Severe reaction to 5% imiquimod cream with excellent clinical and cosmetic outcomes

J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Apr;6(4):452-8.

Abstract

Imiquimod, an immune response modifier approved for the treatment of external genital warts, actinic keratoses, and superficial basal cell carcinoma, can induce a severe local inflammatory response. This phenomenon can accompany inappropriately overzealous, as well as entirely conventional, drug utilization. Despite strikingly brisk reactions, the 9 patients reported herein ultimately experienced excellent cosmetic and clinical outcomes. We report this series to alert clinicians of the good prognosis for a satisfactory outcome even when faced with extreme imiquimod cream-induced inflammation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / chemistry
  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aminoquinolines / administration & dosage
  • Aminoquinolines / adverse effects*
  • Aminoquinolines / chemistry
  • Cheilitis / chemically induced
  • Cheilitis / drug therapy
  • Drug Eruptions / drug therapy
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Keratosis / chemically induced
  • Keratosis / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ointments
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Aminoquinolines
  • Ointments
  • Imiquimod