FDA Label for Imiquimod

1.1 Actinic Keratosis

Imiquimod Cream USP, 3.75% is indicated for the topical treatment of clinically typical visible or palpable, actinic keratoses (AK), of the full face or balding scalp in immunocompetent adults.

1.2 External Genital Warts

Imiquimod Cream USP, 3.75% is indicated for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts (EGW)/condyloma acuminata in patients 12 years or older.

1.3 Limitations Of Use

Imiquimod cream has been evaluated in children ages 2 to 12 years with molluscum contagiosum and these studies failed to demonstrate efficacy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Treatment with imiquimod cream has not been studied for prevention or transmission of HPV.

1.4 Unevaluated Populations

The safety and efficacy of imiquimod cream have not been established in the treatment of:

• urethral, intra-vaginal, cervical, rectal or intra-anal human papilloma viral disease.
• actinic keratosis when treated with more than one 2-cycle treatment course in the same area.
• patients with xeroderma pigmentosum.
• superficial basal cell carcinoma.
• immunosuppressed patients.

2 Dosage And Administration

For topical use only; imiquimod cream is not for oral, ophthalmic, intra-anal or intravaginal use.

2.1 Actinic Keratosis

Imiquimod cream should be applied once daily before bedtime to the skin of the affected area (either entire face or balding scalp) for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no-treatment period. Imiquimod cream should be applied as a thin film to the entire treatment area and rubbed in until the cream is no longer visible. Up to 0.5 grams (2 packets) of imiquimod cream may be applied to the treatment area at each application. Imiquimod cream should be left on the skin for approximately 8 hours, after which time the cream should be removed by washing the area with mild soap and water. The prescriber should demonstrate the proper application technique to maximize the benefit of imiquimod cream therapy.

Patients should wash their hands before and after applying imiquimod cream.

Avoid use in or on the lips and nostrils. Do not use in or near the eyes.

Local skin reactions in the treatment area are common [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. A rest period of several days may be taken if required by the patient's discomfort or severity of the local skin reaction. However, neither 2-week treatment cycle should be extended due to missed doses or rest periods. A transient increase in lesion counts may be observed during treatment. Response to treatment cannot be adequately assessed until resolution of local skin reactions. The patient should continue dosing as prescribed. Treatment should continue for the full treatment course even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone. Lesions that do not respond to treatment should be carefully re-evaluated and management reconsidered.

Prescribe no more than 2 boxes (56 packets) for the total 2-cycle treatment course. Partially-used packets should be discarded and not reused.

2.2 External Genital Warts

Patients should apply a thin layer of imiquimod cream once a day to the external genital/perianal warts until total clearance or for up to 8 weeks. Patients should use up to 0.25 grams (one packet) at each application, which is a sufficient amount of cream to cover the wart area. Imiquimod cream should be applied prior to normal sleeping hours and left on the skin for approximately 8 hours, then removed by washing the area with mild soap and water. The prescriber should demonstrate the proper application technique to maximize the benefit of imiquimod cream therapy.

Patients should wash their hands before and after applying imiquimod cream.

Local skin reactions at the treatment site are common [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)], and may necessitate a rest period of several days; resume treatment once the reaction subsides. Non-occlusive dressings such as cotton gauze or cotton underwear may be used in the management of skin reactions.

Prescribe up to 2 boxes (56 packets) for the total treatment course. Use of excessive amounts of cream should be avoided. Partially-used packets should be discarded and not reused.

3 Dosage Forms And Strengths

Imiquimod Cream USP, 3.75% is a white to slightly yellow cream available in single-use packets. Each packet administers 0.25 grams of cream.

4 Contraindications

None.

5.1 Local Skin Reactions

Intense local skin reactions including skin weeping or erosion can occur after few applications of imiquimod cream and may require an interruption of dosing. [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Adverse Reactions (6)]. Imiquimod cream has the potential to exacerbate inflammatory conditions of the skin, including chronic graft versus host disease.

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 for severe vulvar swelling.

Administration of imiquimod cream is not recommended until the skin is healed from any previous drug or surgical treatment.

5.2 Systemic Reactions

Flu-like signs and symptoms may accompany, or even precede, local skin reactions and may include fatigue, nausea, fever, myalgias, arthralgias, malaise and chills. An interruption of dosing and an assessment of the patient should be considered [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

Lymphadenopathy occurred in 2% of subjects with actinic keratosis treated with Imiquimod Cream, 3.75% [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. This reaction resolved in all subjects by 4 weeks after completion of treatment.

