Information About Aldara Medication

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Aldara, generically known as Imiquimod Topical is an immune response modifier. Aldara affects the response of the immune system to certain stimuli.

Aldara may be used for the treatment of genital warts as well as perianal warts, actinic keratosis characterized by warty overgrowths of the skin, and for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Aldara may also be used for other purposes other than the ones stated here.

Aldara should not be used on broken skin, and on wounds and burns. Wait until these conditions have healed before applying Aldara to the affected skin.

Aldara is intended for external use only. It is never to be ingested in any case.

Avoid getting Aldara in the eyes, mouth and nostrils as it may irritate the said organs.

Aldara should not be applied directly to the vagina and anus.

Not use Aldara for longer than the duration prescribed. Prolonged usage may result to skin damage.

Apply Aldara to the area of the skin which it is prescribed. Never use them in any other areas.

When Aldara is used for the treatment of Genital or perianal warts, avoid sexual contact including anal or oral sex.

Aldara when applied to the genital and perianal warts may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms which may lead to pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor other methods of birth control when on Aldara medication.

When Aldara is applied to a certain area of the skin, avoid getting that area wet and never go swimming until the prescribed time for treatment has passed.

The use of Aldara may also increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight and especially the UV rays when on Aldara medication. If sunlight exposure is unavoidable, never take too long on the sun and wear protective clothing to shield you from the sun’s rays. Sun lamps which may have the same effect as sun exposure must also be avoided.

Never use Aldara on sun burnt skin. Wait until the sunburn has completely healed before using Aldara.

Aldara belongs to the drugs under pregnancy category C. It is not known whether using Aldara may cause unwanted effects on the unborn or on the pregnant woman. Consult your doctor first before deicing to take this medication.

Aldara should be topically applied at night before going to bed. The medication should be left on the skin for approximately 8 hours after application for actinic keratosis and for 6-10 hours for the treatment of genital or perianal warts. After the prescribed duration of treatment has passed, the affected area must be thoroughly washed with a mild soap and water.

Before Aldara application, the area to be treated must first be free from any impurities and should be washed with a mild soap and water and let it dry for at least ten minutes. Wash your hands before using it to apply the Aldara topical cream.

For female patients suffering from genital warts, special care should be observed so as to avoid the application of Aldara on the areas of the vagina not infected with warts. If Aldara is accidentally applied to the vagina, it may cause swelling, irritation and even difficulty in urination. The inside walls of the vagina are equally sensitive therefore be cautious in applying Aldara on genital warts.

Never cover the area where Aldara has been applied with any cloth or bandage or with any airtight clothing. Adequate ventilation should be observed.

Aldara is usually prescribed for a once a day application for two times a week 3-4 days apart for the treatment of actinic keratosis.

For the treatment of genital and perianal warts, Aldara should be applied once a day for 3 times a week. Usual treatments can continue for up to sixteen (16) weeks.

Never use Aldara for longer than what is prescribed.

Overdoes or overexposure to Aldara treatment may cause unwanted damage to the skin. Other Overdose symptoms may also occur and consult your doctor if you suspect these symptoms to be because of Aldara medication.

If you miss a dose, apply the next dose as soon as you remember and do not double dose.

Among the other side effects of Aldara are:

• Rashes
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Severe skin reactions

If you experience the above mentioned symptoms, consult your doctor.

NOTES: Do not share this product with others. This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.