Cream

3M Pharmaceuticals

Aldara Cream (imiquimod) is used by topical application to treat external genital warts and warts that appear around the anal opening in patients 12 years of age and older. Aldara Cream (imiquimod) is also used to treat adults with superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) on the body, neck, arms, or legs, or certain types of precancerous skin lesions found on the face or scalp known as actinic keratosis (AK).

Do not use Aldara Cream (imiquimod) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Aldara Cream (imiquimod)

Before using Aldara Cream (imiquimod), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if your warts are located anywhere other than the area described above if you have any other medical condition if you have any open sores on the area being treated

It may take several weeks for Aldara Cream (imiquimod) to work. Do not stop using Aldara Cream (imiquimod) without checking with your doctor. Avoid getting Aldara Cream (imiquimod) in your eyes or on the inside of your nose and mouth. Do not exceed the recommended dose, leave Aldara Cream (imiquimod) on the skin longer, or use Aldara Cream (imiquimod) for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Doing so will not improve your condition faster and may increase your risk for side effects. Keep all doctor appointments while you are using Aldara Cream (imiquimod). Contact your health care provider if the treated area becomes overly irritated by Aldara Cream (imiquimod).

Other:  Fatigue; muscle pain; diarrhea; fever; loss of skin color; irritation; rash; tenderness.

How much medicine you use and how often it is used depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Aldara Cream (imiquimod) being used, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with Aldara Cream (imiquimod) and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Use Aldara Cream (imiquimod) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Aldara Cream (imiquimod) is for topical use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. Wash your hands before and after using Aldara Cream (imiquimod). Apply Aldara Cream (imiquimod) in a thin layer to the affected area 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) before bedtime. Gently rub the cream in until it is no longer visible. Do not apply excessive amounts of Aldara Cream (imiquimod) to the affected area. Do not wrap or otherwise cover the treated area with bandages or wear tight-fitting clothing unless specifically directed by your doctor. Remove Aldara Cream (imiquimod) with warm water and mild soap 6 to 10 hours after you apply it. Aldara Cream (imiquimod) can weaken condoms or vaginal diaphragms. Do not use condoms or diaphragms while using Aldara Cream (imiquimod). Avoid sexual (genital, anal, oral) contact while the cream is on the skin. Males who have not been circumcised and are treating warts under the foreskin should pull back the foreskin and clean the area daily. Skin reactions such as redness, erosion, flacking, and swelling may occur at the application site or surrounding area. Most skin reactions are mild to moderate. If a serious skin reaction or discomfort occurs while using Aldara Cream (imiquimod), remove Aldara Cream (imiquimod) with soap and water. Talk with your doctor before using Aldara Cream (imiquimod) again. Use cotton gauze or wear cotton underwear until the reaction stops. Aldara Cream (imiquimod) is not a cure for warts, and new warts may appear while you are using Aldara Cream (imiquimod). Contact your health care provider before using Aldara Cream (imiquimod) in children under 12 years of age. Do not stop using Aldara Cream (imiquimod) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before using Aldara Cream (imiquimod). Do not use more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have used too much of Aldara Cream (imiquimod). If a dose is missed, use it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If several doses are missed, restart the medication and advise your health care provider or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Store Aldara Cream (imiquimod) below 77 degrees F. Do not freeze. Aldara Cream (imiquimod) is supplied in single use packets. Throw way any unused cream remaining after an application.