Aldara Uses

Aldara Cream is a prescription drug used to treat external genital and perianal warts, Aldara is different from most other treatments. Aldara cream helps the body fights the virus rather than just getting rid of the warts. Therefore Aldara Cream actually treats warts from the inside out.

How Taken

Aldara cream is rubbed on the warts and left on during sleeping hours. It is then washed off after waking. Aldara Cream should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Aldara Cream is for use on the skin only. Do not take Aldar by mouth or use Aldara in or near your eyes, lips or nostrils. Do not use Aldara Cream unless your doctor has taught you the right way to use it. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions. Aldara Cream is used for several skin conditions. Use Aldara Cream only on the area of your body to be treated. Your doctor will tell you where to apply Aldara cream and how often and for how long to apply it for your condition. Do not use Aldara Cream longer than prescribed. Using too much Aldara Cream, or using Aldara Cream too often, or for too long can increase your chances for having a severe skin reaction or other side effect. Talk to your doctor if Aldara Cream does not work for you. For external genital and perianal warts Aldara Cream is usually used once daily for 3 days a week. For these conditions, Aldara Cream is usually left on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. Aldara treatment should continue until the warts are completely gone, or up to 16 weeks. For actinic keratosis, Aldara Cream is usually used once a day for 2 days a week. For this condition, Aldara Cream is usually left on the skin for about 8 hours. Treatment should continue for the full 16 weeks even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor. The area you treat with Aldara Cream should be no larger than approximately the size of your forehead or one cheek (about 2 inches).

Warnings/Precautions

If you notice a severe skin irritation or get flu-like symptoms (diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, or muscle pain), check with your doctor. It may be necessary for you to reduce the number of times a day that you use the Aldara medication or to stop using the medication for a short time until your skin is less irritated or your flu-like symptoms disappear. Avoid having genital, oral, or anal sex while the medication is on your skin. Make sure you wash the cream off your skin before you engage in any sexual activity. Also, the medication contains oils that can weaken latex (rubber) condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps causing them not to work properly to prevent pregnancy. Do not use any other skin product on the same skin area on which you use this medication, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not share your medication with others, even if you think that they have the same condition you have. If you are pregnant, check with your health care provider.

Missed Dose

Apply the missed dose of Aldara cream as soon as you remember and then continue on the regular schedule.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects associated iwith Aldara Cream are skin reactions at the treatment site including:
- redness,
- swelling,
- a sore, blister, or ulcer,
- skin that becomes hard or thickened,
- skin peeling,
- scabbing and crusting,
- itching,
- burning,
- changes in skin color that do not always go away.

Storage

StoreAldara Cream below 25oC (77oF). Avoid freezing. Safely throw away any Aldara Cream that is out of date or that you do not need. Keep your Aldara in the container it came in, tightly closed, and keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Persistent topical overdosing of Aldara Cream could result in an increased incidence of severe local skin reactions and may increase the risk for systemic reactions.

More Aldara Information

medications are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use Aldara Cream for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Aldara Cream to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of Aldara Cream. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.