5.3 Ultraviolet Light Exposure Risks

Exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) should be avoided or minimized during use of imiquimod cream. Patients should be warned to use protective clothing (e.g., a hat) when using imiquimod cream. Patients with sunburn should be advised not to use imiquimod cream until fully recovered. Patients who may have considerable sun exposure, e.g., due to their occupation, and those patients with inherent sensitivity to sunlight should exercise caution when using imiquimod cream.

In an animal photo-carcinogenicity study, imiquimod cream shortened the time to skin tumor formation [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. The enhancement of ultraviolet carcinogenicity is not necessarily dependent on phototoxic mechanisms. Therefore, patients should minimize or avoid natural or artificial sunlight exposure.

5.4 Increased Risk Of Adverse Reactions With Concomitant Imiquimod Use

Concomitant use of imiquimod cream and any other imiquimod products, in the same treatment area, should be avoided since they contain the same active ingredient (imiquimod) and may increase the risk for and severity of local skin reactions.

The safety of concomitant use of imiquimod cream and any other imiquimod products has not been established and should be avoided since they contain the same active ingredient (imiquimod) and may increase the risk for and severity of systemic reactions.

5.5 Immune Cell Activation In Autoimmune Disease

Imiquimod cream should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing autoimmune conditions because imiquimod activates immune cells [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

6 Adverse Reactions

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience: Actinic Keratosis

The data described below reflect exposure to imiquimod cream or vehicle in 479 subjects enrolled in two double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials. Subjects applied up to two packets of imiquimod cream or vehicle daily to the skin of the affected area (either entire face or balding scalp) for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no treatment period.

Local skin reactions were recorded as adverse reactions only if they extended beyond the treatment area, if they required any medical intervention, or they resulted in patient discontinuation from the study. The incidence and severity of selected local skin reactions are shown in Table 2.

Overall, in the clinical trials, 11% (17/160) of subjects in the imiquimod cream, 3.75% arm, 7% (11/160) of subjects in the imiquimod cream, 2.5% arm, and 0% in the vehicle cream arm required rest periods due to adverse local skin reactions.

Other adverse reactions observed in subjects treated with imiquimod cream include: application site bleeding, application site swelling, chills, dermatitis, herpes zoster, insomnia, lethargy, myalgia, pancytopenia, pruritus, squamous cell carcinoma, and vomiting.

6.2 Clinical Trials Experience: External Genital Warts

In two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies 602 subjects applied up to one packet of imiquimod cream or vehicle daily for up to 8 weeks.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions were application site reactions and local skin reactions. Selected adverse reactions are listed in Table 3.

Local skin reactions were recorded as adverse reactions only if they extended beyond the treatment area, if they required any medical intervention, or they resulted in patient discontinuation from the study. The incidence and severity of selected local skin reactions are shown in Table 4.

The frequency and severity of local skin reactions were similar in both genders, with the following exceptions: a) flaking/scaling occurred in 40% of men and in 26% of women and b) scabbing/crusting occurred in 34% of men and in 18% of women.

In the clinical trials, 32% (126/400) of subjects who used imiquimod cream and 2% (4/202) of subjects who used vehicle cream discontinued treatment temporarily (required rest periods) due to adverse local skin reactions, and 1% (3/400) of subjects who used imiquimod cream discontinued treatment permanently due to local skin/application site reactions.

Other adverse reactions reported in subjects treated with imiquimod cream include: rash, back pain, application site rash, application site cellulitis, application site excoriation, application site bleeding, scrotal pain, scrotal erythema, scrotal ulcer, scrotal edema, sinusitis, nausea, pyrexia, and influenza-like symptoms.

