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Drug Category: Genital Warts
Other Similar Drugs: Aldara Zovirax Condylox
In the U.S.
- Aldara
In Canada
- Aldara
Description
Imiquimod (i-MI-kwi-mod) is used to treat external warts around the genital and rectal areas called condyloma acuminatum. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Imiquimod is also used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratoses.
It works by aiding the immune system to help protect the body from viruses that cause warts. The medicine does not fight the viruses that cause warts directly. It does help to relieve and control wart production. It is not known how imiquimod helps actinic keratoses.
ALDARA is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
- Cream (U.S. and Canada)
Proper Use of ALDARA
To apply the medicine:
- Wash your hands before and after using the medicine . Avoid getting the medicine into your eyes, lips, or nostrils or in vagina or anus.
- Use the medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it longer than directed.
- Allow medicine to stay on skin for 8 hours if you are using it for actinic keratoses and 6 to 10 hours for genital warts, then wash area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Throw out any unused cream from the single-dose packet.
- Do not apply an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) over the medicine, unless told to do so by your doctor. To do so may cause irritation of the skin. Other materials that are not airtight, such as cotton gauze or cotton underclothes, may be used.
Dosing - The dose of imiquimod will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of imiquimod. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For topical dosage form (cream):
- For skin condition on face and scalp called actinic keratoses:
- AdultsApply a thin film to the treatment area two times a week before normal sleeping hours Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday. Rub in well and leave on for about 8 hours. Remove medicine from skin by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until skin condition is gone or for up to sixteen weeks.
- ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by doctor.
- For warts on the skin outside of the genital or rectal areas (condyloma acuminatum):
- AdultsApply a thin film to wart once every other day (three times a week) before normal sleeping hours. Rub in well and leave on for six to ten hours. Remove medicine from wart by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until wart is gone or for up to sixteen weeks.
- ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by doctor.
- For skin condition on face and scalp called actinic keratoses:
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of ALDARA, wait until the next evening to apply it. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage - To store ALDARA:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.