Aldara Cream (Imiquimod)

Do’s

• Use Aldara Cream only on your skin as directed by your healthcare provider, typically before bedtime.
• Wash your hands and the treatment area with mild soap and water before applying.
• Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area(s) and rub it in gently.
• Wash your hands again after application.
• Leave the cream on for the prescribed time:
  • 8 hours for actinic keratosis or basal cell carcinoma.
  • 6-10 hours for warts.
• Avoid showering or bathing while the cream is on.
• In the morning, wash the treated area with soap and water to remove the cream.
• Use Aldara Cream consistently according to your healthcare provider's schedule:
  • Twice a week for 16 weeks for actinic keratosis.
  • Five times a week for 6 weeks for superficial basal cell carcinoma.
  • Three times a week for up to 16 weeks for warts.
• Mark your calendar to help you remember application days.

Don'ts

• Don't apply Aldara Cream to your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. Flush with water if it gets in these areas.
• Don't cover the treated area with bandages or waterproof dressings (except for loose cotton clothing).
• Don't use more cream than prescribed or leave it on longer than instructed.
• Don't stop using Aldara Cream without talking to your healthcare provider.
• Don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if your condition worsens, doesn't improve, or new growths appear during treatment.

Common side effects of Aldara Cream may include:

• Mild skin irritation, itching, dryness, flaking, scabbing, crusting, redness, or hardening of the skin where the medicine was applied
• Changes in the color of treated skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Cold sores or fever blisters
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
• Nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• Vaginal itching or discharge

Serious side effects of Aldara Cream are rare but may include:

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, tired feeling, swollen glands
• Severe swelling or urination problems when treating genital warts around the vagina
• Allergic reactions or skin infections that require medical attention

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Aldara cream,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to imiquimod or any ingredients in Aldara Cream.

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially:

• Recent surgery on the treatment area
• Weakened immune system (including HIV infection)
• Graft-versus-host disease
• Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus)

Aldara Cream may increase sun sensitivity. Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen and protective clothing. Report sunburn or skin irritation to your healthcare provider.

Aldara Cream treats warts but doesn't eliminate HPV. New warts may develop during treatment, and HPV can be spread through sexual contact.

Use effective barrier protection (condoms, dental dams) during all sexual activity to reduce HPV transmission.

Avoid sexual contact while the cream is on the skin (genital/anal warts).

Condoms, dental dams, and diaphragms may be weakened by the cream and become less effective for contraception and disease prevention.

Aldara Cream should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It is unknown if Aldara Cream passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.