Aldara (Imiquimod)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Aldara Used For?
Aldara contains imiquimod, an immune response modifier that activates your body’s immune cells to kill and remove virus-infected or cancer cells.
Primary Uses
Aldara treats solar keratosis (thick, scaly patches from sun exposure) on face and scalp, superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), and external genital/perianal warts that appear on the penis, vulva, or around the anus.
How It Works
Imiquimod activates immune cells in your body, which then proceed to kill and remove virus-infected or cancer cells in the treated area.
Good to know: Skin reactions like redness and flaking are often signs that the product is working by activating your immune system.
How to Take Aldara
Apply Aldara just before bedtime and leave on skin for 6-10 hours. Wash your hands and treatment area with mild soap and water before applying, then wash off after 6-10 hours.
Dosage Instructions
For solar keratosis: Apply once daily, 3 times per week (like Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for 4-16 weeks. For superficial basal cell carcinoma: Apply once daily for 5 consecutive days per week for 6 weeks, covering the lesion plus 1 cm of surrounding skin. For genital warts: Apply thin layer once daily, 3 times per week until warts disappear (usually 8-10 weeks, maximum 16 weeks).
What If You Miss a Dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue your regular schedule. Don’t make up missed doses or extend treatment period.
Important: Never double the dose. Use only a thin layer covering maximum 20 square centimeters of skin.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- redness at application site
- skin wearing away
- flaking
- swelling
- hardening under skin
- small open sores
- crust formation during healing
- small bubbles under skin
- itching
- burning
- pain
- tenderness
- irritation
- rash
- soreness
- stinging
- sensitivity
- changes in skin color
- bleeding
- lumps on skin
- infection
- pimples
- flu symptoms
- tiredness
- fever
- headache
- diarrhea
- back pain
- muscle pain
- swollen glands in neck, armpit and groin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe skin reactions that become too uncomfortable
- permanent skin color changes
- difficulty passing urine (in females applying near vaginal opening)
- foreskin tightness in uncircumcised men
Important Warnings
Several important precautions must be followed when using Aldara to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Who Should Not Take Aldara
Don’t use if allergic to imiquimod or other ingredients, on open sores or wounds, inside vagina/anus/urethra, on sunburnt skin, in children under 18, or after expiry date.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have HIV, immune system problems, abnormal blood count, or take medicines for other conditions. Also mention if you’ve used Aldara or similar treatments before.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Aldara.
Sun Protection Required: Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and sun exposure. Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves when going outside.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Aldara and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Contraceptive Warning: Aldara may weaken condoms and diaphragms. Wash cream off before sexual activity and consider alternate contraception.
- medicines for other conditions
- vitamins or supplements bought without prescription
Alcohol & Driving
No specific restrictions on alcohol or driving are mentioned for Aldara, but follow general safety precautions.
Sexual Activity
Avoid sexual contact when treating genital warts. If you have sexual relations, apply Aldara after, not before. Wash off cream before sexual activity if already applied.
Storage
Store Aldara below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Discard Aldara pump 4 weeks after opening. Don’t store in bathroom, near sink, in car, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
Using too much Aldara can cause skin reactions. Wash away extra cream with mild soap and water. If accidentally swallowed, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, and fever may occur. Immediately call Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to nearest hospital emergency department, even without symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
For genital warts, it usually takes 8-10 weeks for warts to disappear, but they may clear as early as 4 weeks. For solar keratosis, treatment continues for 4-16 weeks. For superficial basal cell carcinoma, treatment lasts 6 weeks.
If your skin reacts badly or becomes too uncomfortable, wash the cream off with mild soap and water and contact your doctor. Your doctor may recommend stopping treatment for a few days.
No, do not cover the treatment area with bandages or other dressings after applying Aldara unless your doctor tells you to. Cotton gauze dressings may be used if needed.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for missed applications.
No, avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and sun exposure as much as possible. If you must go outside during daylight, wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, long sleeve shirts, and long pants or skirts.
Some patients experience changes in skin color (lighter or darker) where Aldara was applied. These changes may be permanent in some cases.
Wash your hands and treatment area with mild soap and water first. Apply just before bedtime, leave on for 6-10 hours without showering or bathing, then wash off with mild soap and water.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.