6.3 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of imiquimod. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Application Site Disorders: tingling at the application site

Body as a Whole: angioedema

Cardiovascular: capillary leak syndrome, cardiac failure, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary edema, arrhythmias (tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, palpitations), chest pain, ischemia, myocardial infarction, syncope

Endocrine: thyroiditis

Gastro-Intestinal System Disorders: abdominal pain

Hematological: decreases in red cell, white cell and platelet counts (including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), lymphoma

Hepatic: abnormal liver function

Infections and Infestations: herpes simplex

Musculo-Skeletal System Disorders: arthralgia

Neuropsychiatric: agitation, cerebrovascular accident, convulsions (including febrile convulsions), depression, insomnia, multiple sclerosis aggravation, paresis, suicide

Respiratory: dyspnea

Urinary System Disorders: proteinuria, urinary retention, dysuria

Skin and Appendages: exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, hyperpigmentation, hypertrophic scar, hypopigmentation

Vascular: Henoch-Schonlein purpura syndrome

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C:

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Imiquimod cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

The animal multiples of human exposure calculations were based on daily dose comparisons for the reproductive toxicology studies described in this section and in Section 13.1. The animal multiples of human exposure were based on weekly dose comparisons for the carcinogenicity studies described in Section 13.1. For the animal multiple of human exposure ratios presented in this section and Section 13.1, the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) was set at 2 packets (500 mg cream) per treatment of actinic keratosis with imiquimod cream (imiquimod 3.75%, 18.75 mg imiquimod) for BSA comparison. The maximum human AUC value obtained in the treatment of external genital and perianal warts was higher than that obtained in the treatment of actinic keratosis and was used in the calculation of animal multiples of MRHD that were based on AUC comparison.

Systemic embryofetal development studies were conducted in rats and rabbits. Oral doses of 1, 5 and 20 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered during the period of organogenesis (gestational days 6 to 15) to pregnant female rats. In the presence of maternal toxicity, fetal effects noted at 20 mg/kg/day (163× MRHD based on AUC comparisons) included increased resorptions, decreased fetal body weights, delays in skeletal ossification, bent limb bones, and two fetuses in one litter (2 of 1567 fetuses) demonstrated exencephaly, protruding tongues and low-set ears. No treatment related effects on embryofetal toxicity or teratogenicity were noted at 5 mg/kg/day (28× MRHD based on AUC comparisons).

Intravenous doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered during the period of organogenesis (gestational days 6 to 18) to pregnant female rabbits. No treatment related effects on embryofetal toxicity or teratogenicity were noted at 2 mg/kg/day (2.1× MRHD based on BSA comparisons), the highest dose evaluated in this study, or 1 mg/kg/day (115× MRHD based on AUC comparisons).

A combined fertility and peri- and post-natal development study was conducted in rats. Oral doses of 1, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered to male rats from 70 days prior to mating through the mating period and to female rats from 14 days prior to mating through parturition and lactation. No effects on growth, fertility, reproduction or post-natal development were noted at doses up to 6 mg/kg/day (25× MRHD based on AUC comparisons), the highest dose evaluated in this study. In the absence of maternal toxicity, bent limb bones were noted in the F1 fetuses at a dose of 6 mg/kg/day (25× MRHD based on AUC comparisons). This fetal effect was also noted in the oral rat embryofetal development study conducted with imiquimod. No treatment related effects on teratogenicity were noted at 3 mg/kg/day (12× MRHD based on AUC comparisons).

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether imiquimod is excreted in human milk following use of imiquimod cream. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when imiquimod cream is administered to nursing women.

8.4 Pediatric Use

AK is a condition not generally seen within the pediatric population. The safety and effectiveness of imiquimod cream for AK in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

Safety and effectiveness in patients with external genital/perianal warts below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Imiquimod 5% cream was evaluated in two randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind trials involving 702 pediatric subjects with molluscum contagiosum (MC) (470 exposed to imiquimod; median age 5 years, range 2 to 12 years). Subjects applied imiquimod cream or vehicle 3 times weekly for up to 16 weeks. Complete clearance (no MC lesions) was assessed at Week 18. In Study 1, the complete clearance rate was 24% (52/217) in the imiquimod cream group compared with 26% (28/106) in the vehicle group. In Study 2, the clearance rates were 24% (60/253) in the imiquimod cream group compared with 28% (35/126) in the vehicle group. These studies failed to demonstrate efficacy.

Similar to the studies conducted in adults, the most frequently reported adverse reaction from 2 studies in children with molluscum contagiosum was application site reaction. Adverse events which occurred more frequently in imiquimod-treated subjects compared with vehicle-treated subjects generally resembled those seen in studies in indications approved for adults and also included otitis media (5% imiquimod vs. 3% vehicle) and conjunctivitis (3% imiquimod vs. 2% vehicle).

