Local and systemic adverse effects of imiquimod therapy for external anogenital warts in men: report of three cases

A Rosenblatt1, H G de Campos Guidi

  • 1Center for Investigation and Treatment of Male Genital Diseases, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. albrose1@gmail.com

Insights

Imiquimod, a topical immune modifier for warts, can cause side effects. Three cases show local and systemic reactions, including one mimicking meningitis, resolving after stopping the drug.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Imiquimod is a topical immune response modifier widely used for treating anogenital warts.
  • While generally safe, it can cause localized and systemic adverse effects.

Observation:

  • This report details three distinct cases of adverse events associated with imiquimod use.
  • One case presented with symptoms that closely resembled meningitis.

Findings:

  • The observed adverse effects were both local and systemic in nature.
  • All reported side effects resolved promptly upon discontinuation of imiquimod therapy.

Implications:

  • These cases highlight the importance of recognizing potential adverse reactions to imiquimod, even rare ones like meningitis mimicry.
  • Awareness of these side effects is crucial for clinicians managing patients treated with imiquimod, ensuring timely intervention and drug cessation if necessary.

Related Concept Videos

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects01:12

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects

While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System01:20

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...