Drug Uses
Aldara is used to treat warts on the skin of the genital
and anal areas. This medication is sometimes prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information. Imiquimod does not cure warts, and new
warts may appear during treatment.
How Taken
This medicine comes as a topical cream in unit-of-use
packages. One packet of imiquimod is used to apply a
thin layer of cream to the wart area three times per
week, just before going to sleep. A schedule of Monday,
Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday is
suggested. Rub the cream into the skin until no more
cream is visible. Do not put any covering on the area.
Imiquimod should be left on the skin for 6 to 10 hours.
Upon waking, wash the area with mild soap and water
to remove excess cream. Follow the directions on your
prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Use imiquimod exactly as directed. Do not use more or
less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your
doctor. It is important to wash your hands before and
after applying imiquimod to your skin.
Warnings/Precautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to any drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking, including
vitamins.
Possible Side Effects
Some common side effects reported with this medicine
include blisters, scabs, or bumps on the skin, change
in skin color, headache, muscle weakness or pain redness,
itching, or burning of the skin, flaking of the skin,
swelling or pain in the area where imiquimod was applied
fever flu-like symptoms fungal infection.
Missed Dose
Apply imiquimod just before going to bed on the day
that you remember. Apply only the single dose, do not
apply a double dose. Resume a Monday, Wednesday, Friday
or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday schedule, depending on
what day you resume treatment.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not
in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is
outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
Pregnancy/Nursing
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while using imiquimod, call your doctor.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist
or health care 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. CompletePills
disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of, 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 the
contents of this material.
