Apo-Imiquimod

Apo-Imiquimod Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Apo-Imiquimod's mechanism of action is via stimulation of innate and acquired immune responses, which ultimately leads to inflammatory cell infiltration within the field of drug application followed by apoptosis of diseased tissue. Apo-Imiquimod does not have direct antiviral activity. Studies of mice show that imiquimod may induce cytokines, including interferon-alpha (IFNA) as well as several IFNA genes (IFNA1, IFNA2, IFNA5, IFNA6, and IFNA8) as well as the IFNB gene. Apo-Imiquimod also induced the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha genes. In the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, Apo-Imiquimod appears to act as a toll-like receptor-7 agonist, and is thought to exert its anti-tumor effect via modification of the immune response and stimulation of apoptosis in BCC cells. In treating basal cell carcinoma it may increase the infiltration of lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages into the tumor lesion.

Apo-Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that acts as a toll-like receptor 7 agonist. Apo-Imiquimod is commonly used topically to treat warts on the skin of the genital and anal areas. Apo-Imiquimod does not cure warts, and new warts may appear during treatment. Apo-Imiquimod does not fight the viruses that cause warts directly, however, it does help to relieve and control wart production. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Apo-Imiquimod is also used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratoses. Apo-Imiquimod can also be used to treat certain types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma. Apo-Imiquimod is particularly useful on areas where surgery or other treatments may be difficult, complicated or otherwise undesirable, especially the face and lower legs.

Apo-Imiquimod
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Apo-Imiquimod
Generic	Imiquimod
Imiquimod Other Names	Imiquimod, Imiquimodum
Type
Formula	C₁₄H₁₆N₄
Weight	Average: 240.3036 Monoisotopic: 240.137496532
Groups	Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class	Immunosuppressant, Miscellaneous topical agents
Manufacturer
Available Country	Australia, Canada
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Apo-Imiquimod Cream is used for the topical treatment of:

Clinically typical, nonhyperkeratotic, nonhypertrophic actinic keratoses (AK) on he face or scalp in immunocompetent adults
Biopsy-confirmed, primary superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) in immunocompetent adults; maximum tumor diameter of 2.0 cm on trunk, neck, or extremities (excluding hands and feet), only when surgical methods are medically less appropriate and patient follow-up can be reasonably assured
External genital and perianal warts/condyloma acuminata

Apo-Imiquimod is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Actinic Keratoses of the face, Actinic Keratoses of the scalp, Condylomata Acuminata, Herpes Simplex Infection, Molluscum Contagiosum, Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma

How Apo-Imiquimod works

Dosage

Apo-Imiquimod dosage

Apo-Imiquimod Cream is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use

Actinic keratosis: 2 times per week for a full 16 weeks
Superficial basal cell carcinoma: 5 times per week for a full 6 weeks
External genital warts (EGW): 3 times per week until total clearance or a maximum of 16 weeks

Side Effects

Most common adverse reactions (incidence >28%) are application site reactions or local skin reactions: itching, burning, erythema, flaking/scaling/dryness, scabbing/crusting, edema, induration, excoriation, erosion, ulceration. Other reported reactions (≥ 1%) include fatigue, fever, and headache

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhoea and muscle pain.

Precaution

Intense local inflammatory reactions can occur (e.g., skin weeping, erosion). Dosing interruption may be required

Severe local inflammatory reactions of the female external genitalia can lead to severe vulvar swelling. Severe vulvar swelling can lead to urinary retention; dosing should be interrupted or discontinued.

Flu-like systemic signs and symptoms including malaise, fever, nausea, myalgias and rigors may occur. Dosing interruption may be required

Avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear sunscreen daily

Safety and efficacy have not been established for repeat courses of treatment to the same area for AK

Aldara Cream is not recommended for treatment of BCC subtypes other than the superficial variant, i.e., sBCC

Treatment of urethral, intra-vaginal, cervical, rectal or intra-anal viral disease is not recommended

Safety and efficacy in immunosuppressed patients have not been established

Food Interaction

Take with or without food.

Elimination Route

Well absorbed through skin (as a cream)

Half Life

20 hours (topical dose), 2 hours (subcutaneous dose)

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether imiquimod is excreted in human milk following use of Apo-Imiquimod Cream. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Apo-Imiquimod Cream is administered to nursing women.

Special Warning

Pediatric Use: AK and sBCC are not conditions generally seen within the pediatric population. The safety and efficacy of Apo-Imiquimod Cream for AK or sBCC in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established. Safety and efficacy in patients with external genital/perianal warts below the age of 12 years have not been established