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ALDARA™
(imiquimod) Cream, 5% Is The Newest Way To Treat External
Genital Warts
ALDARA cream is used to treat external genital and
perianal warts and is different from most other
treatments. It is a patient-applied cream that helps the
body fight the virus instead of just getting rid of the
warts. So ALDARA cream actually treats warts from the
inside out. *
In a recent survey of patient and physician treatment
preferences, patients reported better overall
satisfaction, more convenience and less associated pain
with Aldara than with previously used therapies for
genital warts. Physicians also rated Aldara as preferable
to other treatments in terms of convenience, less
associated pain and patient compliance.
ALDARA cream doesn't destroy healthy skin. Most people who
use ALDARA cream don't complain of pain. One of the most
common side effects is redness. This may be a sign that
your immune system is working. Other common side effects
are peeling of the skin, itching, flaking, and swelling
around the warts.
ALDARA cream can effectively clear genital warts as early
as 4 weeks, although it can take as long as 16 weeks.
Results vary from person to person. In clinical trials,
about one-half of patients completely cleared their warts.
ALDARA cream is easy to use at home. It's rubbed on the
warts and left on during sleeping hours. Then it's washed
off after waking.
There are some things people who use ALDARA cream should
know:
- Because ALDARA cream doesn't cure HPV, new warts may
form during treatment
- ALDARA cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms, so
sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on
the skin
- How ALDARA cream affects the spread of genital warts
to a partner is not known
- A woman who is or becomes pregnant while using
ALDARA cream should notify her health care provider
immediately
- Do not use ALDARA to treat internal (inside the
vagina or anus) warts
- Skin color changes to the application site have also
been reported
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.
As with any prescription medicine, there are some general
rules you should follow:
- Always use ALDARA cream as directed by your doctor
or health care provider
- Try to stick to your dosing schedule
- Discard any unused cream after each application
- Do not share ALDARA cream with anyone else; it was
prescribed only for you
- Keep ALDARA cream and all medicines out of the reach
of children.
What Should I Avoid While Using ALDARA Cream?
Do not cover warts with bandages or other closed
dressings. Avoid using overly large amounts of cream. A
thin layer that completely covers each wart is enough.
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.
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