ZYCLARA CREAM (IMIQUIMOD)

Zyclara Cream Description

Although some sun exposure is good for us, too much can be dangerous as over time your skin can start to show brown or red scaly patches on your face or balding scalp. This is called actinic keratosis (AK) and besides being unsightly, these lesions have the potential to become a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Your doctor can prescribe Zyclara Cream (2.5% or 3.75%) as a topical solution to treat AK. With all the warnings in the media about skin cancer from over-exposure to the sun, many people are aware that sunscreen and protective clothing can help you avoid skin damage and the threat of skin cancer. However, it can take years for some of the sun damage to appear that was caused before the time most of us learned of the risks.

Let Zyclara Cream Work to Control Abnormal Cells

The active ingredient in Zyclara Cream called Imiquimod is known as an immune response modifier. When applied as directed, Zyclara Cream cooperates with your immune system. Evidence indicates that Zyclara cream activates Langerhans cells; these are cells that initiate an immune response of your skin. This results in the affected lesions being attacked by the B and T lymphocytes of your immune system to halt the unnatural growth of the scaly patches of actinic keratosis. Treatment usually consists of two weeks of applying Zyclara Cream followed by a two week rest period, and then repeated.

Conditions Treated by Zyclara Cream

Zyclara Cream (3.75%) was recently approved to treat external genital warts (EGW). Anogenital warts are caused by a virus, usually by a type of the human papillomavirus or HPV. Anogenital warts appear as small lumps on the outside of the vaginal area, around the outside of your rectum, or on your penis. The number of warts varies from one person to another and there are seldom any symptoms other than the appearance of these lumps.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection and it is possible to pass on the virus to your partner through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The genital warts take a long time to develop so your current partner may not even be the person that infected you. You should use condoms to minimize the risk of any sexually transmitted disease or infection and ask about the HPV vaccine if you or your son/daughter is between the ages of 9 and 26 years old.

Before Zyclara Cream is Prescribed

Consult your doctor to see if it is safe to apply Zyclara Cream if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and advise of any current medications you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This can help to determine if Zyclara Cream is the right topical drug for you.

Zyclara Cream Precautions

Zyclara Cream will not prevent you from passing on any sexually transmitted diseases, nor is it a cure for genital warts. Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight so use sunscreen after Zyclara Cream has been absorbed and wear protective clothing when outdoors. See your doctor for regular check-ups to monitor the progression of your treatment.

Possible Side Effects of Zyclara Cream

• Headache
• Cold sores
• Mild skin irritation at treated area
• Redness or flaking at treated area