english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > 100 most recent > Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara°) in actinic keratosis

Spotlight

Every month, the subjects in Prescrire’s Spotlight.

100 most recent :  1 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90

Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara°) in actinic keratosis

In Focus An imiquimod 3.75% cream came onto the French market in 2021, under the brand name Zyclara°. It has a lower dose strength than Aldara° (3.75% instead of 5%), and it is applied daily for two 14-day periods. What do Prescrire's editors make of this new product?

Prescrire's rating

  •  NOTHING NEW  With 28 applications per course of treatment versus 12 with imiquimod 5%, the total amount of drug administered is greater. Yet, as it has only been compared with placebo, there is no evidence that imiquimod 3,75% represents a therapeutic advance. 
EDITORS' OPINION
Misleading

A drug is sometimes used at a low dose strength rather than a high one in order to reduce the cumulative dose to which the patient is exposed, thereby lessening any dose-dependent adverse effects. What if this low-strength product actually delivers a higher dose?

Full text available for download below.

©Prescrire 1 September 2022

Source: "Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara°) in actinic keratosis" Prescrire International 2022; 31 (240): 204-205. Subscribers only.

Enjoy full access to Prescrire International, and support independent information

Share
Share on  Facebook Share on  Twitter


Read more:

All the subjects in
Prescrire's Spotlight
Free >