Erythema was the most frequently reported local skin reaction. Severe local skin reactions reported by imiquimod-treated subjects in the pediatric studies included erythema (28%), edema (8%), scabbing/crusting (5%), flaking/scaling (5%), erosion (2%) and weeping/exudate (2%).

Systemic absorption of imiquimod across the affected skin of 22 subjects aged 2 to 12 years with extensive MC involving at least 10% of the total body surface area was observed after single and multiple doses at a dosing frequency of 3 applications per week for 4 weeks. The investigator determined the dose applied, either 1, 2 or 3 packets per dose, based on the size of the treatment area and the subject's weight. The overall median peak serum drug concentrations at the end of week 4 was between 0.26 and 1.06 ng/mL except in a 2-year old female who was administered 2 packets of study drug per dose, had a C_max of 9.66 ng/mL after multiple dosing. Children aged 2 to 5 years received doses of 12.5 mg (one packet) or 25 mg (two packets) of imiquimod and had median multiple-dose peak serum drug levels of approximately 0.2 or 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. Children aged 6 to 12 years received doses of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or 37.5 mg (three packets) and had median multiple dose serum drug levels of approximately 0.1, 0.15, or 0.3 ng/mL, respectively. Among the 20 subjects with evaluable laboratory assessments, the median WBC count decreased by 1.4*10⁹/L and the median absolute neutrophil count decreased by 1.42*10⁹/L.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the 320 subjects treated with imiquimod cream in the AK clinical studies, 150 subjects (47%) were 65 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.

Clinical studies of imiquimod cream for EGW did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Of the 400 subjects treated with imiquimod cream, 3.75% in the EGW clinical studies, 5 subjects (1%) were 65 years or older.

10 Overdosage

Topical overdosing of imiquimod cream could result in an increased incidence of severe local skin reactions and may increase the risk for systemic reactions.

Hypotension was reported in a clinical trial following multiple oral imiquimod doses of >200 mg (equivalent to ingestion of the imiquimod content of more than 21 packets of imiquimod cream, 3.75%). The hypotension resolved following oral or intravenous fluid administration.

11 Description

Imiquimod Cream USP, 3.75% is intended for topical administration. Each gram contains 37.5 mg of imiquimod in an off-white oil-in-water vanishing cream base consisting of benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, glycerin, isostearic acid, methylparaben, polysorbate 60, propylparaben, purified water, sorbitan monostearate, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum, and xanthan gum.

Chemically, imiquimod is 1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazol[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine. Imiquimod has a molecular formula of C₁₄H₁₆N₄ and a molecular weight of 240.3. Its structural formula is:

Chemical Structure - imiquimod 01

Imiquimod Cream USP, 3.75% comes as premeasured packets containing 9.4 mg of imiquimod in 0.25 g of cream.

12.1 Mechanism Of Action

The mechanism of action of imiquimod cream in treating AK and EGW lesions is unknown.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of imiquimod cream are unknown.

Imiquimod is a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist that activates immune cells. Topical application to skin is associated with increases in markers for cytokines and immune cells.

Other

Actinic Keratosis

In a study of 18 subjects with AK comparing imiquimod cream, 5% to vehicle, increases from baseline in week 2 biomarker levels were reported for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11c, and CD68 for imiquimod cream, 5% treated subjects; however, the clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.

External Genital Warts

Imiquimod has no direct antiviral activity in cell culture.

Manufactured by: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Haifa Bay, Israel 2624761
Distributed by: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532

Issued: June, 2018
21195-0618-0

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Following dosing with 2 packets of imiquimod cream, 3.75% once daily (18.75 mg imiquimod/day) for up to three weeks, systemic absorption of imiquimod was observed in all subjects when imiquimod cream was applied to the face and/or scalp in 17 subjects with at least 10 AK lesions. The mean peak serum imiquimod concentration at the end of the trial was approximately 0.323 ng/mL. The median time to maximal concentrations (T_max) occurred at 9 hours after dosing. Based on the plasma half-life of imiquimod observed at the end of the study, 29.3±17 hours, steady-state concentrations can be anticipated to occur by day 7 with once daily dosing.

