Drug
Uses
Aldara
is used to treat warts on the skin of the genital and
anal areas. This medication is sometimes prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information. Imiquimod does not cure warts, and new
warts may appear during treatment.
How
Taken
This
medicine comes as a topical cream in unit-of-use packages.
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. Upon waking,
wash the area with mild soap and water to remove excess
cream. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Use imiquimod exactly
as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it
more often than prescribed by your doctor. It is important
to wash your hands before and after applying imiquimod
to your skin.
Warnings/Precautions
Tell
your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any
drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking, including
vitamins.
Possible
Side Effects
Some
common side effects reported with this medicine include:
blisters, scabs, or bumps on the skin change in skin
color headache muscle weakness or pain redness, itching,
or burning of the skin flaking of the skin swelling
or pain in the area where imiquimod was applied fever
flu-like symptoms fungal infection.
Missed
Dose
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.
Storage
Keep
this medication 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outdated or no longer needed.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.
Pregnancy/Nursing
Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
using imiquimod, call your doctor.
More
Information
For
more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or
health care provider.
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 your medication. 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. VastRX disclaims
all responsibility for the accuracy of, 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 the contents
of this material.
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