                            Imiquimod should only be used to treat basal cell carinoma that is on the outside surface of the skin, and located on your torso, neck, arms (not hands), or legs (not feet). It is not recommended for treating skin cancer on the face, head, anus, or genitals, or for more severe or deeper types of skin cancer. Follow-up with your provider regularly to make sure the tumor is healing appopriately.

                            risk-warning

                            Not for HPV (Aldara only)

                            Imiquimod does not cure human papilloma virus (HPV). This means that new warts can still form, and can be contagious to your sexual partners. If you have questions about HPV, talk to your provider.

                            risk-warning

                            Not for use with other imiquimod medications (Zyclara only)

                            If you are using other imiquimod-containing products, check with your provider first before using imiquimod. Using multiple forms of imiquimod raises your risk of side effects and makes the side effects more severe.

                            risk-warning

                            Caution in autoimmune disease (Zyclara only)

                            Imiquimod activates immune cells. If you have an autoimmune condition, or overactive immune system, talk to your provider before using this medication, since it can trigger a flare-up of your condition.

                            dosage

                            Imiquimod dosage forms

                            The average cost for 24 packets of 5% of Imiquimod is $29.76 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 90.28% off the average retail price of $306.03.
                            carton
                            Carton
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            28 packets of 3.75%1 carton$269.23$269.23
                            cream pump
                            Cream pump
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            7.5g of 3.75%1 pump$159.36$159.36
                            packet
                            Packet
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            5%24 packets$29.76$1.24

                            Typical dosing for Imiquimod

                            Actinic keratosis (adults)

                            • Zyclara 2.5% and 3.75%: Apply up to 0.5 grams (2 packets or 2 pumps) to the affected area once daily for 2 weeks. Afterwards, stop using the medication for 2 weeks, then use it again.

                            • Aldara 5%: Apply to the affected area 2 times per week (for example, Monday and Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday) for 16 weeks. Use no more than one packet of Aldara per dose.

                            Genital and anal warts in (adults and children 12 years and older)

                            • Zyclara 3.75%: Apply up to 0.25 grams (1 packet or 1 pump) to the wart once daily until the wart is totally gone, for no more than 8 weeks.

                            • Aldara 5%: Apply to the wart 3 times per week (for example, Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday) until the wart is totally gone, for no more than 16 weeks.

                            Superficial basal cell carcinoma (adults)

                            • Aldara 5%: Apply to the affected area 5 times per week (for example, Monday through Friday) for 6 weeks. Your provider will tell you the right amount to use depending on the size of the tumor.

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Imiquimod and other drugs

                            Imiquimod may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Imiquimod. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

                            drug-cost

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                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Imiquimod?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Imiquimod. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Imiquimod
                            Used for:
                            • Face or scalp actinic keratosis (scaly precancerous spot or growth on the skin) in adults - all brands and strengths

                            • Genital and anal warts in adults and children 12 years and older - Zyclara 3.75% and Aldara 5% only

                            • Superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults - Aldara 5% only

                            $29.76 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Used for:
                            $35.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Used for:
                            $32.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            images

                            Imiquimod images

                            white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            This medicine is White Packet.white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            This medicine is White Packet.white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            This medicine is White Packet.white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            This medicine is White Packet.white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream
                            This medicine is White Packet.white - Imiquimod 5% Topical Cream

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