Aldara Patient Information |
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 Aldara™ is used
topically to treat warts on the skin of the genital and anal areas. Aldara does not cure warts,
and new warts may appear during treatment.
Aldara Patient Information
Aldara™
(Imiquimod)
ALDARA USES :
This medication is used to treat a precancerous skin condition known as actinic keratosis (AK)
and a cancerous skin condition called superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Imiquimod is also
used to treat external genital and anal warts (or condyloma). It is not recommended for use to
remove human papilloma virus (HPV) growths.
HOW TO USE ALDARA :
This medication comes with a Patient Information leaflet. Read it thoroughly before you apply
this medication for the first time. Follow the directions provided by your doctor and/or the
Patient Information leaflet to treat your specific condition. If you have a sunburn, wait until
you are fully recovered before using imiquimod. Also, wait for your skin to heal from any
previous drug or surgical treatments before using this medication. This medication should be
applied right before bedtime on the days of the week directed by your doctor. Wash hands before
use. Wash the areas to be treated with mild soap and water and let the area dry. Apply a thin
layer of cream to the affected area and thoroughly rub in the medication. Only use enough
medication to cover the area being treated. Wash hands after use. Leave the medication on the
treated areas for the amount of time directed. The amount of time is different depending on the
specific condition the medication is being used to treat. Do not bathe or get the treatment area
wet during the time the medication is on the skin. Do not leave the medication on the skin for
longer than directed. After the full amount of time as passed, wash the treatment area with mild
soap and water. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other closed dressings; however,
a cotton gauze dressing may be used. Do not get this medication in the the mouth, nostrils,
eyes, anus, or vagina. If the medication accidentally gets into your mouth or eyes, immediately
rinse well with water. Seek immediate medical attention if the medication gets into your eyes.
This drug is packaged in a single use packet and should only be used once and then thrown away.
Do not use any leftover cream from an opened pouch. Be sure to keep the discarded package away
from children and pets.
ALDARA SIDE EFFECTS :
Usually the skin reactions that occur are mild or moderate. Redness, skin peeling, flaking,
swelling, skin becoming hard or thick, itching/burning, skin color changes that do not go away,
or scabbing and crusting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your
doctor or pharmacist promptly. Should a severe skin reaction occur (e.g., sore, blister, ulcer),
remove the medication by washing the area with mild soap and water and promptly contact your
doctor. A severe reaction also includes any effects that restrict your daily activity or make
using the product very difficult. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but
serious side effects occur: flu-type symptoms (e.g., fever, muscle aches), mild dizziness. If
you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
ALDARA PRECAUTIONS :
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you
have any allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history,
especially of: pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, breast-feeding, previous drug or surgical
treatment of the genital or anal wart area, any skin conditions (e.g., inflammation or unusual
sun sensitivity). This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun
exposure, tanning booths, or sunlamps. Use caution if your job requires a lot of exposure to the
sun. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. For patients using this
medication to treat genital or anal warts - Do not engage in sexual contact (i.e., genital,
anal, or oral sex) while the medication is on the genitals or anus. Condoms and vaginal
diaphragms may be weakened by this medication and therefore should not be used. Talk to your
doctor for more details about safe sex practices while using this medication. Also, since
imiquimod is not a cure for genital or anal warts, you may develop new warts during treatment.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
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 MISSED DOSE AND OVERDOSE :
Aldara Missed 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 Overdose :
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison
hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center
directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include severe
flaking, cracking, or swelling of affected area; fainting; weakness; and severe dizziness.
NOTES :
Expect gradual improvement, with some redness occurring. New warts may develop during treatments
as this drug is not a cure. Do not share this medication with others.
STORAGE :
Store at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not
freeze. Be sure to safely throw away any used packets or expired medication. Keep all medicines
away from children and pets.
IMPORTANT NOTE
This
site is for educational purposes only; information contained within should not be used to
diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult a licensed health care provider
regarding your medical condition.
Aldara Patient Information
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