Drug Name: ALDARA
ALDARA DESCRIPTION:
IMIQUIMOD - TOPICAL (imm-ICK-qwih-mawd)
COMMON ALDARA BRAND NAME(S):
Aldara
ALDARA SIDE EFFECTS:
Usually the skin reactions that occur are mild or moderate. Redness, skin erosion (wearing away), flaking, swelling, itching/burning or scabbing might occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Should a severe skin reaction occur, remove the medication by washing the area with mild soap and water and promptly contact your doctor. Report promptly any flu-type symptoms (e.g., fever, muscle aches) or rash if they occur while using ALDARA. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO USE ALDARA:
ALDARA: Wash hands before and after use. Rub a thin layer to affected wart area, usually 3 times weekly at bedtime. Use externally only and leave on the skin for 6-10 hours. ALDARA is packaged in a single use packet and should only be used once. Do not use any leftover cream from an opened pouch. Do not cover warts with bandages or other closed dressings. After the 6-10 hour period, remove the cream by washing the area with mild soap and water. Follow MD instructions exactly and complete your prescribed treatment which is normally until the warts are gone or for a (usual) maximum of 16 weeks. Learn proper use techniques. To treat genital herpes or cold sores, try Valtrex prescription medication instead.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE ALDARA CREAM?
ALDARA cream has not been studied in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, check with your health care provider. Additionally, ALDARA cream should not be applied to warts inside the vagina or anus.
ALDARA USES:
ALDARA is used for external genital and external anal warts (or condyloma).
ALDARA PRECAUTIONS:
Before using ALDARA, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of any allergies (including drug allergies), previous drug or surgical treatment of the genital or anal wart area or any skin conditions. Sexual contact should be avoided while the drug is on the skin. ALDARA may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using ALDARA. It is not known whether ALDARA is excreted into human milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised using ALDARA in persons under 18 years of age.
ALDARA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
ALDARA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include severe flaking, cracking, or swelling of affected area; fainting; weakness; and dizziness.
ALDARA NOTES:
Expect gradual improvement, with some redness occurring. New warts may develop during treatments as ALDARA is not a cure. Do not share ALDARA with others.
CAN I HAVE SEX WHILE USING ALDARA CREAM?
Sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. If you decide to have sexual relations, apply ALDARA cream after - not before - sexual activity. If you have already applied the cream, it should be washed off before sexual activity. In addition, ALDARA cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms; therefore the cream should not be left on during sexual activity. The effect of ALDARA cream on the transmission of genital warts is unknown.
WHAT CAN I EXPEXT WHILE USING ALDARA CREAM?
Results vary from person to person. Many people see reddening or swelling on or around the warts during the course of treatment. In clinical trials, about one-half of patients completely cleared their warts. In most patients, the warts disappeared in 8 to 12 weeks. However, some patients got rid of their warts in 4 weeks and others took up to 16 weeks. Patients should be aware that new warts may develop during therapy, as ALDARA cream is not a cure. For best results with ALDARA cream, follow your health care provider's instructions closely.
MISSED ALDARA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
ALDARA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Avoid freezing.
