Imiquimod 5% cream is an acceptable treatment option for external anogenital warts in uncircumcised males.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and efficacy of imiquimod (Aldara) 5% cream in the treatment of prepuce-associated warts in uncircumcised males.

METHODS

An open-label study in six UK medical centres with 35 uncircumcised males with prepuce-associated warts treated with imiquimod 5% cream three times per week for up to 16 weeks. Other anogenital warts were also treated.

RESULTS

Three times weekly application of imiquimod was found to be safe, with erythema as the most commonly reported local skin reaction. Forty per cent of patients had complete clearance of anogenital warts within 16 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Imiquimod cream at a dosing regimen of three times per week, is effective and has an acceptable safety profile in the treatment of prepuce associated warts and other external anogenital warts in uncircumcised males.