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Aldara, Imiquimod (generic): Frequently Asked Questions

What are Elidel, Aldara and Imiquimod?

Like Protopic, these products are all immunomodulators that affect immune response. Elidel is a product called Pimecrolimus, that is similar to Protopic, but comes in a cream form. The risks and side effects of Elidel, Aldara and Imiquimod are not entirely known, and should be discussed with your doctor. A black box warning was added to Elidel in early 2005, warning that there had been several reported cases of lymphoma or skin cancer following its use. ...

What is Aldara?

Aldara is a medication used to treat a number of skin conditions and diseases, including genital warts, certain skin growths and a particular form of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma).
Aldara is a cream that can be applied by the patient to treat external genital and perennial warts. Unlike most other treatments Aldara works against the virus that causes the warts as well as the warts themselves.

What is an Imiquimod?

An Imiquimod is a prescription medication that acts as an immune response modifier. It is a patient-applied cream used to treat certain diseases of the skin including cancers, melanoma and warts. Q. What is BotoxŽ ? A. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms and as a cosmetic treatment

What is Aldara Online?

Aldara Online is an educational and price comparison resource focused on the medication Aldara. We assist people in finding the best online prescription prices and quantities for their needs.

How should aldara be used?

Imiquimod comes as a topical cream in unit-of-use packages. It is important to wash your hands before and after applying imiquimod to your skin. One packet of imiquimod is used to apply a thin layer of cream to the wart area three times per week, just before going to sleep. A schedule of Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday is suggested. Rub the cream into the skin until no more cream is visible. Do not put any covering on the area. Imiquimod should be left on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. ...

Why is aldara prescribed?

Imiquimod is used topically to treat warts on the skin of the genital and anal areas. Imiquimod does not cure warts, and new warts may appear during treatment. aldara is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Who do I order my Aldara from, if not Aldara Online?

That's up to you. We provide information and price comparisons. If you choose to order from an online pharmacy listed on our website, all consultations, ordering, shipping and customer services are provided by them, not Aldara Online.

What storage conditions are needed for aldara ?

Keep aldara in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

How should Aldara be applied as a genital wart treatment?

Aldara cream should be used three times a week until the genital wart disappears, for a maximum of 16 weeks. Apply Aldara directly on the genital wart area only. Aldara should be applied in a thin layer and rubbed in until the medication is completely absorbed. Aldara cream should be applied just before normal sleeping hours and should be left on the genital wart area for at least six hours. Wash your hands before and after applying Aldara. Aldara should be washed off with a mild soap solution after 6 to 10 hours. ...

How does Aldara work as a genital wart treatment?

Aldara cream stimulates the immune system to target the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that causes genital warts. It helps the body's immune system fight the infection.

Doesn't the Aldara irratate your skin?

Maybe mine is just extra sensitive....thanks for you info 10/13/2003 7:12:41 PM - Yeah, the Aldara irritates the skin. Makes it red, swollen, itchy etc. My doc did say you could cut it out for a few days or skip a dose here and there if you want and it wont' ruin things. Just try to keep hte Aldara where the warts are for the time being instead of spreading it all around the area..that should help a bit too. Then if others pop up around that area get them later I guess. 10/13/2003 7:52:59 PM - How do you deal with all

How does Aldara Cream work?

Aldara Cream works from within by activating the body's own immune system. When Aldara Cream is applied to the skin, immune cells are activated and travel to the area. The activated immune cells work to eliminate cells that have been infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes the warts. The way Aldara works is not completely understood. The effectiveness of Aldara has been proven in clinical studies with many patients. Use Aldara Cream exactly as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider.

How should Aldara Cream be stored?

Store Aldara Cream at 39°-77°F (4°-25°C). Do not freeze; Safely discard Aldara Cream that is out of date or that you do not need; Keep Aldara Cream and all medicines out of reach of children.

Who should not use Aldara Cream?

Aldara Cream has not been studied in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, check with your healthcare provider to find out if he or she feels that Aldara Cream is clearly needed. Aldara Cream has not been studied in children under 12 years of age for external genital and perianal warts.