Systemic absorption of imiquimod (up to 9.4 mg [one packet]) across the affected skin of 18 subjects with EGW was observed with once daily dosing for 3 weeks in all subjects. The subjects had either a minimum of 8 warts (range 8 to 93) or a surface area involvement of greater than 100mm² (range 15 to 620mm² ) at study entry. The mean peak serum imiquimod concentration at Day 21 was 0.488 +/- 0.368 ng/mL. The median time to maximal concentrations (T_max) occurred 12 hours after dosing. Based on the plasma half-life of imiquimod observed at the end of the study, 24.1+/- 12.4 hours, steady-state concentrations can be anticipated to occur by day 7 with once daily dosing. Because of the small number of subjects present (13 males, 5 females) it was not possible to select out or do an analysis of absorption based on gender/site of application.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

In an oral (gavage) rat carcinogenicity study, imiquimod was administered to Wistar rats on a 2×/week (up to 6 mg/kg/day) or daily (3 mg/kg/day) dosing schedule for 24 months. No treatment related tumors were noted in the oral rat carcinogenicity study up to the highest doses tested in this study of 6 mg/kg administered 2×/week in female rats (7.1× MRHD based on weekly AUC comparisons), 4 mg/kg administered 2×/week in male rats (6.1× MRHD based on weekly AUC comparisons) or 3 mg/kg administered 7×/week to male and female rats (12× MRHD based on weekly AUC comparisons).

In a dermal mouse carcinogenicity study, imiquimod cream (up to 5 mg/kg/application imiquimod or 0.3% imiquimod cream) was applied to the backs of mice 3×/week for 24 months. A statistically significant increase in the incidence of liver adenomas and carcinomas was noted in high dose male mice compared to control male mice (21× MRHD based on weekly AUC comparisons). An increased number of skin papillomas was observed in vehicle cream control group animals at the treated site only.

In a 52-week dermal photo-carcinogenicity study, the median time to onset of skin tumor formation was decreased in hairless mice following chronic topical dosing (3×/week; 40 weeks of treatment followed by 12 weeks of observation) with concurrent exposure to UV radiation (5 days per week) with vehicle alone. No additional effect on tumor development beyond the vehicle effect was noted with the addition of the active ingredient, imiquimod, to the vehicle cream.

Imiquimod revealed no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic potential based on the results of five in vitro genotoxicity tests (Ames assay, mouse lymphoma L5178Y assay, Chinese hamster ovary cell chromosome aberration assay, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay and SHE cell transformation assay) and three in vivo genotoxicity tests (rat and hamster bone marrow cytogenetics assay and a mouse dominant lethal test).

Daily oral administration of imiquimod to rats, throughout mating, gestation, parturition and lactation, demonstrated no effects on growth, fertility or reproduction, at doses up to 25× MRHD based on AUC comparisons.

14.1 Actinic Keratosis

In two double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical studies, 479 subjects with AK were treatmed with either imiquimod cream, 3.75%, imiquimod cream, 2.5%, or vehicle cream. Studies enrolled subjects 18 years of age or older with 5 to 20 typical visible or palpable AK lesions of the face or scalp. Study cream was applied to either the entire face (excluding ears) or balding scalp once daily for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no-treatment period. Subjects then continued in the study for an 8-week follow-up period during which they returned for clinical observations and safety monitoring. Study subjects ranged from 36 to 90 years of age and 54% had Fitzpatrick skin type I or II. All imiquimod cream-treated subjects were Caucasians.

On a scheduled dosing day, up to two packets of the study cream were applied to the entire treatment area prior to normal sleeping hours and left on for approximately 8 hours. Efficacy was assessed by AK lesion counts at the 8-week post-treatment visit. All AKs in the treatment area were counted, including baseline lesions as well as lesions which appeared during therapy.

Complete clearance required absence of any lesions including those that appeared during therapy in the treatment area. Complete and partial clearance rates are shown in the tables below. Partial clearance rate was defined as the percentage of subjects in whom the number of baseline AKs was reduced by 75% or more. The partial clearance rate was measured relative to the numbers of AK lesions at baseline.

During the course of treatment, 86% (138/160) of Imiquimod Cream, 3.75% subjects experienced a transient increase in lesions evaluated as actinic keratoses relative to the number present at baseline within the treatment area.

