Zyclara Cream Pump (Imiquimod)

Indications

Zyclara Cream Pump is a prescription topical cream used to treat genital warts or actinic keratosis. It can be used to treat warts on the outside of the genitals/anus.

The cream contains the active ingredient imiquimod. Imiquimod belongs to a group of drugs called immune response modifiers. It works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight the virus that causes genital warts and to attack abnormal cells that cause actinic keratosis.

Use and Dosage

Zyclara cream is dispensed through a metered-dose pump, which administers a consistent and accurate amount of cream with each use. The pump is available in assorted sizes, including a 7.5-gram pump bottle. It is applied once daily to the affected area on the face or balding scalp. The recommended duration of treatment is for 2 cycles of 2 weeks each, with a 2-week break in between cycles.

To use Zyclara Cream Pump for the treatment of genital warts or actinic keratosis, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Here are the general steps for using the cream:

1. Wash your hands and the affected area of skin with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly.
2. Remove the cap from the pump bottle and prime the pump by pressing it down several times until cream is dispensed.
3. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area of skin once a day at bedtime.
4. Gently rub the cream into the skin until it is absorbed.
5. Wash your hands immediately after applying the cream.
6. Leave the cream on the skin for up to 8 hours, and then wash it off with mild soap and water.
7. Repeat the treatment for 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms.

Avoid getting the cream in your eyes, mouth, or nose, and avoid sexual contact while the cream is on your skin. Additionally, you should avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light while using the cream and protect the treated area of skin from direct sunlight and wear protective clothing.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Zyclara Cream Pump (Imiquimod):

• Back pain
• Chest pain
• Cold sores
• Cold symptoms (stuffy nose sneezing sore throat)
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fever blisters
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Treatment area skin reactions (irritation pain itching dryness flaking scabbing crusting redness hardening of skin changes in color of treated skin)
• Vaginal itching or discharge

Serious Side Effects of Zyclara Cream Pump (Imiquimod):

• Flu-like symptoms
• Local skin reactions
• Serious eye symptoms such as: sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms such as: fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Skin drainage (weeping) or breakdown of the outer layer of your skin (erosion)
• Swelling outside of the vagina (vulvar swelling) may happen in female patients

Forms and Strengths

Zyclara Cream Pump (Imiquimod) is available in the following forms and strength:

Zyclara Cream Pump: Pump bottle

• 3.75%

Cautions

• Zyclara Cream Pump is for external use only and should not be used on open wounds or mucous membranes.
• Avoid getting the cream in your eyes, mouth, or nose, and wash hands immediately after applying the cream.
• Do not use Zyclara Cream Pump for longer than prescribed by your healthcare provider, as overuse may increase the risk of side effects or complications.
• Zyclara Cream Pump may cause skin reactions, including redness, itching, swelling, or blistering at the site of application. If these symptoms are severe, contact your healthcare provider.
• Zyclara Cream Pump should be used with caution in patients with weakened immune systems, as it may affect the body's ability to fight infections.
• Zyclara Cream Pump may increase the risk of sunburn, protect the treated area of skin from sunlight or wear protective clothing.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Zyclara Cream Pump, as the safety of the cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established.
• Do not use Zyclara Cream Pump if you have allergies to any of its ingredients and inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you may have before using the cream.
• Zyclara Cream Pump may interact with certain medications or medical conditions, inform your healthcare provider of any other medications or medical conditions you may have before using the cream.
• Zyclara Cream Pump may weaken condoms and diaphragms, potentially reducing their effectiveness as a birth control method or protection against sexually transmitted infections.
• Zyclara Cream Pump is not recommended for use in patients under the age of 18 years.
• Zyclara Cream Pump may cause flu-like symptoms, including headache, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, particularly during the first few days of treatment. These symptoms should improve over time, but if they persist or become severe, contact your healthcare provider.
• Zyclara Cream Pump may cause severe skin reactions, including skin breakdown or ulceration, in some patients. If you experience these symptoms, stop using the cream and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Zyclara Cream Pump may interact with certain cosmetic or skin care products, including other topical medications, so inform your healthcare provider of any other products you are using before using the cream.
• Do not apply Zyclara Cream Pump to areas of skin that are sunburned, irritated, or damaged in any way.
• Zyclara Cream Pump should be stored at room temperature and kept out of reach of children. Do not use the cream after the expiration date printed on the package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for Zyclara Cream Pump to work?

The visible effects of treatment with Zyclara Cream Pump may not be seen for several weeks after treatment has begun. In some cases, improvement may not be seen until several months after treatment has ended.

Can Zyclara Cream Pump be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider before using Zyclara Cream Pump.

Can Zyclara Cream Pump be used for skin conditions other than actinic keratosis?

Zyclara Cream Pump is only indicated for the treatment of actinic keratosis on the face or balding scalp and should not be used for other skin conditions without first consulting with a healthcare provider.

Resources

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-153919-1350/zyclara-topical/imiquimod-3-75-topical/details
• https://www.goodrx.com/imiquimod/what-is
• https://mms.mckesson.com/product/929096/Valeant-Pharmaceuticals-99207027175
• https://www.drugs.com/dosage/zyclara.html
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=28cd9b5b-680b-480f-b33d-9c5b52bbf03d
• https://www.rxlist.com/zyclara-drug.htm