Aldara (imiquimod) is an immune response modifier. Aldara is used to treat actinic keratosis (a condition caused by too much sun exposure) on the face and scalp.
Aldara (for the skin) is also used to treat a minor form of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma, when surgery would not be an appropriate treatment.
Aldara also treats genital warts that appear on the outside of the body, but this medicine is not a cure for genital warts. Imiquimod may be used in adults and children who are at least 12 years.
Aldara may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Aldara: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Wash off the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious skin reaction such as severe itching, burning, oozing, bleeding, or skin changes where the medicine is applied.
Stop using Aldara and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as flu symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, tired feeling, swollen glands. When treating genital warts around the vagina, if you have severe swelling or urination problems, stop using Aldara and call your doctor right away.
Use Aldara as directed by your doctor.
Before applying Aldara, wash your hands and wash the skin area to be treated. Allow the skin to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the medicine. Always wash your hands after applying the medicine also. Do not use Aldara on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Aldara.
Aldara is normally used 2 to 5 times per week for up to 16 weeks. How you use this medication will depend on the condition you are treating. Follow your doctor's instructions.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and wait until the next time you are getting ready for bed to use the medicine. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Store Aldara at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep each packet unopened until you are ready to use it.