Drug Uses

Aldara Cream is indicated for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts, and it is quite different from most of the other therapies. Aldara is a cream that stimulates the body to fight the virus that has caused the warts instead of just treating the warts. Aldara Cream treats the warts from the inside out.

How Taken

The usage of Aldara Cream is very easy and patients can use the cream at home. The cream is applied on the warts and is left while you sleep. It should be washed away in the morning. You should strictly follow the instructions provided by your doctor. The cream is applied only on the skin. Do not take it orally; avoid getting the cream near the eyes, lips or nostrils. Do not use Aldara before your doctor provides you with instructions about its usage. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Aldara Cream may be used to treat various skin conditions. Use the cream only on the area that should be treated. Follow the instructions of your doctor about how often the cream should be applied and for how long. Do not use it longer than prescribed. A prolonged usage or usage of excess quantity of the cream may increase the risk of severe skin reaction or other adverse effect. Consult your doctor if Aldara Cream does not help you. The common dosage for external genital and perianal warts is one appliance of the cream three days a week. You should leave Aldara on the skin for 6-10 hours. The treatment should continue until the warts are completely treated or up to 16 weeks. For the treatment of actinic keratosis, Aldara Cream should be applied once a day two day a week and should be left on the skin for about 8 hours. The treatment should continue 16 weeks even if the condition seems to be treated. The skin area treated with Aldara Cream should not be larger than the size of your forehead or one cheek (about 2 inches).

Warnings/Precautions

Consult your doctor if you experience severe skin irritation or flu-like symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, or muscle pain. You may have to reduce the usage of Aldara Cream or to discontinue it until the skin irritation or the flu-like symptoms disappear. It is recommended that you avoid having genital, oral or anal sex after you have applied the cream. It should be washed off the skin before you have sex. Aldara contains some oils that may weaken rubber condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps, and they may not be able to prevent pregnancy. You should not use other skin products on the treated area. Do not give your medicine to other people even if they believe to have the same medical condition as you do. Consult your doctor in case you are pregnant.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. After that you should continue with your regular dosage schedule.

Possible Side Effects

Aldara Cream may cause the following side effects at the treated areas of the skin:
- redness,
- swelling,
- a sore, blister, or ulcer,
- skin that becomes hard or thickened,
- skin peeling,
- scabbing and crusting,
- itching,
- burning,
- changes in skin color that do not always go away.

Storage

Aldara Cream should be stored at a temperature below 25oC (77oF). Do not let the medicine freeze. Throw away any unused or outdated medicine. Keep Aldara in its original container, tightly closed and away from children.

Overdose

An overdose of Aldara Cream may cause severe local skin reactions and may enhance the risk for systematic reactions.

More Information

Medicine may be prescribed to treat conditions that are nor listed in the leaflets for the patients. You should not use Aldara to treat a condition which the cream was not prescribed for. Do not share the medicine with other people even if they have the same symptoms that you have. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need more information about the usage of Aldara Cream.

Disclaimer

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.