Ease and
Efficacy versus
Warts and sBCC*
*Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
Sexually active individuals are prone to infections caused by the human
papillomavirus (HPV) - external genital warts (EGW) and superficial basal
cell carcinomas (sBCC). External genital wart, also known as condylomata
acuminata (CA), is one of the most common forms of sexually transmitted
diseases affecting the general population.1,2
Easy and effective remedy for EGW
Imiquimod (Aldara™), a topical immune response modifier, enhances both the innate
and acquired immune responses versus skin viruses and cancers.3 Imiquimod
(Aldara™) is a recommended non-invasive treatment for EGW and sBCC.4-8
Treatment of Patient With Genital Warts
Genital warts diagnosed.
Provide patient education and counselting.
Assess wart size, location, and, morphology.
≤10 warts
Wart area 0.5 to 1.0 cm2
Treat based on patient and
physician preferences:
• Patient-applied therapy
with podofilox (Condylox)
or Imiquimod (Aldara) is
preferred.
• Cryotherapy if patient
prefers.
• Podophyllin, TCA, laser, or
surgical excision for warts
not responding to
treatment.
>10 warts
Wart area > 1.0 cm2
Non-keratinized warts on
moist surfaces:
• Patient-applied therapy
with podofilox or
Imiquimod (Aldara) is
preferred.
• Podophyllin or TCA for
warts not respnding to
treatment.
Keratinized warts on dry
surfaces:
• Cryotherapy, surgical
excision, or other ablative
procedure is preferred.
Large keratinized warts:
> 10 mm in diameter
Treat based on patient and
physician preferences:
• Surgical excision as
primary therapy.
• Consider pre-treatment
with Imiquimod (Aldara)
to reduce wart size prior to
excision.
TCA = trichloroacetic acid
Vaginal, anal, or cervical warts:
Exclude squamous intraepithelial
lesions before treatment for
vaginal or cervical warts.
Treat based on guidelines
and patient and physician
preferences:
• Cryotherapy with liquid
nitrogen is preferred.
• TCA if patient or physician
prefers.
Adapted from reference 2
Even with various therapies, such as cryotherapy, laser, and surgical excision,
recurrence of warts commonly occur within 3 months in up to 67% of patients.1,2
Compared to more invasive and expensive regimens, Imiquimod (Aldara™) is a
well-tolerated and cost-effective treatment that prevents wart recurrence.2
Comparison of Treatments for Genital Warts
Treatment
Adverse effects and their incidence (%)*
Cryotherapy
Pain or blisters at application site (20)
Imiquimod
(Aldara)
Erythema (70), irritation, ulceration and pain
(< 10); burning, erosion, flaking, edema, induration, and
pigmentary changes at application site: minimal systemic
absorption
Burning, itching, and irritation at injection site:
systemic myalgias, headaches, fever, chills, leukopenia,
elevated transaminase levels (6), thrombocytopenia (1)
Interferon
(Intralesional)
Similar to surgical excision; risk for spreading human
papillomavirus via smoke plumes
Laser treatment
Podofilox
(Condylox)
Burning at application site (75), pain (50), inflammation (70); low risk
for systemic toxicity
Local irritation, erythema, burning, and soreness at application
site (75); possibly mutagenicity, oncogenicity.
Pain (100), bleeding (40), scarring (10); risk for burning and
allergic reaction from local anesthetic
Surgical excision
Trichloroacetic
acid
Placebo
Local pain and irritation; no systemic side effects
↕
Clearance
rate (%)
Risk of
recurrence
(%)↑
60 to 90
20 to 40
30 to 50
15
20 to 60
↕
25 to 50
5 to 50
45 to 80
5 to 30
30 to 80
20 to 65
35 to 75
20
50 to 80
35
0 to 55
↕
* - Rates of adverse effects are not compared with rates for placebo
↑ - Recurrence rates are approximated from ranges identified in references. Time until recurrence varies across studies, but
recurrence rates typically are measured at three months after treatment
↕ - insufficient data
Adapted from reference 2
EASY Home Applica�on (for EGW)
1
3
Wash hands and
treatment area with
mild soap and water
and allow to dry
thoroughly.