14.2 External Genital Warts

In two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, 601 subjects with EGW were treated with 3.75% imiquimod cream, or a matching placebo cream. Studies enrolled subjects aged from 15 to 81 years. The baseline wart area ranged from 6 to 5579 mm² (median 60 mm²) and the baseline wart count ranged from 2 to 48 warts. Most subjects had two or more treated anatomic areas at baseline. Anatomic areas included: inguinal, perineal, and perianal areas (both genders); the glans penis, penis shaft, scrotum, and foreskin (in men); and the vulva (in women). Up to one packet of study cream was applied once daily. The study cream was applied to all warts prior to normal sleeping hours and left on for approximately 8 hours. Subjects continued applying the study cream for up to 8 weeks, stopping if they achieved complete clearance of all (baseline and new) warts in all anatomic areas. Subjects who achieved complete clearance of all warts at any time up to the Week 16 visit enter a 12 week follow-up period to assess recurrence.

Complete clearance was defined as clearance of all warts (baseline and new) in all anatomic areas within 16 weeks from baseline. The complete clearance rates are shown in Table 7. The proportions of subjects who achieved complete clearance at or before a given week (cumulative proportion) for the combined studies are shown in Figure 1. Complete clearance rates by gender for the combined studies are shown in Table 8.

Figure 1: Cumulative Proportion of Subjects Achieving Complete Clearance of External Genital Warts by a Given Week (Combined Studies)

Figure 1 - imiquimod 02

Of the 113 Imiquimod Cream, 3.75%-treated subjects who achieved complete clearance in the two studies, 17 (15%) subjects had a recurrence within 12 weeks.

No studies were conducted directly comparing the 3.75% and 5% concentrations of imiquimod cream in the treatment of external genital warts.

16 How Supplied/Storage And Handling

Imiquimod Cream USP, 3.75%, is white to slightly yellow in color and supplied in single-use packets which contain 0.25 g of the cream available as:

Box of 28 single-use packets – NDC 51672-4174-6

Storage And Handling

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Avoid freezing

17 Patient Counseling Information

"See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information)"

17.1 Instructions For Administration

Imiquimod cream should be used as directed by a physician. Imiquimod cream is for external use only. Contact with the eyes, lips, nostrils, anus and vagina should be avoided [see Indications and Usage (1) and Dosage and Administration (2)].

The treatment area should not be bandaged or otherwise occluded. Partially-used packets should be discarded and not reused. The prescriber should demonstrate the proper application technique to maximize the benefit of imiquimod cream therapy.

It is recommended that patients wash their hands before and after applying imiquimod cream.

17.2 Local Skin Reactions

Patients may experience local skin reactions during treatment with imiquimod cream. Potential local skin reactions include erythema, edema, erosions/ulcerations, weeping/exudate, flaking/scaling/dryness, and scabbing/crusting. These reactions can range from mild to severe in intensity and may extend beyond the application site onto the surrounding skin. Patients may also experience application site reactions such as itching, irritation or pain [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

Local skin reactions may be of such an intensity that patients may require rest periods from treatment. Treatment with imiquimod cream can be resumed after the skin reaction has subsided, as determined by the physician. However, for actinic keratosis, each treatment cycle should not be extended beyond 2 weeks due to missed doses or rest periods. For external genital warts, treatment should not be extended beyond 8 weeks due to missed doses or rest periods. Patients should contact their physician promptly if they experience any sign or symptom at the application site that restricts or prohibits their daily activity or makes continued application of the cream difficult.

Because of local skin reactions, during treatment and until healed, the treatment area is likely to appear noticeably different from normal skin. Localized hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation have been reported following use of imiquimod cream. These skin color changes may be permanent in some patients.

17.3 Systemic Reactions

Patients may experience flu-like systemic signs and symptoms during treatment with imiquimod cream. Systemic signs and symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, fever, myalgia, malaise, arthralgia, and chills [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. An interruption of dosing and an assessment of the patient should be considered.

17.4 Patients Being Treated For Actinic Keratosis (Ak)

Dosing is once daily before bedtime to the skin of the affected area (entire face or balding scalp) for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no-treatment period. However, the treatment period should not be extended beyond two 2-week treatment cycles due to missed doses or rest periods. Treatment should continue for the full treatment course even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

It is recommended that patients wash their hands before and after applying imiquimod cream. Before applying the cream, the patient should wash the treatment area with mild soap and water and allow the area to dry thoroughly.

It is recommended that the treatment area be washed with mild soap and water 8 hours following imiquimod cream application.

