Aldara

What is Aldara?
Aldara or Imiquimod topical (INN, marketed by 3M under the trade name Aldara™) is a prescription medication in the form of topical cream used to treat certain diseases of the skin, including skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, superficial squamous cell carcinoma, some superficial malignant melanomas and actinic keratosis) and most importantly genital warts. It has also been tested for treatment of Molluscum contagiosum. It causes interferon production which triggers the patients' immune response against these tumors. Aldara is a patient-applied cream that can cause side effects such as redness and irritation of the skin during treatment. It is also used pre-operatively to shrink basal cell cancer and melanoma in situ (especially Lentigo Maligna) before Mohs surgery.

How does Aldara work?
Aldara helps fight the virus that causes genital warts by stimulating your body's own immune system. It is a patient-applied cream that helps the body fights the virus instead of just getting rid of the warts. So this medication actually treats warts from the inside out.

What is Aldara made of?
Each gram of the 5% cream contains 50 mg of imiquimod in an off-white oil-in-water vanishing cream base consisting of isostearic acid, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, glycerin, xanthan gum, purified water, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Chemically, imiquimod is 1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo>4,5-c@quinolin-4-amine. Imiquimod has a molecular formula of C14H16N4 and a molecular weight of 240.3.

What happens if I overdose with Aldara?

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

How do I use Aldara?
Aldara comes in a cream that you apply directly on the wart. Before use wash your hands completely. Then apply a thin layer of cream on the warts. Be sure to rub the cream until it vanishes. When you're done, wash your hands and discard the open packet. Doctors recommend that you leave the cream on for 6 to 10 hours. After 6 to 10 hours wash the area with mild soap and water.

When do I use Aldara?
Aldara cream should be applied at bedtime after bathing. Doses are typically administered once a day three times a week. For example: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

How long do I use Aldara?
You should continue treatment until the warts are completely gone, or up to 16 weeks. Only your doctor can determine your length of treatment and how often you should use Aldara.

Can I have sex while using Aldara?
While taking this medication you should avoid sexual contact. The cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms. Therefore, the cream should not be left on during sexual activity. It is not known whether the effect of this medication prevents spread of genital warts.

What if I forget a dose?
If you forget a dose skip it and continue on with your regular schedule.

How well does Aldara work?
Clinical trials have shown that this medication has the ability to clear warts in about half of all patients. With most patients, warts clear away completely within 8 to 12 weeks. However in clinical studies some patients got rid of their warts with just 4 weeks of use.

What are the side effects of Aldara?
During treatment you may experience some side effects. These side effects are moderate to mild and occur at the site of the wart area. The most common side effects are redness, peeling, and swelling. More severe side effects include burning, itching, and pain where cream is applied. These side effects are not serious enough to discontinue use. If you experience a severe skin reaction consult with your doctor.

Who should not use Aldara?
The safety of Aldara has not yet been tested in pregnant women. Therefore, if you are pregnant talk to your doctor about the potential risks involved. Also, do not use cream on warts inside the vagina or anus.

What other drugs may affect Aldara?
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. What is the most important information that I should know about Aldara?

• 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.