Uses

Aldara 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 this cream actually treats warts from the inside out.

How Taken

Aldara is easy to use at home. It's rubbed on the warts and left on during sleeping hours. Then it's washed off after waking. Use it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This cream is for skin use only. Do not take by mouth or use in or near your eyes, lips or nostrils. Do not use it unless your healthcare provider has taught you the right way to use it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Use it only on the area of your body to be treated. Your healthcare provider will tell you where to apply Aldara and how often and for how long to apply it for your condition. Do not use it longer than prescribed. Using too much cream, or using it too often, or for too long can increase your chances for having a severe skin reaction or other side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider if it does not work for you. For external genital and perianal warts Aldara is usually used once a day for 3 days a week. For these conditions, Aldara is usually left on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. Treatment should continue until the warts are completely gone, or up to 16 weeks. For actinic keratosis, Aldara is usually used once a day for 2 days a week. For this condition, it is usually left on the skin for about 8 hours. Treatment should continue for the full 16 weeks even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone, unless you are told otherwise by your healthcare provider. The area you treat with Aldara should be no larger than approximately the size of your forehead or one cheek (for example 2 inches).

Warnings/Precautions

If you notice severe skin irritation or flu-like symptoms (diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, or muscle pain), check with your doctor. It may be necessary for you to reduce the number of times a day that you use the medicine or to stop using the medicine for a short time until your skin is less irritated or your flu-like symptoms disappear. Avoid having genital, oral, or anal sex while the medicine is on your skin. Make sure you wash the cream off your skin before you engage in any sexual activity. Also, Aldara contains oils that can weaken latex (rubber) condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps causing them not to work properly to prevent pregnancy. Do not use any other skin product on the same skin area on which you use Aldara, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not share your medicine with others, even if you think that they have the same condition you have. If you are pregnant, check with your health care provider.

Missed Dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continue on the regular schedule.

Side Effects

The most common side effects with Aldara are skin reactions at the treatment site including:
- redness,
- swelling,
- a sore, blister, or ulcer,
- skin that becomes hard or thickened,
- skin peeling,
- scabbing and crusting,
- itching,
- burning,
- changes in skin color that do not always go away.

Storage

Store it below 25oC (77oF). Avoid freezing. Keep it in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Overdose

Persistent topical overdosing of Aldara could result in an increased incidence of severe local skin reactions and may increase the risk for systemic reactions.

More Information

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use it for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Aldara to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Aldara that is written for the healthcare provider.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.