Aldara
From PharmDatabase.org
Generic name: Imiquimod
Brand names: Aldara
Related Medical Conditions: Condyloma, Warts
Related Groups: Immune Response Modifier
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What is Aldara?
Imiquimod (i-MI-kwi-mod) is used to treat external warts around the genital and rectal areas called condyloma acuminatum. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Imiquimod is also used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratoses. Imiquimod can also be used to treat certain types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).
It works by aiding the immune system to help protect the body from viruses that cause warts. The medicine does not fight the viruses that cause warts directly. It does help to relieve and control wart production. It is not known how imiquimod helps actinic keratoses or skin cancer.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Topical - Cream (U.S. and Canada)
Aldara Usage and Dosage
Imiquimod comes as a topical cream in unit-of-use packages. It is important to wash your hands before and after applying imiquimod to your skin. 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.
To apply the medicine:
- Wash your hands before and after using the medicine . Avoid getting the medicine into your eyes, lips, or nostrils or in vagina or anus.
- Use the medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it longer than directed.
- Allow medicine to stay on skin for 8 hours if you are using it for actinic keratoses or basal cell carcinoma, and 6 to 10 hours for genital warts, then wash area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Men not circumcised treating genital warts under the foreskin should retract the foreskin and clean the area daily.
- Throw out any unused cream from the single-dose packet.
- Do not apply an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) over the medicine, unless told to do so by your doctor. To do so may cause irritation of the skin. Other materials that are not airtight, such as cotton gauze or cotton underclothes, may be used.
The dose of imiquimod will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of imiquimod. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For topical dosage form (cream):
- For skin condition on face and scalp called actinic keratoses:
- Adults—Apply a thin film to the treatment area two times a week before normal sleeping hours Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday. Rub in well and leave on for about 8 hours. Remove medicine from skin by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until skin condition is gone or for up to sixteen weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
- For skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma:
- Adults—Apply a thin film to the treatment area five times a week before normal sleeping hours Monday through Friday. Rub in well and leave on for about 8 hours. Remove medicine from skin by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until skin condition is gone or for up to six weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
- For warts on the skin outside of the genital or rectal areas (condyloma acuminatum):
- Adults—Apply a thin film to wart once every other day (three times a week) before normal sleeping hours. Rub in well and leave on for six to ten hours. Remove medicine from wart by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until wart is gone or for up to sixteen weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
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.
Aldara Side Effects
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.
Other Drugs Interaction
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.
Aldara 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.
