Treatment clears genital warts

Imiquimod 3.75% cream has been approved by the FDA for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts in patients aged 12 years and older.

The once-daily, 8-week regimen-applied before bed and left on the skin for approximately 8 hours before washing with mild soap and water-was shown in 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical studies to be effective in clearing genital warts within 16 weeks from baseline.

Of 601 patients (aged 15 to 81 years) enrolled in both studies, 27% of patients in study 1 who used imiquimod cream as indicated and 29% of users in study 2 demonstrated complete clearance of external genital warts compared with those who used placebo cream. Combined results demonstrated that 37% of females and 19% of males using imiquimod achieved complete clearance.

Patients using the medication should be advised to avoid exposure to sunlight or sun lamps and tanning beds and to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing outdoors.