Aldara
Aldara (imiquimod)
is a prescription topical cream for the treatment of external
genital warts.
How Aldara Works
Aldara cream is an immune response modifier. It stimulates the
body's own immune system to eliminate infected cells. Aldara
does not cure genital warts but can effectively clear them up as
quickly as 4 weeks, although the average time to healing is 10
weeks and may take as long as 16 weeks. Results vary from person
to person. Aldara cream doesn't destroy healthy skin.
Advantage of Aldara
Genital warts can be treated surgically (with laser therapy,
freezing or burning them off) or application of topical creams.
Aldara can be applied by the patient at home, causes discomfort
in very few users, and has only mild side effects involving skin
irritation.
How to Take Aldara
Typically, dosing is once a day, 3 days a week (Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). Apply
Aldara cream at bedtime after bathing so you do not wash it off.
Treatment with Aldara should continue until the genital warts
are completely gone, or up to 16 weeks.
Aldara Side Effects
Most people who use Aldara cream experience no pain. One of the
most common side effects is redness. This may be a sign that
your immune system is working. Other common side effects are
peeling skin, itching, flaking, and swelling around the warts.
Aldara Precautions
Aldara cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms so sexual contact
should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. A woman who is
or becomes pregnant while using Aldara cream should notify her
health care provider immediately. Do not use Aldara to treat
internal genital warts (inside the vagina or anus). Do not apply
Aldara to broken skin. Aldara may increase skin sensitivity to
sunlight. Use protective clothing or avoid the sun while using
Aldara.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription
medication you use. Aldara is not likely to interact with oral
medications.