Aldara Cream (imiquimod)
Effective dosage:
applied 5 times/week
Side effects:
- redness, itching, burning, or bleeding of the treated area
- flaking, scaling, dryness, or thickening of the skin
- blisters, scabs, or bumps on the skin
- swelling, stinging, or pain in the treated area
- headache
Drug Class: Genital warts.
Aldara Cream detailed information:
Aldara Cream (imiquimod) is commonly used to treat Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), otherwise known as genital warts. Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that stimulates the body’s own immune system to help it fight external genital or perianal warts.
Aldara Cream is used to treat external genital and perianal warts and is different from most other treatments. It is a patient-applied cream that helps the body fights the virus instead of just getting rid of the warts. So Aldara Cream actually treats warts from the inside out.
Aldara is a topical cream that should be applied to the wart. Cream needs to be applied directly to the wart so that it can begin to dissolve it and fight the underlying virus. Aldara will not damage healthy skin, so the risk of discomfort developing during treatment is much less than with other treatment methods. Aldara can work in as little as 4 weeks with minimal side effects. Treatment may last as long as 16 weeks. Results may vary from person-to-person. Aldara cream cannot prevent new warts from forming but in most cases will remove the existing warts. This treatment is meant only for external use and should never be used internally or for warts inside the vagina or anus.
Aldara cream is easy to use at home. It is rubbed on the warts and left on during sleeping hours. Then it is washed off after waking. Use Aldara Cream exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Aldara Cream is for skin use only. Do not take by mouth or use in or near your eyes, lips or nostrils.
Aldara Cream is used for several skin conditions. It is used to treat external genital and perianal warts in people 12 years and older, actinic keratosis in adults with normal immune systems. Actinic keratosis is caused by too much sun exposure, superficial basal cell carcinoma in adults with normal immune systems when surgical methods are less appropriate.
Aldara Cream is used in different ways for each different skin conditions it is used to treat. It is very important that you follow the instructions for your skin condition. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions.
For further information about ALDARA CREAM, consult with your doctor.