An audit of patients who have received Imiquimod cream 5% for the treatment of anogenital warts

With the licensing of the new drug Imiquimod cream 5% (Aldara(TM) 3M Health Care) for the treatment of anogenital warts and its inclusion into clinic guidelines, a case note review audit was performed of its use. The treatment of 52 patients was audited. Results showed that clinic guidelines were being followed and that patient outcomes in terms of clearance were at least as good as the quoted rates in the literature(1). Significant issues included firstly patient education-especially for those who had previously received ablative therapy. Secondly the length of time that therapy would be continued before a patient was deemed to be a non-responder to Imiquimod cream 5%, and if this was the case should the frequency of application be amended from the manufacturer's recommended regime of 3 times a week.