Rub in cream thoroughly and leave
undisturbed overnight
(6 to 10hrs).
2
Dosage Instruc�ons
Apply thin layer of cream
to the affected area at
bed�me 3 �mes per
week (e.g. Mon, Wed,
Fri) un�l wart has cleared
or up to 16 weeks.
4
Indica�on
Dosing
Dura�on
External
Genital
Warts
and Perianal
Warts
Once a day;
3 �mes per week
e.g.:
Mon / Wed / Fri
or
Sun / Tue / Thurs
Total wart
clearance or
maximum of
16 weeks
Once a day, 5
�mes per week
e.g.:
6 weeks
(condyloma acuminata)
Wash cream off with
mild soap and water
upon waking.
Avoid ge�ng Aldara™
cream in or near eyes
lips or nostrils.
Superficial
Basal Cell
Carcinoma
Monday through Friday
Clinical trial efficacy and safety results are based on single-use sachets for approved indica�ons.
First-line non-invasive treatment option for sBCC
BCC Treatment Strategy
Low-risk BCC
Superficial
Nodular
First-Line
Treatment:
First-Line
Treatment:
• Surgery
(3-4 mm)
• Imiquimod
• PDT
• Cryosurgery
• Curettage
• Laser
• Surgery
(3-4 mm)
• Curettage
High-risk BCC
Pluridisciplinary
committee
Intermediary-risk BCC
Second-Line
Treatment:
• Cryotheraphy
• PDT
• Imiquimod
Surgery
Possible
First-Line
Treatment:
• Surgery
(margins > 4
mm)
• Mohs Surgery
•2-step Surgery
Second-Line
Treatment:
If surgery not
possible (4 mm)
• Radiotheraphy
Third Line
Treatment:
Surgery Not
Possible
First-Line
Treatment:
• Mohs Surgery
• 2-step surgery
Second-Line
Treatment:
• Surgery
(margins 510mm)
• Radiotheraphy
• Chimiotheraphy
• Cryotheraphy
• PDT
• Imiquimod
PDT = photodynamic therapy
Adapted from reference 7.
Success Rate
Imiquimod
Surgery
3-Year
83.6% (178/213)
98.4% (185/188)
5-Year
82.5% (170/206)
97.7% (173/177)
relative risk of imiquimod success = 0.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.77-0.91, P < 0.001.
"The absolute response rate for topical imiquimod of 83% at five years, although clearly inferior to the 98% for excisional
surgery for low-risk BCC, might still represent a clinically useful treatment modality, because a cream treatment can be
carried out in a primary care setting, and some patients may also prefer the option of a cream rather than surgery."
- Hywel C. Williams, DSc, FMedSci, NIHR Senior Investigator, Professor of Dermato-Epidemiology and Co-Director of
the Centre of Evidence-Based Dermatology at the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.11
References:
1. Kodner C and Nasraty S. Management of genital warts. Am Fam Physician. 2004;70(12):-. Scheinfeld N and Lehman D. An evidence-based review of medical and surgical treatments of genital warts. Dermatol Online J. 2006;12(3):5.
3. Sapijaszko MJA. Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara®) in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Skin Therapy Letter. Available at: http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2005/10.6/1.html. Accessed December 19, 2017.
4. Moore RA, et al. Imiquimod for the treatment of genital warts: a quantitative systematic review. BMC Infect Dis. 2001;1:3.
5. Karnes JB, Usatine RP. Management of external genital warts. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(5):312-8.
6. Anogenital warts. 2015 Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/warts.htm. Accessed December 19, 2017.
7. van der Meijden WI, et al. 2016 European guideline for the management of vulval conditions. European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Available at: https://www.iusti.org/regions/europe/pdf/2017/Vulvalconditions.pdf.
Accessed December 19, 2017.
8. Bichakjian C, et al. Basal cell skin cancer, version 1.2016. Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2016;14:574-97.
9. Trakatelli M, et al. Update of the European guidelines for basal cell carcinoma management developed by the Guideline Subcommittee of the European Dermatology Forum. Eur J Dermatol. 2014;24(3):-. Williams HC, et al. Surgery versus 5% imiquimod for nodular and superficial basal cell carcinoma: 5-year results of the SINS randomized controlled trial. J Invest Dermatol. 2017;137(3):614-9.
