Aldara general information

Imiquimod topical is used to treat different types of skin disorders, including actinic keratosis, a minor form of skin cancer, and genital warts that appear on the outside of the body.

Imiquimod topical is not a cure for genital warts and it may not keep you from spreading this condition to others through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You may develop new lesions during treatment with imiquimod topical. For best results, keep using the medicine for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor.

Aldara dosage and administration

Before applying imiquimod topical, wash your hands and wash the skin area to be treated. Allow the skin to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the medicine. Always wash your hands after applying the medicine also. Do not use imiquimod topical on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using imiquimod topical.

Imiquimod topical is normally used 2 to 5 times per week for up to 16 weeks. How you use this medication will depend on the condition you are treating.

Aldara miss a dose

Skip the missed dose and wait until the next time you are getting ready for bed to use the medicine. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Aldara overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include severe skin irritation, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Aldara side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Wash off the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious skin reaction such as severe itching, burning, oozing, bleeding, or skin changes where the medicine is applied.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin irritation, dryness, flaking, scabbing, redness, or hardening of the skin where the medicine was applied;
  
• changes in the color of treated skin;
  
• fever, chills, body aches, swollen glands, flu symptoms;
  
• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat;
  
• headache, back ache, muscle pain; or
  
• diarrhea, upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.