General Information On Zyclara
Zyclara is a prescription drug used for treating AK (Actinic Keratosis) of the face or scalp. AK is a skin disease caused due to chronic sun exposure, and if left untreated for a long time, it may lead to skin cancer. Zyclara is known by its generic name Imiquimod and belongs to a class of drugs known as IRMs (Immune Response Modifiers).
The active ingredient in Zyclara is imiquimod, and the cream works by stimulating the body’s defense system to ward off certain types of skin infections. Zyclara is applied externally on the skin over the affected area.
The non-medical ingredients in Zyclara include – white petrolatum, sorbitan monostearate, xanthan gum, benzyl alcohol proplyparaben, isostearic acid, stearyl alcohol, glycerin, purified water, and methylparaben.
Side effects of Zyclara
Zyclara has the potential to cause some side effects. The severity of side effects may vary from person to person; while most patients experience only minor side effects, few others may suffer from severe side effects.
If you experience any of the following common side effects for a long time, you must seek your doctor’s help:
- mild swelling of the skin around the infected area
- pain or mild irritation at the site where the cream is applied
- vomiting, dizziness, nausea, or diarrhea
- fatigue or headache
- appearance of dark spots on the skin where the cream is applied
The rare but serious side effects of Zyclara are:
- Chest pain
- Flu symptoms such as headache, muscle spasms, cold, or fever
- sudden increase in blood pressure, constant coughing, sore throat, rashes
- Swelling in the joints, swollen glands
If you suffer from any of the above mentioned side effects, you must immediately report the problem to your doctor and seek prompt medical attention.
Although there is no substantial evidence which suggests that the use of Zyclara is harmful for pregnant or breastfeeding women and their unborn/nursing children, such individuals must not buy Zyclara without consulting their doctors about the potential risks involved.
Dosage of Zyclara
The amount of Zyclara you need to apply is to be determined by the doctor after he/she thoroughly assesses the severity of the infection. The standard dosage for Zyclara is once a day before going to bed. Zyclara should be applied as a thin layer over the infected area and rubbed well into the skin till the cream is no longer visible. Doctors usually advise patients to use the cream for about 2 weeks, followed by a break of 2 weeks before the cycle is continued again.
If you buy Zyclara, you must take care to store the cream in a cool place. Use a fresh packet of the cream prior to each use and dispose of the remaining cream in the packet when you are done.
Interactions
Before you buy Zyclara, inform the doctor about the other medicines you are using. This is important because Zyclara can lead to adverse drug interactions if taken along with other drugs.
Zyclara may potentially interact with the following:
- Live vaccines such as BCG or yellow fever
- Leflunomide
- Immunosuppressant drugs like Cyclosporine, Natalizumab, and Methotrexate
- Corticosteroids
- Echinacea
