Aldara

This page contains drug information on Aldara.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Aldara
the possible side effects of Aldara
what happens if you miss a dose of Aldara
what happens if you overdose with Aldara
the most important information about Aldara
how to use Aldara
other drugs that may affect Aldara
what to avoid while using Aldara

Generic Name: imiquimod topical (ih MIH qwih mod)
Brand Names: Aldara

What is the most important information I should know about imiquimod topical?

Do not get the treated area wet, bathe or shower, or go swimming until the prescribed amount of time for treatment has passed.
Imiquimod topical may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). A sunscreen should be applied and protective clothing (e.g., hat, long sleeves) should be worn when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. Individuals with sunburn should not use imiquimod topical until the sunburn is fully healed.
Imiquimod topical is not a cure for genital or perianal warts. New warts may develop during treatment with imiquimod topical. It is not known whether imiquimod topical can stop the spread of genital or perianal warts to other people.
Do not have sexual contact including genital, anal, or oral sex when the cream is on the genital or perianal skin. Imiquimod topical may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This means they may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the use of effective birth control and about safer sex methods.

What is imiquimod topical?

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier. The exact way that imiquimod topical works is not known.
Imiquimod topical is used in the treatment of external genital and perianal warts, actinic keratosis (warty overgrowths of skin) on the face and scalp and for treating superficial basal cell carcinoma.
Imiquimod may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using imiquimod topical?

Do not use imiquimod topical on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using imiquimod topical.
Before using imiquimod topical, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you use any other medications. You may not be able to use imiquimod topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Imiquimod topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C which means that it is not known whether imiquimod topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use imiquimod topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether imiquimod topical passes into breast milk. Do not use imiquimod topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I apply imiquimod topical?

Use imiquimod exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Imiquimod topical is intended for external use only. Do not take imiquimod topical by mouth. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, on the lips, or in the nose. Do not apply imiquimod topical in the vagina or anus.
Do not use imiquimod topical on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using imiquimod topical.
Imiquimod topical should be applied before bed, and left on the skin for approximately 8 hours for the treatment of actinic keratosis and 6 to 10 hours for the treatment of genital or perianal warts. After the prescribed amount of time passes, the cream should be removed by washing the area with mild soap and water.
To use imiquimod topical:
Before applying imiquimod topical, wash the area to be treated with mild soap and water and allow the area to dry thoroughly (at least 10 minutes).
Uncircumcised males treating genital warts under the foreskin must pull back the foreskin and clean before treatment. The area under the foreskin should be cleaned daily during treatment.
Wash your hands before and after application of imiquimod topical cream.
Open a new packet of imiquimod cream just before use. Apply up to, but not more than, one package of the cream to the treatment area at each application.
Female patients applying imiquimod topical to genital warts around the vaginal opening should take special care to avoid getting the cream on the skin surrounding the genital wart. Also, do not apply the cream inside the vagina. Because the vaginal skin is delicate, pain or swelling may occur, possibly resulting in difficulty urinating.
Rub the cream into the skin until the cream is no longer visible.
For the treatment of actinic keratosis, the treated area should be no larger than approximately 2 inches by 2 inches (about the size of the forehead or one cheek).
Do not cover the area with an airtight bandage or tight clothing. A cotton gauze dressing may be used if needed. Cotton underwear may be worn after application of the cream to the genital or perianal area .
Use each packet of cream for one application only. Throw away any unused cream in the packet, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not save unused cream for later use.
Do not get the treated area wet, bathe or shower, or go swimming until the prescribed amount of time for treatment has passed.
Imiquimod topical is usually used once a day, 2 days a week, 3 to 4 days apart in the treatment of actinic keratosis. Use imiquimod topical for the full amount of time as prescribed by your doctor. Treatment with imiquimod topical should continue for 16 weeks, even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone, unless you are told otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Imiquimod topical is usually used once a day, 3 days a week in the treatment of genital warts. Use imiquimod topical for the full amount of time as prescribed by your doctor. Treatment with imiquimod topical should continue for 16 weeks, even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone, unless you are told otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Do not use imiquimod topical for longer than is prescribed. Using too much imiquimod topical cream, using it too often, or for too long, can increase the risk of having a severe skin reaction or other side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider if you symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Use imiquimod topical only on the areas of skin for which it is prescribed. Do not use it to treat other skin conditions.
Do not have sexual contact including genital, anal, or oral sex when the cream is on the genital or perianal skin. Imiquimod topical may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This means they may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the use of effective birth control and about safer sex methods.
Store imiquimod topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of imiquimod topical, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember then resume the regular treatment schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of an imiquimod topical overdose may include severe skin reactions and possibly systemic reactions including low blood pressure.

What should I avoid while using imiquimod topical?

Do not get the treated area wet, bathe or shower, or go swimming until the prescribed amount of time for treatment has passed.
Imiquimod topical may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). A sunscreen should be applied and protective clothing (e.g., hat, long sleeves) should be worn when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. Individuals with sunburn should not use imiquimod topical until the sunburn is fully healed.
Imiquimod topical is not a cure for genital or perianal warts. New warts may develop during treatment with imiquimod topical. It is not known whether imiquimod topical can stop the spread of genital or perianal warts to other people.
Do not have sexual contact including genital, anal, or oral sex when the cream is on the genital or perianal skin. Imiquimod topical may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This means they may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the use of effective birth control and about safer sex methods.

What are the possible side effects of imiquimod topical?

Stop using imiquimod topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to use imiquimod topical and talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
treatment site reactions such as redness; swelling; sores, blisters, or ulcers; hardened or thickened skin; peeling skin; scabbing or crusting; itching; burning; and changes in skin color that do not always go away;
headache;
muscle aches;
tiredness; or
diarrhea.
During treatment with imiquimod topical and until after the skin is healed, the skin of the treatment area is likely to appear noticeably different from the normal surrounding skin. If a skin reaction becomes severe, affects your daily activities, or does not go away, contact your healthcare provider right away. Sometimes, treatment with imiquimod topical must be stopped for a while to allow the skin to heal.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect imiquimod topical?

Imiquimod topical is not likely to interact with medications taken orally during treatment. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medicines you are using, especially other topical preparations, and talk to your doctor and pharmacist before using any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

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