Common use

Aldara Cream is a medication that treats genital or anal warts. Warts are rough, skin-colored bumps. It can also treat certain types of cancers and actinic keratosis. You can gently rub this skin cream onto your affected skin as directed.

Dosage and direction

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply just before bedtime. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin layer of cream and massage gently into the affected areas until no longer visible. Do not use in the mouth, eyes or the vagina. Use this medicine only on the affected area as directed by your health care provider. Do not use for longer than prescribed. It is important not to use more medicine than prescribed. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Precautions

Consult with doctor if you have any of these conditions: decreased immune function; an unusual or allergic reaction to imiquimod, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding.

Contraindications

Do not use this medicine until the skin has healed from any other drug (example: podofilox or podophyllin resin) or surgical skin treatment.
Do not use Aldara on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin (including sunburn).
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Before using Aldara, tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, an autoimmune disorder, graft-versus-host disease, or if you have recently received a bone marrow transplant or cord blood transplant.

Possible side effect

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: open sores with or without drainage; skin infection; skin rash; unusual or severe skin reaction.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): burning or itching; redness of the skin (very common but is usually not painful or harmful); scabbing, crusting, or peeling skin; skin that becomes hard or thickened; swelling of the skin.

Drug interaction

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other medicines on the treated area without asking your doctor or health care professional.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children. Store between 4 and 25 degrees C (39 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Discard packet after applying to affected area. Partial packets should not be saved or reused.