Aldara

Aldara General Information

Generic Name: imiquimod topical

Brand Name: Aldara

Aldara is an immune response modifier. Aldara is used to treat various types of skin ailments viz. actinic keratosis that appear on the face and scalp due to sun exposure. Aldara is also used to treata minor form of skin cancer- basal cell carcinoma - which cannot be cured surgically. Although Aldara is used for the of treatment of genital wart, it cannot cure it. It cannot stop spreading this condition to others through sex exploits of various kinds. However, for the best possible results, one should keep using it for the entire period of time prescribed by the Doctor. One should always wash his hands both before and after the use of Aldara cream. Also, the area to be treated should be washed and left it as such to dryat least for 10 minutes before applying the cream. Broken, wounded or burned skin should not be treated with Aldara. Aldara cannot protect against sexually transmitted disease. If anybody is using Aldara for treatment of genital and rectal wart, he or she should avoid sexual activity when the ointment is on the screen. Further, since Aldara can weaken rubber compound. The rubberized condoms etc.used in sex for birth control, may become weak in contact with Aldara cream and break or rupture to cause unwanted pregnancy.

Aldara Uses

Aldara is for skin use. It should never be taken by mouth. It is also not to be used near or in the eyes, lips or nostrils. Aldara cream does not work for everyone. Aldara cream to be used only on the area of the body to be treated. Doctor or healthcare provider will advice where, how oftenand howlong to apply the cream depending upon the condition of the patient and gravity of the condition. Aldara cream should not be used longer than prescribed. For external genital or perianal warts, Aldara is usually used once a day for three days in a week i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Aldara cream is allowed to remain on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. Treatment should continue till the warts are completely gone or for 15 weeks whichever is earlier. Doctor or health care provider should be talked if the Aldara cream has not yielded result.

How Take Aldara

Aldara cream should be applied just before bedtime
Area to be treated must be washed with mild soap and water. Allow the area to dry.
Open a fresh packet of Aldara cream and a thin layer of the cream to be applied to the affected part.
The cream should not get into the eyes
Female patients particularly must be careful in applying this cream to soft skin parts and must take proper advice and guidance from the Doctor or health care provider.
The used packet must be disposed carefully before children and pets could get their hands in it. The packet once opened should be thrown irrespective how much is used or how much is left out.

Aldara Warnings

The following warnings must be sounded for those who are using Aldara cream:

While the cream is on the skin, sexual contact to be avoided. The cream if and when comes in contact with rubber condoms will break it, resulting in making the birth control measures ineffective.
For those who want this medication for treatment of warts under the penis foreskin will have to bother to pull back the foreskin for cleaning the area daily unless circumcised duly.
For those who are suffering from Actinic Keratosis, it should kept in mind that Aldara cream will give temporary relief or apparent cure but really it cannot cure the chronic skin disease.
Exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Protective clothing to be used specially during treatment. With cream on skin there will be increased risk of sunburn. Till sunburn is cured, medication should be discontinued.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy under normal circumstances.
Doctor's could not establish the medication for children under 18 years of age to be really effective

Aldara Missed Dose

Please apply the missed dose of cream as soon as you can possibly remember and the continue on the regular schedule.

Aldara Side Effects

There are various types of side effects due to the use of Aldara cream, some are common and some are less common. Some of the side effects may go away as the body gets accustomed to the medicine as listed here-

Common type of side effects

burning or stinging sensation of the skin,
itching in the genital or other skin areas,
redness of skin or swelling

Less Common type of side effects

fatigue
headache
darkened skin color where skin is being treated
muscle aches
pain at the site of application

If the above side effects continue to bother or in case the following side effects occur -the Doctor should be consulted immediately:

blistering on skin
peeling of skin
rash
open sores or scabs on skin
any sign or symptoms that makes daily activity or application of medication difficult
diarrhea, fever, flu-like symptoms, headache

Aldara Storage Advice

Store the medicine at a temperature below 86 °F, away from sunlight and moisture. And, do not freeze the medicine.

Aldara Overdose

If any overdose is suspected, it is advisable to contact the local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Overdose of the medicine is harmful.

Aldara More Information

Be sure to keep all appointments with the Doctor. Aldara should always be used externally. Be sure applying the cream near any cut or lesions. Do not dress or apply any bandages, lotions and cosmetics or other skin medications to the area without Doctor's advice. Do not share your medications with someone else. Tell the Doctor if the condition does not clear up quickly.