11. Elsevier. Topical skin cream for treatment of basal cell carcinoma shows promise as an alternative to surgery. Science Daily. Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/-.htm. Accessed
December 19, 2017.
Please review Product Informa�on before prescribing. Product Informa�on available upon request from iNova Pharmaceu�cals.
ABRIDGED PRESCRIBING INFORMATION:
Imiquimod (Aldara™) Cream
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Treatment of external genital and perianal warts/condyloma acuminata in individuals 12 years old and above. Topical treatment of biopsy-confirmed, primary superficial
basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) in immunocompetent adults, with a maximum tumor diameter of 2.0 cm, located on the trunk (excluding anogenital skin), neck, or extremi�es (excluding hands and feet),
only when surgical methods are medically less appropriate and pa�ent follow-up can be reasonably assured. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Individuals with a history of sensi�vity reac�ons to any of its
components. It should be discon�nued if hypersensi�vity to any of its ingredients is noted. PRECAUTIONS: Local skin reac�ons such as erythema, erosion, excoria�on/flaking, and edema are
common. Should severe local skin reac�on occur, the cream should be removed by washing the treatment area with mild soap and water. Treatment with Aldara cream can be resumed a�er the skin
reac�on has subsided. Aldara cream administra�on is not recommended un�l genital/perianal �ssue is healed from any previous drug or surgical treatment. Aldara cream has a poten�al to
exacerbate inflammatory condi�ons of the skin. The safety and efficacy of trea�ng superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) lesions on the face, head and anogenital area have not been established.
The efficacy and safety of Aldara cream have not been established for pa�ents with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome or Xeroderma Pigmentosum. INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS: General Informa�on: 1.
This medica�on is to be used as directed by a physician. It is for external use only. Eye contact should be avoided. 2. The treatment area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as
to be occlusive. 3. Some reports have been received of localized hypopigmenta�on and hyperpigmenta�on following Aldara cream use. Follow-up informa�on suggests that these skin color chages
may be permanent in some pa�ents. Pa�ents Being Treated for External Genital Warts: 1. It is recommended that the treatment area should be washed with mild soap and water 6-10 hours
following Aldara cream applica�on. 2. It is common for pa�ents to experience local skin reac�ons: erythema, erosion, excoria�on/flaking and edema at the site of applica�on or surrounding areas.
Most skin reac�ons are mild to moderate. Severe skin reac�ons can occur and should be promptly reported to the prescribing physician. Should severe local skin reac�on occur, the cream should be
removed by washing the treatment area with mild soap and water. Treatment with Aldara cream can resumed a�er the skin reac�on has subsided. 3. Sexual (genital, anal, oral) contact should be
avoided while the cream is on the skin. 4. Applica�on of Aldara cream in the vagina is considered internal and should be avoided. Female pa�ents should take special care if applying the cream at
the opening of the vagina because local skin reac�ons on the delicate moist surfaces can result in pain or swelling, and may cause difficulty in passing urine. 5. Uncircumcised males trea�ng warts
under the foreskin should retract the foreskin and clean the area daily. 6. Pa�ents should be aware that new warts may develop during therapy, as Aldara cream is not a cure. 7. The effect of the
Aldara cream on the transmission of genital/perianal warts is unknown. 8. Aldara cream may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms, therefore concurrent use is not recommended. Pa�ents Being
Treated for Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma: 1. It is recommended that the treatment area be washed with mild soap and water 8 hours following Aldara cream applica�on. 2. Most pa�ents using
Aldara cream for the treatment of sBCC experience erythema, edema, indura�on, erosion, scabbing/crushing and flaking/scaling at the applica�on with normal dosing. These local skin reac�ons
generally decrease in intensity or resolve a�er cessa�on of Aldara cream therapy. Pa�ents may also experience applica�on site reac�ons such as itching and/or burning. Local skin reac�ons may be
of such an intensity that pa�ents may require rest periods from treatment. Treatment with Aldara cream can be resumed a�er the skin reac�on has subsided, as determined by the physician. 3.
