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Home > Drug Category > Skin Medications (Topical/Oral) > Aldara Cream and Equivalent

Aldara cream Information

Aldara cream (Imiquimod) is used to treat certain types of growths on the skin. These growths include precancerous growths, warts on the outside of the genitals, and a certain type of skin cancer. Aldara cream can help decrease complications that may arise from these conditions. Immune system modifiers like Imiquimod help to activate your immune system to fight abnormal skin growths.

Aldara cream Side Effects

The most common side effects of Aldara cream may include swelling; itching; thickening of the skin; pain; skin tenderness; changes in skin color; Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Chest pain;
• New or unusual skin growths;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• Swollen glands

Aldara cream Precautions

Do not use Aldara cream if you are allergic to Imiquimod or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have had a recent surgery on the skin area to be treated; have immune system problems; have autoimmune diseases; think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Aldara cream and other medications, like verteporfin; methoxsalen; aminolevulinic acid; porfimer;. Do not use Aldara cream if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is not known if this medication will harm your unborn baby. Do not use Aldara cream while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is not known if Imiquimod passes into your breastmilk or if it may harm nursing infants. It is not known if this drug is safe for use in children below 12 years of age. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Wash your hands and the skin area to be treated before applying Aldara. Allow the skin to dry for at least 10 minutes before using the medicine. Do not apply Aldara on broken skin areas. Your dosage will depend on the condition you are treating. Do not cover the treated skin area with any plastic bandaging. Do not use Aldara on any skin condition that your doctor has not checked. Avoid getting this mediation in your eyes, mouth, or nose. Do not use on dry, irritated, or sunburned skin. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Imiquimod is not a cure for genital warts. Avoid having unprotected sex. The drug will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Each packet of Aldara is for a single application only. Throw away the packet after one use, even if there is still medicine left. Store Aldara at room temperature. Keep each packet unopened till you are ready to use it.

Do I need a prescription to order Aldara Cream?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Aldara Cream.