Brand name : Aldara
Imiquimod Cream
Aldara: Adult Dosing
Dosage forms: 5% crm
genital/perianal warts, external
What is the most important information I should know about Aldara Imiquimod Cream?
Do not get the treated area wet, bathe or shower, or go swimming until
the prescribed amount of time for treatment has passed.
Aldara Imiquimod Cream may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and artificial UV rays (e.g.,
sunlamps). A sunscreen should be applied and protective clothing (e.g.,
hat, long sleeves) should be worn when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Individuals with sunburn should not use Aldara Imiquimod Cream until the
sunburn is fully healed.
Aldara Imiquimod Cream is not a cure for genital or perianal warts. New
warts may develop during treatment with Aldara Imiquimod Cream. It is not
known whether Aldara Imiquimod Cream can stop the spread of genital or perianal
warts to other people.
Do not have sexual contact including genital, anal, or oral sex when
the cream is on the genital or perianal skin. Aldara Imiquimod Cream may
weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This means they may not work
as well to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about
the use of effective birth control and about safer sex methods.
What is Aldara Imiquimod Cream?
Imiquimod is an immune response modifier. The exact way that Aldara Imiquimod Cream works is not known.
Aldara Imiquimod Cream is used in the treatment of external genital and
perianal warts, actinic keratosis (warty overgrowths of skin) on the
face and scalp and for treating superficial basal cell carcinoma.
Imiquimod may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Aldara Imiquimod Cream?
Do not use Aldara Imiquimod Cream on areas of broken, wounded, or burned
skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Aldara Imiquimod Cream.
Before using Aldara Imiquimod Cream, tell your doctor if you have
any other medical conditions or if you use any other medications. You
may not
be able to use Aldara Imiquimod Cream, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.Aldara Imiquimod
Cream is in the FDA pregnancy category C which means that
it is not known whether Aldara Imiquimod Cream will be harmful to an
unborn baby. Do not use Aldara Imiquimod Cream without first talking
to your doctor
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.It is
not known whether Aldara Imiquimod Cream passes into breast milk. Do
not use Aldara Imiquimod Cream without first talking to your doctor
if
you are breast feeding a baby.
How should I apply Aldara Imiquimod Cream?
Use imiquimod exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you.Aldara Imiquimod Cream is intended for external use only.
Do not take Aldara Imiquimod Cream by mouth. Avoid getting this medication
in the eyes, on the lips, or in the nose. Do not apply Aldara Imiquimod
Cream in the vagina
or anus.Do not use Aldara Imiquimod Cream on areas of broken, wounded,
or burned skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using
Aldara Imiquimod Cream.Aldara Imiquimod Cream should be applied before
bed, and left on the skin for approximately 8 hours for the treatment
of actinic keratosis and
6 to 10 hours for the treatment of genital or perianal warts. After
the prescribed amount of time passes, the cream should be removed by
washing the area with mild soap and water.
To use Aldara Imiquimod Cream:
* Before applying Aldara Imiquimod Cream, wash the area to be treated
with mild soap and water and allow the area to dry thoroughly (at least
10 minutes).
* Uncircumcised males treating genital warts under the foreskin must pull back
the foreskin and clean before treatment. The area under the foreskin should
be cleaned daily during treatment.
* Wash your hands before and after application of Aldara Imiquimod Cream cream.
* Open a new packet of imiquimod cream just before use. Apply up to, but not
more than, one package of the cream to the treatment area at each application.
* Female patients applying Aldara Imiquimod Cream to genital warts around the vaginal
opening should take special care to avoid getting the cream on the skin surrounding
the genital wart. Also, do not apply the cream inside the vagina. Because the
vaginal skin is delicate, pain or swelling may occur, possibly resulting in
difficulty urinating.
* Rub the cream into the skin until the cream is no longer visible.
* For the treatment of actinic keratosis, the treated area should be no larger
than approximately 2 inches by 2 inches (about the size of the forehead or
one cheek).
* Do not cover the area with an airtight bandage or tight clothing. A cotton
gauze dressing may be used if needed. Cotton underwear may be worn after application
of the cream to the genital or perianal area .
* Use each packet of cream for one application only. Throw away any unused
cream in the packet, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not save unused
cream for later use.
