Information about ALDARA (Imiquimod):
Aldara, or Imiquimod, is a topical medication used primarily to treat certain skin conditions caused by viruses (such as genital warts, actinic keratosis) and certain types of skin cancer (superficial basal cell carcinoma and external genital/perianal warts).
Product Highlights
- Aldara medicine group type is Topical immune response modifier.
- Treatment of genital warts (condyloma acuminata), actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions), superficial basal cell carcinoma, and external genital or perianal warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Imiquimod stimulates the body's immune response, enhancing the production of cytokines such as interferon-alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which helps in fighting viral infections and cancerous cells.
Key Ingredients
Key Benefits
- Effective in treating various viral skin infections and precancerous lesions.
- Minimally invasive topical treatment with potential for self-application at home.
- Can reduce the size and spread of genital warts and actinic keratosis, potentially reducing the need for surgical intervention.
Direction For Use
- Applied topically on affected skin areas.
- Typically applied 2-3 times per week, depending on the condition being treated and as directed by a healthcare provider.
- Treatment duration varies based on the specific condition and response to therapy.
- Wash hands before and after application. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area before bedtime and leave on for a specified period (usually overnight), then wash off with mild soap and water.
Safety Concern
- Common side effects include local skin reactions such as redness, itching, burning, and swelling at the application site.
- Imiquimod can be absorbed systemically, potentially causing flu-like symptoms, headache, and fatigue.
- Avoid medicine contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. Use with caution in patients with autoimmune conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Imiquimod may interact with certain medications or treatments, so it's important to inform healthcare providers about all current medications.
Avoid Taking if ALDARA (Imiquimod):
- Avoid if allergic to Imiquimod or any ingredients in the cream formulation.
- Avoid to apply medicine on open wounds or broken skin.
- Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established; therefore, use should be carefully considered and prescribed by a healthcare provider if benefits outweigh potential risks.
