About Aldara Cream
The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Aldara Cream.
Aldara cream is a topical medication that is used to treat actinic keratosis, certain cases of superficial basal cell carcinoma, and genital warts. Aldara cream works by regulating the immune response. The exact mechanism is unknown, however, it is known that Aldara cream activates several kinds of immune cells via the TLR-7 receptor.
Apply Aldara cream as directed by your doctor. Using too much of this medication can result in adverse skin reactions. Aldara is used 2-5 times every week, for a maximum of 16 weeks, depending on which condition is being treated. Aldara is usually used 2 times per week for actinic keratosis, 5 times per week for superficial basal cell carcinoma, and 3 times per week for genital warts.
Before applying Aldara cream, wash your hands and the treatment site. Allow your skin to dry for 10 minutes before applying the cream. Wash your hands after applying Aldara cream. Do not apply Aldara cream to wounded or burned skin. Throw away the packet of Aldara cream after using, even if there is some medication left inside of the packet.
Make sure to use sunscreen when using Aldara cream, as your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds. If you are using Aldara cream to treat genital warts, avoid sexual activity when the cream is applied. At other times, avoid sexual activity or use a latex condom to avoid disease transmission. Even if you have no genital warts at the time, you can still transmit the virus through sexual contact.
Side effects of Aldara cream include skin irritation, skin dryness, skin pigment changes, scabbing, cold or flu symptoms, headache, muscle pain, back pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vaginal discharge or itching.
| Form: |
Topical Cream |
| Strength: |
5% imiquimod cream |
| Storage: |
Room temperature away from heat and moisture. Do not open the individual packets until you are ready to use them. |
| Contraindications: |
Patients allergic to imiquimod; patients with autoimmune disorders or immune deficiency; patients who have recently received a bone marrow or cord blood transplant; patients with graft-versus-host disease; children younger than 12 years old. |
| Generic Name: |
Imiquimod Cream |
What is Imiquimod Cream?
Imiquimod Cream is the generic form of Aldara Cream and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Imiquimod Cream.
