Imiquimod( Keravort) is usually used for infectious and viral pathologies. The molecule is based on imiquimod, which has immunomodulating and immunostimulating effect.
The drug is especially recommended for patients prone to frequent recurrences of various kinds of viral pathologies. Often, Imiquimod is used in oncology for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas.
Composition, form and packaging
The main active substance of the drug is imichimod.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the drug is the company Glenmark Generics Ltd / India.
Indications for use
The use of Imiquodus is prescribed in therapy:
- Basal cell carcinoma;
- Genital warts, shaped like cauliflower and growing on a thin stalk;
- Keratosis of senile type - plaque-like benign formations with scaly covering;
- Papillomas;
- Molluscum contagiosum - viral skin pathology;
- Warts of various types and origin( genital or genital, etc.);
- Actinic keratosis.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in the presence of hypersensitivity to imikimodu, as well as patients under 18 years of age.
Mechanism of action
Imiquimod is one of the strongest inducers of the immune system, however, the exact mechanisms of action of this drug have not yet been determined.
Specialists have shown that immune cell structures under the influence of the drug are activated, resulting in increased production of cytokines such as interferon, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor-α or TNF-α.The drug activates B cells, NK cells, as well as cell structures of Langerhans.
In addition to immunomodulatory effects, the drug has an antiproliferative( cytostatic) effect.
In addition, by stimulating the expression of OGFR( opioid growth factor), the drug stops the development and growth of cancer cell structures.
Instructions for use Imiquimoda
For perianal warts and condylomata, the drug should be applied to the affected areas at night.
It should be on the skin for at least 7-10 hours.
Imiquimod is used three times a week. The duration of treatment continues until the visible signs of genital warts disappear, etc. The maximum duration of the therapeutic course is 4 months. A similar principle is used to treat actinic keratosis.
If after the termination of therapy after 3 months the tumor shows no reaction to the treatment, then another drug is selected.
Side effect of
Imiquimod has side effects that can affect various body structures:
- Digestion - nausea, in rare cases, anorexia and abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal lesions, tenderness in the anus;
- Musculoskeletal system - rarely worried about arthralgia and lumbar pain;
- Local reactions on the skin of , which often show pain and itching, erosions and erythemas, swelling and infections, peeling, etc. Less often, itching and dermatitis, eczema and folliculitis, hives and eczema can occur on the skin;
- The sexual system - rarely suffers, which is manifested by herpes, bacterial fungal infectious lesions, vulvitis and vaginitis, soreness in the penis and atrophic vaginitis, vaginal discomfort;
- Respiratory system - rhinitis and pharyngitis, but rarely;
- Nervous system structures of - often after use of the drug, patients experience headaches and dizziness, depressive conditions, irritability and insomnia, drowsiness and migraines;
- Hemorrhage - There are rare complications such as leukopenia or decreased hemoglobin, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia;
- Allergic disorders of - which are often manifested by fever or myalgia, fatigue and influenza symptoms, infection, hypertension and lymphadenopathy.
Overdose
There were no cases of excess dosage of the drug.
Special instructions
Pregnant to use a similar drug in treatment is allowed only if there are strict indications if the potential risks to the fetus are lower than the therapeutic benefit for the mother.
If in the application of the drug there is a need during the lactation period, the HS must be discontinued.
- Apply the cream only strictly to the affected areas.
- Imiquimod should not be used until the skin becomes healed after other types of therapeutic treatment.
- Do not use the cream on skin areas where there are open wounds or ulceration;
- At the time of treatment, it is recommended to avoid ultraviolet rays and to be fewer in the sun( here also include daylight lamps), because the claim for sunburn increases;
- Imiquimod does not have direct cytotoxic and antiviral effects, and therefore it is likely that recurrent appearance of perianal or genital condylomas is possible after treatment.
Interaction
Minimal percutaneous absorption of the drug components limits the ability to interact with systemically acting drugs.
Reviews
Alexander:
My wife and I used this cream to treat condyloma. Prior to this, various means were used, but the effect was temporary, and after 4 months of using Imiquimoda everything went away. More relapses were not. Not a bad tool.
Elena:
When I found condylomas on the genitals, I first treated them with oxalic ointment and burned propolis with alcoholic tincture. All has passed, but in three weeks condylomas have again got out on a former place. I repeated the treatment again, but a month later - again relapse, only much worse, because around the entrance to the vagina a whole cabbage patch appeared. On the advice of another doctor, Imiquimod was purchased. He underwent them 8 weeks. During the treatment there was a strong irritation on the labia, but soon everything went away. It was a natural reaction to the effect of the cream.
Price Imiquimoda
The average cost of Aldara cream( Imiquimod) in a pack of 12 bags is about 1870-2090 rubles.
Analogues of
Among the analogues of Imiquimod, the most well-known are preparations like Erazaban, Ziklar, etc.
Synonyms for
A similar active substance is present in such synonyms as:
- Aldara;
- Imichomod;
- Wartocide, etc.
Storage conditions
The preparation should be stored in dark and dry places at room temperature and no longer than the time specified on the package.