Aldara
Buy AldaraAldara Information
Aldara (imiquimod) Cream 5% is a topical, patient-applied cream for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts.
It is used in patients aged 12 and above.
How Does Aldara Work?
External genital and perianal warts are cause by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). These wart-like growths are commonly referred to as condyloma acuminata. While Aldara itself has not been demonstrated to have any of its own antiviral activity, Aldara cream is an immune response modifier that stimulates the body's own immune response system and helps the body fight this virus. Aldara may do this via the induction of cytokines like alpha-interferon. Alpha-interferon is a complex compound normally produced by the human body that does have potent antiviral activity.
Aldara Ingredients and Composition
How To Take Aldara and Aldara Dosage and Administration
Aldara cream is to be applied 3 times per week, prior to normal sleeping hours, and left on the skin for 6-10 hours. Following the treatment period cream should be removed by washing the treated area with mild soap and water.
Aldara treatment should continue until there is total clearance of the genital/perianal warts or for a maximum of 16 weeks. Local skin reactions (erythema) at the treatment site are common. A rest period of several days may be taken if the level of discomfort or severity of the local skin reaction becomes too high. Treatment may resume once the reaction subsides. Non-occlusive dressings such as cotton gauze or cotton underwear may be used in the management of skin reactions.
Aldara 5% cream is packaged in single-use packets which contain sufficient cream to cover a wart area of up to 20 cm2; use of excessive amounts of cream should be avoided. Aldara shou be applied to external genital/perianal warts. A thin layer is applied to the wart area and rubbed in until the cream is no longer visible. The application site is not to be occluded.
If you suspect a Aldara Overdose
Overdosage of Aldara 5% cream in humans is unlikely due to minimal percutaneous absorption.
Aldara Side Effects
Aldara Precautions and Contraindications
The effect of Aldara 5% cream on the transmission of genital/ perianal warts is unknown. Aldara 5% cream may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. Therefore, concurrent use is not recommended.
Aldara is not prescribed for ages 12 and under.
This medication is to be used as directed by a physician. It is for external use only. Eye contact should be avoided.
The treatment area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive.
Sexual (genital, anal, oral) contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin.
It is recommended that 6-10 hours following Aldara 5% cream application the treatment area be washed with mild soap and water.
It is common for patients to experience local skin reactions such as erythema, erosion, excoriation/flaking, and edema at the site of application or surrounding areas. Most skin reactions are mild to moderate. Severe skin reactions can occur and should be reported promptly to the prescribing physician.
Application of Aldara cream in the vagina is considered internal and should be avoided. Female patients should take special care if applying the cream at the opening of the vagina because local skin reactions on the delicate moist surfaces can result in pain or swelling, and may cause difficulty in passing urine.
Uncircumcised males treating warts under the foreskin should retract the foreskin and clean the area daily.
Patients should be aware that new warts may develop during therapy, as Aldara is not a cure.
Aldara Experiences and Results
In a large clinical trial using Aldara 50% of patients had complete clearing of their warts. The mean time to complete wart clearing was 10 weeks.
Aldara cream can effectively clear genital warts as quickly as 4 weeks, although the average time to healing is 10 weeks and may take as long as 16 weeks. Results vary from person to person.
Storing Aldara
Do not store above 30°C (86°F). Avoid freezing.
Aldara Pill Identification / ID and Appearance
Aldara cream is a white to slightly yellow cream, packed in a single-use foil sachet. Each sachet contains 250mg of Aldara cream which is enough to cover a wart area of 20cm2. Aldara cream is available in boxes of 12 sachets in New Zealand.