What side effects can aldara cause?

Although side effects from imiquimod are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: redness, itching, or burning of the skin flaking of the skin swelling or pain in the area where imiquimod was applied blisters, scabs, or bumps on the skin change in skin color headache muscle weakness or pain fever flu-like symptoms fungal infection

Why should I avoid going out in the sun while using Aldara?

Aldara makes the skin more photosensitive and therefore more susceptible to sunburn. It is best to avoid both direct and indirect sunlight while using Aldara. Avoid exposure to artificial UV rays as well. Use sunblock and wear protective clothing when you go out. Those suffering from sunburn should discontinue or avoid using Aldara as a genital wart treatment until the sunburn heals.

Will Aldara cure my genital warts?

No, Aldara is not a cure for genital warts and new warts can appear even while you are using Aldara. It is a topical cream that helps to speed up healing of infected skin cells.

What are the possible side effects of using Aldara as a genital wart treatment?

Aldara can be applied easily and generally causes little discomfort. The most commonly reported side effects of using Aldara cream as a genital wart treatment are skin reactions. These include: itching redness peeling skin swelling edema (swelling due to excess fluid) ulceration soreness On rare occasions, Aldara users can also experience flu-like symptoms or an upset stomach. Contact your doctor if you have any unpleasant Aldara side effects.

Can I purchase Aldara online without a prescription?

Aldara requires a prescription in order to be sold to a consumer. However, most online pharmacies have physicians on staff that can review your medical history and issue a prescription if it is appropriate for you.

What should I avoid while using Aldara Cream?

Do not cover the treated site with bandages or other closed dressings. Cotton gauze dressings can be used if needed. Cotton underwear can be worn after treating the genital or perianal area. Do not apply Aldara Cream in or near the eyes, lips or nostrils, or in the vagina or anus.

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. Aldara Cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms; therefore, the cream should not be left on during sexual activity. The effect of Aldara Cream on transmission of HPV virus is unknown.

What should I do if I forget a dose of aldara?

Apply imiquimod just before going to bed on the day that you remember. Apply only the single dose, do not apply a double dose. Resume a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday schedule, depending on what day you resume treatment.

Are there any special precautions that women should take if they intend to use Aldara for genital warts?

Yes, women who use Aldara to treat genital warts should make sure the cream does not touch the inner vaginal tissue. This may cause burning, severe skin irritation and/or pain while urinating. Also, Aldara may be harmful to an unborn baby and could pass into the milk of lactating mothers. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are considering using Aldara, inform your doctor. ...

How does Aldara work?

Aldara is a topical cream that should be applied to the wart. Aldara will attack the wart and the virus beneath the skin. Aldara will not damage healthy skin, so the risk of discomfort developing during treatment is much less than with other treatment methods.

How should Aldara be taken?

Aldara is a cream and needs to be applied directly to the wart so that it can begin to dissolve it and fight the underlying virus.

What side effects does Aldara have?

There are some side effects with Aldara, these side effects usually occur around the treatment area and can include redness, peeling, and swelling. The information within this FAQ is for your benefit, but cannot replace the advice of your doctor. Only a doctor can assess the risks and benefits of this product to you based on your own personal medical history. Please keep all prescription medications out of the reach of children. ...
There are some side effects with Aldara, these side effects usually occur around the treatment area and can include redness, peeling, and swelling. The information within this FAQ is for your benefit, but cannot replace the advice of your doctor. Only a doctor can assess the risks and benefits of this product to you based on your own personal medical history. Please keep all prescription medications out of the reach of children.

Who shouldn’t use Aldara?

Pregnant women should not use Aldara cream, as it is currently unknown how it may affect their pregnancy. Only people with genital or perennial warts should use Aldara.

Since I don't need to see a doctor first, does that mean I don't need to consult a physician when taking Aldara?

No. To ensure the medication is being taken properly, it is recommended that you consult with a physician or health care provider.
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