What is Aldara
ImiquimodThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryImiquimod is a medication used to treat warts on the genital and anal areas. It can also be used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratoses, and certain types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma. Imiquimod does not cure warts and new warts may appear during treatment, however, it does help to control their production by activating the body's own immune system.
Aldarais the brand name
Aldara Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Aldara
Imiquimod
1997
27
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Imiquimod, also known as Aldara, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses like Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma and Scalp structure .Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
Scalp structure
Condylomata Acuminata
Face
Effectiveness
How Aldara Affects PatientsImiquimod is a drug used to treat warts on the skin in the genital and anal areas. It does not get rid of the virus that causes warts, but it helps to reduce and control wart production. It should not be used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Imiquimod is also used for actinic keratoses, a skin condition on the face and scalp, and for certain types of skin cancer. It is especially helpful in treating areas of the body where surgery or other treatments may be hard, such as the face and lower legs.
How Aldara works in the bodyImiquimod works by stimulating the immune system to respond to the affected area. It does not have any direct antiviral activity, but it does increase the expression of certain cytokines and interleukins, which helps to bring cells such as lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages to the tumor site. This can lead to an inflammatory response and eventual apoptosis of the diseased tissue. In the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, Imiquimod is believed to act as an immune system modulator and trigger apoptosis in the cancer cells.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Aldara is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Communicable Diseases, Face and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma. The quantity of dosage fluctuates as per the delivery technique (e.g. Cream - Topical or Topical) detailed in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Communicable Diseases
0.05 mg/mg, , 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg
Cream - Topical, Topical, Gel - Topical, , Cream, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous
Face
0.05 mg/mg, , 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg
Cream - Topical, Topical, Gel - Topical, , Cream, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
0.05 mg/mg, , 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg
Cream - Topical, Topical, Gel - Topical, , Cream, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous
Condylomata Acuminata
0.05 mg/mg, , 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg
Cream - Topical, Topical, Gel - Topical, , Cream, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous
Scalp structure
0.05 mg/mg, , 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg
Cream - Topical, Topical, Gel - Topical, , Cream, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous
Molluscum Contagiosum
0.05 mg/mg, , 0.125 mg/mg, 3.75 %, 5.0 %, 2.5 %, 0.0375 mg/mg, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 mg/mg
Cream - Topical, Topical, Gel - Topical, , Cream, Gel, Cutaneous, Cream - Cutaneous
Warnings
Aldara ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Common Aldara Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Allogeneic processed thymus tissue
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Allogeneic processed thymus tissue can be decreased when used in combination with Imiquimod.
Inebilizumab
Minor
The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Imiquimod is combined with Inebilizumab.
Meningococcal (groups A, C, Y and W-135) oligosaccharide diphtheria CRM197 conjugate vaccine
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Meningococcal (groups A, C, Y and W-135) oligosaccharide diphtheria CRM197 conjugate vaccine can be decreased when used in combination with Imiquimod.
Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Imiquimod.
Avanafil
Moderate
The serum concentration of Avanafil can be increased when it is combined with Imiquimod.
Aldara Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on ibuprofen may cause fever, tiredness, headaches, stomach upset, diarrhea, and muscle pain.
Aldara Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Aldara?
9 active clinical trials are currently investigating the potential of Aldara to treat Molluscum Contagiosum, Facial conditions, and Condylomata Acuminata.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Face
0 Actively Recruiting
Molluscum Contagiosum
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3
Condylomata Acuminata
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2
Communicable Diseases
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Scalp structure
0 Actively Recruiting
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Aldara Reviews: What are patients saying about Aldara?
5Patient Review
10/12/2022 Superficial BCC: Within two weeks, the inflammation had gone down and the lesion was completely removed. There was a small depression left behind, but that's to be expected. The psoriasis patch was also removed and healed within ten days without any problems.
5Patient Review
3/28/2022 I was hesitant to try this treatment, but I'm glad that I did. Within one month of using the cream, my symptoms completely cleared up. It was a bit sore at first, but it was well worth it in the end.
4Patient Review
12/26/2019 I just completed a two-week course of this treatment on a facial blemish, and it's significantly decreased in size. It's still red and sore, but I'm hopeful that it will continue to improve with time.
2.3Patient Review
2/1/2019 I had used Apsara for a BCC on my shoulder and face. Unfortunately, I had severe fatigue, headache, nausea, and dizziness as reactions. This happened even when I spaced out the treatments to be once every two months! Additionally, it's been more than 10 days since my last treatment and I'm still feeling sick. The good news is that the BCC appears to be gone but I would not recommend this method because of how unwell it made me feel.
2.3Patient Review
6/15/2018 After using Aldara on my nose only, I developed a cold sore on my lip. It grew into a huge, painful lesion, cracked, bleeding lips and red, raw patches inside my lip. It was so painful that I was on the verge of tears for a week. 2 weeks later, it's still not better. My doctor didn't warn me topical Aldara could become systemic and lead to such a drastic side effect.
2.3Patient Review
3/3/2019 I used Aldara cream for a skin cancer on my head, per my dermatologist's orders. After four weeks of use, I now have a large bald patch where the cream was applied. My dermatologist lied to me and said this wouldn't happen. I'm feeling incredibly depressed and suicidal as a result of this disfigurement.
2.3Patient Review
4/25/2018 After using Aldara, I developed an autoimmune disease.
2.3Patient Review
4/25/2018 After using Aldara, I have now developed an auto immune disease.
1.7Patient Review
7/6/2022 Recently had a confirmed bcc on my lower leg. Was prescribed Aldara (5wk treatment) in the hopes of avoiding surgery which I had had on my other leg 12mths earlier in almost the exact same spot. Used the cream and got nothing including no side effects. No scabbing, no redness - absolutely nothing. It was more like a moisturiser for me. As a result, I now have matching scars on each leg.
1Patient Review
4/7/2019 I've been using aldara for over a month on very small warts. Instead of going away, they've actually gotten larger and more numerous. I have no idea what's going on.
Patient Q&A Section about aldara
What does Aldara cream do?
"Imiquimod cream, also known as Aldara, is a cancer treatment for basal cell skin cancer (BCC) and a skin condition called actinic (solar) keratosis." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Does Aldara get rid of warts?
"In clinical studies, 50% of patients who used Aldara topical cream 3 days a week for 16 weeks had their external genital warts completely cleared. The average time to have the affected area cleared was 10 weeks." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Does Aldara have side effects?
"Aldara can cause some common side effects. These include reactions where you apply it, such as skin redness, swelling, itching, irritation, dryness, burning, pain, tenderness, thickening/hardening of the skin, peeling/flaking/scabbing/crusting, or leaking a clear fluid." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
How long does it take for Aldara to start working?
"It usually takes 8-10 weeks for your warts to disappear, but warts may clear as early as 4 weeks. However, if your warts reappear, talk to your doctor. In addition, if your skin reacts badly to Aldara, your doctor may recommend that you stop treatment for a few days." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer