What is Aldara?

Aldara is an immune response modifier drug.
Another name for this drug is Imiquimod.

Uses:

Aldara is used to treat actinic keratosis on the scalp and face. This disease is caused by too much exposure of the skin to sunlight. A minor skin cancer known as the superficial basal cell carcinoma is also treated using this when surgery is not suggested by the doctor.
You might be prescribed Aldara for uses other than those listed above. It may also be given along with other medicines for some other disease too. Contact your doctor or pharmacist about the uses of Aldara.

How should I apply Aldara?

Aldara should only be used according to the prescribed way. Do not take Aldara for a longer time than the given course. Aldara is not to be used in bigger amounts than the prescribed amount. It may cause serious risk of skin reactions.
Before using Aldara wash your hands thoroughly along with the skin to be applied on. Give 10 minutes of drying before applying Aldara. Wash your hands after applying the medication too. Do not use Aldara on broken, wounded or burned skin. Wait till these are healed before applying Aldara.

Warning:

Aldara is not a cure for genital warts. So you may not be able to prevent the spreading of this disease through sexual intercourse. You may develop new lesions during the course of Aldara.
Aldara will not by any means stop sexually transmitted diseases.
If Aldara is being applied on the genital areas then sexual activity should be avoided. This increases the chance of the spreading of the infection. Aldara has ingredients that weaken the plastic used in making condoms and diaphragms. So getting involved in sexual intercourse may break these items and an unplanned pregnancy may be caused.
Aldara is not to be sued on broken, wounded or burned skin. Do not use it until these conditions have been healed. Inform your doctor about any graft-versus-host disease if you face one or have a history of it. If you have received a cord blood transplant or a bone marrow transplant then inform your doctor about it. You may have to cancel out the course or take specific medical tests before starting this dose.
It is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. This means that the use of Aldara may harm an unborn baby. Always consult it with your doctor if you are pregnant and are under the prescription of Aldara. It is not known if Aldara passes into breast milk and harms a baby. DO not use Aldara without informing your doctors if you're are breast feeding a baby.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If the patient misses a dose then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the scheduled next dose is near then skip the missed dose. Continue the rest of the course as usual. Do not take any other medicine to cover up the missed dose.

Aldara side effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you face breathing difficulty and swelling of the face, throat and tongue. Wash off the medicine and contact your doctor as soon as possible to inform him or her about it.
Some other side effects of Aldara include:

• Changes in the color of treated skin;
• Fever, chills, body aches, swollen glands, flu symptoms;
• Headache, back ache, muscle pain And
• Upset stomach.

The patient might face side effects other than those listed here. If any unusual symptom is caused by the use of Aldara then contact your doctor immediately.

Proper storage of Aldara

Aldara is to be stored at room temperature. Room temperature: 68 to 77 Degrees F or 20 to 25o C. It is to be kept in a tightly closed container. Keep Aldara away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not place it in bathrooms. Keep Aldara out of the reach of children and away from pets.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek immediate medical attention if you think you have applied or used too much of this drug.
Over dosage may be reflected by severe irritation and fainting.

General information

For more information about Aldara consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms get worse after using this drug then inform this to your doctor.
Aldara is to be used only for the person it is prescribed for. Do not share your medication.