Imiquad Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C.
Note: The Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) was set at 2 packets per treatment of Imiquimod Cream (25 mg imiquimod) for the animal multiple of human exposure ratios presented in this label. If higher doses than 2 packets of Imiquimod Cream are used clinically, then the animal multiple of human exposure would be reduced for that dose. A non-proportional increase in systemic exposure with increase in systemic exposure with increase dose of Imiquimod was noted in the clinical pharmacokinetic study conducted in actinic keratosis subjects. The AUC after topical application of 6 packets of Imiquimod Cream was 8 fold greater than the AUC after topical application of 2 packets of Imiquimod Cream in actinic keratosis subjects. Therefore, if a dose of 6 packets per treatment of Imiquimod Cream was topically administered to an individual, then the animal multiple of human exposure would be either 1/3 of the value provided in the label (based on AUC comparisons). The animal multiples of human exposure calculations were based on weekly dose comparisons for the carcinogenicity studies described in this label. The animal multiples of human exposure calculations were based on daily dose comparisons for the reproductive toxicology studies described in this label.
Systemic embryofetal development studies were conducted in rats and rabbits. Oral doses of 1, 5 and 20 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered during the period of organogenesis (gestational days 6-15) to pregnant female rats. In the presence of maternal toxicity, fetal effects noted at 20 mg/kg/day (577X MRHD based on comparisons) included increased resorptions, decreased fetal body weights, delays in skeletal ossification, bent limb bones, and two fetuses in one litter (2 of 1567 fetuses) demonstrated exencephaly, protruding tongues and low-set ears. No treatment related effects on embryofetal toxicity or teratogenicity were noted at 5 mg/kg/day (98X MRHD based on AUC comparisons).
Intravenous doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered during the period of organogenesis (gestational days 6-18) to pregnant female rabbits. No treatment related effects on embryofetal toxicity or teratogenicity were noted at 2 mg/kg/day (1.5X MRHD based on BSA comparisons), the highest dose evaluated in this study, or 1 mg/kg/day (407X MRHD based on AUC comparisons).
A combined fertility and peri- and post-natal development study was conducted in rats. Oral doses of 1, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered to male rats from 70 days prior to mating through the mating period and to female rats form 14 days prior to mating through parturition and lactation. No effects on growth, fertility, reproduction or post-natal development were noted at doses up to 6 mg/kg/day (87X MRHD based on AUC comparisons), the highest dose evaluated in this study. In the absence of maternal toxicity, bent limb bones were noted in the F1 fetuses at a dose of 6 mg/kg/day (87X MRHD based on AUC comparisons). This fetal effect was also noted in the oral rat embryofetal development study conducted with imiquimod. No treatment related effects on teratogenicity were noted at 3 mg/kg/day (41X MRHD based on AUC comparisons).
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Imiquimod Cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether imiquimod is excreted in human milk following use of Imiquimod Cream. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Imiquimod Cream is administered to nursing women.