Do not get the treated area wet, bathe or shower, or go swimming until
the prescribed amount of time for treatment has passed.
Aldara Imiquimod Cream is usually used once a day, 2 days a week, 3 to
4 days apart in the treatment of actinic keratosis. Use Aldara Imiquimod Cream
for the full amount of time as prescribed by your doctor. Treatment
with Aldara Imiquimod Cream should continue for 16 weeks, even if all actinic
keratoses appear to be gone, unless you are told otherwise by your
healthcare provider.
Aldara Imiquimod Cream is usually used once a day, 3 days a week in
the treatment of genital warts. Use Aldara Imiquimod Cream for the
full amount
of time as prescribed by your doctor. Treatment with Aldara Imiquimod
Cream should continue for 16 weeks, even if all actinic keratoses appear
to be gone, unless you are told otherwise by your healthcare provider.Do
not use Aldara Imiquimod Cream for longer than is prescribed. Using
too much Aldara Imiquimod Cream cream, using it too often, or for too
long,
can increase the risk of having a severe skin reaction or other side
effect. Talk to your healthcare provider if you symptoms do not improve
or if they worsen.Use Aldara Imiquimod Cream only on the areas of skin
for which it is prescribed. Do not use it to treat other skin conditions.
Do not have sexual contact including genital, anal, or oral sex when
the cream is on the genital or perianal skin. Aldara Imiquimod Cream may
weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This means they may not work
as well to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about
the use of effective birth control and about safer sex methods.
Store Aldara Imiquimod Cream at room temperature away from moisture and
heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Aldara Imiquimod Cream, apply the missed dose as
soon as you remember then resume the regular treatment schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.Symptoms
of an Aldara Imiquimod Cream overdose may include severe skin reactions
and possibly systemic reactions including low blood pressure.
What should I avoid while using Aldara Imiquimod Cream?
Do not get the treated area wet, bathe or shower, or go swimming until
the prescribed amount of time for treatment has passed.
Aldara Imiquimod Cream may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and artificial UV rays (e.g.,
sunlamps). A sunscreen should be applied and protective clothing (e.g.,
hat, long sleeves) should be worn when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Individuals with sunburn should not use Aldara Imiquimod Cream until the
sunburn is fully healed.
Aldara Imiquimod Cream is not a cure for genital or perianal warts. New
warts may develop during treatment with Aldara Imiquimod Cream. It is not
known whether Aldara Imiquimod Cream can stop the spread of genital or perianal
warts to other people.
Do not have sexual contact including genital, anal, or oral sex when
the cream is on the genital or perianal skin. Aldara Imiquimod Cream may
weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This means they may not work
as well to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about
the use of effective birth control and about safer sex methods.
What are the possible side effects of Aldara Imiquimod Cream?
Stop using Aldara Imiquimod Cream and seek emergency medical attention
if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or
face; or hives).
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue
to use Aldara Imiquimod Cream and talk to your healthcare provider if you
experience any of the following:
* treatment site reactions such as redness; swelling; sores, blisters,
or ulcers; hardened or thickened skin; peeling skin; scabbing or crusting;
itching; burning; and changes in skin color that do not always go away;
* headache;
* muscle aches;
* tiredness; or
* diarrhea.
During treatment with Aldara Imiquimod Cream and until after the skin is
healed, the skin of the treatment area is likely to appear noticeably
different from the normal surrounding skin. If a skin reaction becomes
severe, affects your daily activities, or does not go away, contact
your healthcare provider right away. Sometimes, treatment with Aldara Imiquimod Cream must be stopped for a while to allow the skin to heal.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Aldara Imiquimod Cream?
Aldara Imiquimod Cream is not likely to interact with medications taken
orally during treatment. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all
other medicines you are using, especially other topical preparations,
and talk to your doctor and pharmacist before using any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal
products.
Where can I get more information about Aldara ?
Your pharmacist has additional information about Aldara Imiquimod Cream
written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Aldara Imiquimod Cream is available with a prescription under the
brand name Aldara in a 5% cream for topical use. Other brand or generic
formulations
may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
this medication especially if it is new to you.Remember, keep this
and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only
for the indication prescribed.Every effort has been made to ensure
that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled
for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States
and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients
or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as
a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge
and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning
for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed
to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility
for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides.
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