During treatment and un�l healed, affected skin is likely to appear no�ceably different from normal skin. 4. It is prudent for pa�ents to minimize or avoid exposure to natural or ar�ficial sunlight. 5.
The clinical outcome of the therapy can be determined a�er regenera�on of the treated skin, approximately 12 weeks a�er the end of treatment. 6. Pa�ents should contact their physician if they
experience any sign or symptom at the applica�on site that restricts or prohibits their daily ac�vity or makes con�nued applica�on of the cream difficult. 7. Pa�ents with sBCC treated with Aldara
cream are recommended to have regular follow-ups to re-evaluate the treatment site. USE IN PREGNANCY: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Aldara cream is
not recommended for use during pregnancy. USE IN LACTATION: Aldara cream is not recommended for use during lacta�on. It is unknown whether topically applied imiquimod is excreted in
breastmilk. ADVERSE EFFECTS: The most commonly reported adverse reac�ons are edema, erosion, erythema, flaking/scaling, indura�on, scabbing/crushing, ulcera�on and vesicles. Applica�on site
disorders: Wart Site Reac�ons (burning, hypopigmenta�on, irrita�on, itching, pain, rash, sensi�vity, soreness, s�nging, tenderness); Remote Site Reac�ons: (bleeding, burning, itching, pain,
tenderness, �nea cruris); Body as a Whole: fa�gue, fever, influenza-like symptoms; Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: headache; Gastrointes�nal System Disorders: diarrhea; Musculoskeletal System Disorders: myalgia. DRUG INTERACTION: It is unlikely that drug interac�ons will occur since imiquimod has limited systemic availability when applied topically. DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION: External Genital Warts: Aldara cream is applied 3 �mes per week, prior to normal sleeping hours, and le� on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. Aldara cream treatment should con�nue
un�l there is total clearance of the genital/perianal warts or for a maximum of 16 weeks. Local skin reac�ons (erythema) at the treatment site are common. A rest period of several days may be taken
if required by the pa�ent’s discomfort or severity of the local skin reac�on. Treatment may resume once the reac�on subsides. Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma: Aldara cream should be applied 5
�mes per week for six weeks to a biopsy-confirmed superficial basal cell carcinoma. The target tumor should have a maximum diameter of no more than 2 cm and be located on the trunk (excluding
anogenital skin), neck or extremi�es (excluding hands and feet). The treatment area should include a 1 cm margin of skin around the tumor. Aldara cream is to be applied 5 �mes per week, prior to
normal sleeping hours, and le� on the skin for approximately 8 hours. Before applying the cream, the pa�ent should wash the treatment area with mild soap and water and allow the area to dry
thoroughly. Sufficient cream should be applied to cover the treatment area, including one cen�meter of skin surrounding the tumor. A thin layer is applied to the wart/treatment area and rubbed in
un�l the cream is no longer visible. The applica�on site is not to be occluded. Following the treatment period, cream should be removed by washing the treatment area with mild soap and water.
Hand washing before and a�er the cream applica�on is recommended. AVAILABLE FORMS: 50mg/g (5%) cream supplied in boxes of 12 single-use sachets or packets each containing 250mg of the
cream. ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION: Topical. SPECIAL PATIENT GROUPS: Pediatric use: Safety and efficacy in pa�ents with external genital/perianal warts below the age of 12 years have not been
established, sBCC is not generally seen within pediatric popula�on. The safety and efficacy of Aldara cream for sBCC in pa�ents less than 18 years of age have not been established. Geriatric use: No
other clinical experience has iden�fied differences in responses between the elderly and younger pa�ents, but greater sensi�vity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Aldara cream is not
recommended for use during pregnancy or lacta�on.
Manufactured by:
3M Healthcare Limited
Derby Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5SF, United Kingdom
For: iNova Pharmaceu�cals (Aust) Pty Ltd.
9-15 Chilvers Road, Thornleigh, NSW 2120 Australia
Imported and Distributed by: Metro Drug Inc.
Compound Mañalac Ave., Bagumbayan, Taguig City
Philippines 1632
Addi�onal informa�on is available upon request from