Description
Vyloma, also known as Imiquimod, is a medication classed as an immune response modifier. It activates the body's immune system to target and fight certain skin conditions. Doctors prescribe Vyloma cream primarily for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts.
F act Table |
Formula | C14H16N4 |
License | US FDA |
Bioavailability | ~0.9% (topical) |
Legal status | Prescription only (?) |
Chemical Name | 1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine |
Elimination half-life | ~2 hours |
Dosage (Strength) | 3.75%, 5% cream |
Pregnancy | Consult a doctor (Category C) |
Brands | Vyloma, Aldara, Zyclara |
Protein binding | ~90% |
PubChem CID | 57469 |
MedlinePlus | a605025 |
ChEBI | CHEBI:36761 |
ATC code | D06BB10 |
DrugBank | DB00724 |
KEGG | D08030 |
Routes of administration | Topical |
Directions
Vyloma is applied topically as a thin layer to the affected skin area just before bedtime. It's important to rub the cream in gently and leave it on for the designated time. Treatment for genital warts may require keeping the cream on for around eight hours. During these hours, patients should avoid bathing, swimming, or wetting the treated area in any way to ensure the medication's efficacy. Vyloma is typically used for up to eight weeks.
Ingredients
Vyloma contains the active ingredient Imiquimod.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Imiquimod or any component of the formula.
Cautions
- Talk to a healthcare provider about the following before using Vyloma cream:
- Any allergies you may have
- If you are currently pregnant or nursing
- All other health conditions you're living with
- Any medications you are presently taking
- Vyloma is not recommended for treating human papilloma virus (HPV) infections inside the urethra, vagina, cervix, rectum, or anus due to the sensitive nature of these areas.
- Common reactions at the application site include redness, scabbing or crusting, flaking, scaling, dryness, and swelling. These reactions can get intense after just a few uses, possibly requiring a break in treatment. In particular, Vyloma can worsen existing skin inflammations or conditions.
- For women, applying Vyloma on the external genitalia can sometimes lead to serious swelling, which might result in difficulty urinating. If this happens, treatment should be paused or stopped.
- Make sure your skin is fully healed from any previous treatments or surgeries before starting Vyloma. If a severe skin reaction happens, wash off the cream and consult your doctor about possibly stopping or pausing treatment until the reaction subsides.
- Alongside skin reactions, you might experience flu-like symptoms, including tiredness, nausea, fever, muscle aches, joint pain, and chills. If these symptoms occur, discuss with your doctor whether you should adjust your dose or take a break from treatment.
- Animal studies suggest that Vyloma might increase skin tumor development when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. It's advised to minimize or avoid exposure to sunlight (natural or artificial) on treated areas.
- The safety of Vyloma in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing autoimmune conditions hasn't been established. Also, hypersensitivity reactions like hives and erythema multiforme have been reported, so stop using Vyloma immediately if these occur.
- While animal studies didn't show harm to fetuses, there's no conclusive evidence for its safety in pregnant women. Use Vyloma during pregnancy only if necessary. It's also unknown if Vyloma passes into breast milk, so caution is advised for nursing mothers.
- The safety and effectiveness of Vyloma for treating external genital/perianal warts in individuals under 18 have not been established. While there's limited data on users over 65, sensitivity in older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Side Effects
Vyloma commonly causes skin reactions at the application site, including redness, swelling, sores, blisters, ulcers, pain, irritation, bleeding, discharge, thickened skin, peeling, scabbing, crusting, itching, burning, and changes in skin color that may persist. Beyond the application site, patients might experience pain, fever, muscle aches, headaches, back and joint aches, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, nausea, and diarrhea. The treatment area may look significantly different from normal skin until healing is complete.
Severe skin reactions can occur, especially if the cream is overused or applied incorrectly. If skin reactions impact daily activities or do not improve, usage should be halted immediately, and a healthcare provider consulted. Treatment may need to be paused to allow skin recovery. Hypersensitivity reactions, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, skin rashes, or other allergic symptoms, require stopping the cream and immediate medical attention. New warts may appear during treatment as Vyloma might not be a cure. Patients should discuss any concerns or excessive reactions with their healthcare provider.
References:
- Vyloma (Imiquimod) Product Monograph. Laval, Quebec: Bausch Health; 2019.
About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)
Dr. Sison graduated with honors from the University of Florida. He began his career in pharmacy counseling patients in a community setting and later served in hospitals and clinics. He has also worked in medication therapy management services. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 14641