Aldara Cream
imiquimod
Aldara cream is used for treating patients suffering from genital and perianal warts. The drug is also useful for treating actinic keratosis and superficial basal carcinoma. Aldara cream is also used for treating other ailments, as well.
Drug Action
Genital warts and perianal warts are caused by human papiloma virus and the warts caused by them are referred to as condyloma acuminate. Aldara cream does not directly affect the virus but it act as immune response modifier, which helps in stimulating the body's immune response to papiloma virus. The Aldara cream induces the production of cytokines termed as alpha interferon, which is potentially hazardous for virus. As the drug does not directly inhibit the viral growth, occurrence of new warts can be seen either before or after the treatment. However, you can see improvements gradually within 4 weeks and it could take about 16 weeks for complete vanishing of all the warts.
Precautions
Avoid contact with lips, nose and eyes. Aldara cream can be used as long as required, however, over application of the cream can cause sensitive skin reactions or any side effects. The Aldara cream is not recommended until the skin has completely healed from any other surgical skin creams and the cream also should not be applied over broken skin, wounds, or skin affected by wind or sun burns.
Drug Administration
The Aldara cream should be applied over the affected area as mentioned in the prescription label. You should also wash your hands before and after application of the cream. Apply a thin layer of cream over the affected area and massage until all the cream is absorbed by the skin. The cream should be kept for about 6 to 8 hours after which, it should be washed away with mild soap.
- Genital or pre-anal warts: Aldara cream is applied thrice a week until the warts have cured completely. The cream can be used for the period of about 16 weeks maximum only. The cream should not be used in the inner side of vagina or rectum as it produces side effects like pain, swelling, urination irritation, etc. You should also not put band aid over the treatment area. Apply the cream over the affected area for about 6 to 8 hours after which, it should be washed away with mild soap.
- Actinic Keratosis: Aldara cream can be used for the period of about 18 weeks maximum only. Apply the cream over the affected area for about 6 to 8 hours after which, it should be washed away with mild soap. The treatment area should not be larger than 2 inches.
- Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma: The treatment period is for 5 days once every day. The cream should be applied including the skin surrounding the infected area. Apply the cream over the affected area for about 6 to 8 hours after which, it should be washed away with mild soap. The treatment should go on for complete 6 weeks even if you feel you are cured, unless the dermatologist instructs you to stop the medication.
Aldara Cream Side Effects
Some of the side effects of Aldara cream include:
- Back ache
- Burning and itching sensation
- Permanent skin discoloration
- Diarrhea
- Flu symptoms
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Skin redness
- Scabbing
- Skin crusting
- Peeling of skin
- Skin hardening
- Skin thickening
- Skin swelling
The rare side effects of Aldara cream include:
- Open sore with or without drainage
- Skin infection
- Skin rashes
- Unusual or Worse skin reactions.