Most patients using imiquimod cream for the treatment of AK experience erythema, flaking/scaling/dryness and scabbing/crusting at the application site with normal dosing [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Use of sunscreen is encouraged, and patients should minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while using imiquimod cream [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Additional lesions may become apparent in the treatment area during treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

17.5 Patients Being Treated For External Genital Warts (Egw)

Dosing is once daily before bedtime to the skin of the affected wart areas. Imiquimod cream treatment should continue until there is total clearance of the genital/perianal warts or for up to 8 weeks.

It is recommended that the treatment area be washed with mild soap and water approximately 8 hours following imiquimod cream application.

It is common for patients to experience local skin reactions such as erythema, erosion, exudate, flaking/scaling, scabbing/crusting and edema at the site of application or surrounding areas.

Sexual (genital, anal, oral) contact should be avoided while imiquimod cream is on the skin. Application of imiquimod cream in the vagina is considered internal and should be avoided. Female patients should take special care if applying the cream at the opening of the vagina because local skin reactions on the delicate moist surfaces can result in pain or swelling, and may cause difficulty in passing urine.

Uncircumcised males treating warts under the foreskin should retract the foreskin and clean the area daily.

New warts may develop during therapy, as imiquimod cream is not a cure.

The effect of imiquimod cream on the transmission of genital/perianal warts is unknown.

Imiquimod cream may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms, therefore concurrent use is not recommended.

Should severe local skin reaction occur, the cream should be removed by washing the treatment area with mild soap and water.

Patient Information Imiquimod (Im I' Kwi Mod) Cream Usp, 3.75%

Important: For use on the skin only (topical). Do not use imiquimod cream in or on your eyes, mouth, anus or vagina or inside your nose.

Read the Patient Information that comes with imiquimod cream before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. If you do not understand the information, or have any questions about imiquimod cream, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What is imiquimod cream?

Imiquimod cream 3.75% is a prescription medicine for skin use only (topical) to treat actinic keratosis on the face or balding scalp in adults with a normal immune system.

Imiquimod cream, 3.75% is a prescription medicine for use on the skin only (topical) to treat external genital and perianal warts in people 12 years and older.

It is not known if imiquimod cream is safe and effective in the treatment of:

• human papilloma virus (HPV) disease of the urethra, the inside of the vagina (intravaginal), cervix, rectum, or inside of the anus (intra-anal)
• actinic keratosis, when treated with more than one 2-cycle treatment course in the same affected area
• people who have a weakened immune system
• xeroderma pigmentosum
• superficial basal cell carcinoma

It is not known if imiquimod cream is safe and effective for the treatment of actinic keratosis in children less than 18 years of age.

It is not known if imiquimod cream is safe and effective in children less than 12 years of age for external genital and perianal warts.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using imiquimod cream?

Before you use imiquimod cream, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have problems with your immune system
• are being treated or have been treated for actinic keratosis with other medicines or surgery. You should not use imiquimod cream until you have healed from other treatments
• have other skin problems or sunburn
• have any other medical conditions
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if imiquimod cream can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if imiquimod cream passes into your breast milk and if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use imiquimod cream

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you have had other treatments for actinic keratosis or genital or perianal warts. Imiquimod cream should not be used until your skin has healed from other treatments.

How should I use imiquimod cream?

Use imiquimod cream exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it. Imiquimod cream is for skin use only.

• Your healthcare provider will tell you where to apply imiquimod cream and how often and for how long to apply it for your condition. Do not apply imiquimod cream to other areas.
• Do not use more imiquimod cream than you need to cover the treatment area. Using too much imiquimod cream, or using it too often, or for too long can increase your chances for having a severe skin reaction or other side effects.
• Imiquimod cream should be applied once a day just before your bedtime.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you think imiquimod cream is not working for you.

Applying imiquimod cream:

• Wash the area where the cream will be applied with mild soap and water.
• Allow the area to dry.
• Wash your hands.
• Place the amount of cream to be used in your palm.
• Apply a thin layer of imiquimod cream only to the affected area or areas to be treated. Do not use more imiquimod cream than is needed to cover the treatment area.
• Rub the cream in all the way to the affected area or areas.
• After you apply imiquimod cream, wash your hands well.
• Leave the cream on the affected area or areas for the time prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not bathe or get the treated area wet before the prescribed time has passed.
• Do not leave imiquimod cream on your skin longer than prescribed.
• After about 8 hours, wash the treated area or areas with mild soap and water.
• If you forget to apply imiquimod cream, just apply the next dose of imiquimod cream at your regular time.

