Common use

Aldara contains active ingredient imiquimod and is used to treat precancerous skin lesions, known as actinic keratosis and genital warts, known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It stimulates human immune system to fight with the virus.



Dosage and direction

Wash your hands thoroughly before use. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area three times weekly. Rub the cream gently into your skin. Do not use tight bandages which would limit access of air to your skin. Wash off the cream 6-10 hours after application. Avoid getting of the cream to your eyes. Treatment usually continues until the warts are completely gone, or up to 16 weeks. To treat actinic keratosis the drug is usually used once a daily for 2 days a week. Leave the cream to act for 8 hours and wash it off. Treatment continues for 16 weeks.



Precautions

While you are on Aldara avoid sexual contacts. The medication is known to weaken latex rubber condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps. Do not use other skin products. If you have flu-like symptoms or skin irritation inform your doctor. You may need your dosage to be reduced.



Contraindications

Do not use Aldara if you are pregnant or allergic to its components.



Possible side effect

The most common adverse reactions are redness of skin, swelling, itching, burning, sores, blistering, ulcerations, skin peeling, scabbing or crusting, changes in skin color.





Drug interaction

Since the drug is used topically and not routinely systemically absorbed, it is not likely to interact with other drugs.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time of your next dose. Do not try to compensate a missed dose by taking an extra one.



Overdose

Signs of overdose include an increased risk of severe local skin reactions and may increase the possibility of systemic reactions.



Storage

Save Aldara in a dry place away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.