Aldara 5% Cream Imiquimod Topical 250 mg - 12 Sachets

Product Overview:

• Aldara (Imiquimod topical) 12 Sachets (for the skin) is used to treat actinic keratosis (a condition caused by too much sun exposure) on the face and scalp.


• Imiquimod topical also treats genital warts on the outside of the body, in adults and children at least 12 years old. imiquimod topical is not a cure for genital warts.


• Imiquimod topical is also used to treat a minor form of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma, when surgery would not be an appropriate treatment.


• Imiquimod topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Topical imiquimod is used to treat abnormal skin growths such as actinic keratosis (a type of precancerous growth), superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), and genital warts present outside the body.


• Topical imiquimod may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

• The exact mechanism of action of topical imiquimod is unknown. Topical imiquimod may change the immune system response to help clear abnormal skin growths.

• Adults: Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Wash hands carefully before and after applying the cream. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other dressings after you have applied Imiquimod cream. Open a new sachet each time you use the cream. Dispose of any cream left in the sachet after use. Do not save the opened sachet for use at a later date. The treatment frequency and duration differ for genital warts, basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis.

• Imiquimod 250 mg

• Skin reactions such as pain, itching, burning, redness, dryness, peeling, crusting, swelling, blisters, and ulcers (see below)


• Tiredness


• Headache


• Flu-like symptoms (see below)


• Nausea

• Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

• It is not known if or how topical imiquimod could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you pregnant are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical imiquimod while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

•  It is not known if topical imiquimod passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical imiquimod while breastfeeding. If you use topical imiquimod while breastfeeding, avoid using it on areas where your baby will be exposed to it during feedings.

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Store the pump in an upright position. Keep each packet unopened until you are ready to use it.

• Q. What happens if I miss a dose?


• A. Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.


• Q. What should I avoid while using imiquimod topical?


• A. Avoid swimming or taking a bath or shower while the medicine is on your skin.


• Avoid using imiquimod on open wounds or on skin that has not yet healed from surgery or other medical treatment.


• Avoid getting imiquimod topical in your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum. If contact does occur, rinse with water.


• Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Imiquimod topical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.


• Imiquimod will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including genital warts, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Talk with your doctor about safer sex practices.


• Do not use imiquimod to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

• Q. What other drugs will affect imiquimod topical?


• A. Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.


• Q. What is topical imiquimod used for?


• A. Topical imiquimod is used to treat abnormal skin growths such as actinic keratosis (a type of precancerous growth), superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), and genital warts present outside the body.


• Topical imiquimod may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.