How do I use imiquimod cream packets?

• Open a packet of imiquimod cream just before use.
• Apply imiquimod cream as described above.
• After applying the imiquimod cream, safely throw away the opened packet so that children and pets can not get it.
• The opened packet should be thrown away even if all the imiquimod cream was not completely used.

When using imiquimod cream for actinic keratosis:

• Do not get imiquimod cream in or near your eyes, in or on your lips, or in your nose.
• If you get imiquimod cream in your mouth or in your eyes, rinse well with water right away.
• For actinic keratosis, imiquimod cream should be applied once daily to the skin of the affected area (either entire face or balding scalp) for two weeks, then stop using for two weeks, then applied once daily again for two weeks.
• If you have been prescribed imiquimod cream packets, do not use more than two packets for each daily application.

When using imiquimod cream for external genital warts:

• Do not get imiquimod cream in or on your anus or vagina.
• Apply a thin layer of imiquimod cream only to the affected area or areas to be treated. Do not use more imiquimod cream than is needed to cover the treatment area.
• Rub the cream into your skin until you can not see the imiquimod cream.
• Imiquimod cream is usually left on the skin for approximately 8 hours. Treatment should continue until the warts are completely gone or for up to 8 weeks.
• Uncircumcised males treating warts under their penis foreskin must pull their foreskin back and clean before treatment and clean daily during treatment.
• Female patients treating genital warts must be careful when applying imiquimod cream around the vaginal opening. Do not put imiquimod cream in your vagina.
• If you have been prescribed imiquimod cream packets, do not use more than one packet for each daily application.

What should I avoid while using imiquimod cream?

• Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other closed dressings.
• Cotton gauze dressings can be used. Cotton underwear can be worn after applying imiquimod cream to the genital or perianal area.
• Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds, and avoid sunlight as much as possible during treatment with imiquimod cream. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you go outside during daylight.
• Do not have sexual contact including genital, anal, or oral sex when imiquimod cream is on your genital or perianal skin. Imiquimod cream may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This means they may not work as well to prevent pregnancy.

What are the possible side effects of imiquimod cream?

Imiquimod cream may cause serious side effects, including:

• Local Skin Reactions: 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. You should take special care if applying the cream at the opening of the vagina because local skin reactions on the delicate moist surfaces can cause pain or swelling, and may cause problems passing urine. Tell your healthcare provider if this happens.
• Flu-like symptoms: Tell your healthcare provider if you have tiredness, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, muscle pain, and joint pain.

The most common side effects of imiquimod cream include:

• local skin reactions including: skin redness, scabbing, crusting, flaking, scaling, dryness, swelling
• headache
• itching at the treatment area
• tiredness
• nausea
• skin irritation
• pain at the treatment area

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of imiquimod cream. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Taro at 1-866-923-4914.

How do I store imiquimod cream?

• Store imiquimod cream at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
• Do not freeze.
• Safely throw away imiquimod cream that is out of date, unused or partially used.

Keep imiquimod cream and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General Information about imiquimod cream:

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in the patient information. Do not use imiquimod cream for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give imiquimod cream to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This patient information leaflet summarizes the most important information about imiquimod cream. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about imiquimod cream that is written for the health professionals.

What are the ingredients in imiquimod cream?

Active Ingredient: imiquimod

Inactive ingredients: benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, glycerin, isostearic acid, methylparaben, polysorbate 60, propylparaben, purified water, sorbitan monostearate, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum, and xanthan gum.

This patient information leaflet has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Manufactured by:
Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Haifa Bay, Israel 2624761
Distributed by:
Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532

Issued: June 2018
21195-0618-0

Principal Display Panel - 28 Packet Carton

NDC 51672-4174-6

Box of 28 Single
Use Packets

Net Wt. per Packet 0.25 g
Net Wt. per Box 7 g

Imiquimod
Cream USP 3.75%

FOR TOPICAL USE ONLY
NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC, ORAL, OR INTRAVAGINAL USE

Rx only

Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

TARO

Principal Display Panel - 28 Packet Carton - imiquimod 03