Precautions That Minimize the Side Effects of Aldara Imiquimod (Contradictions)

Female with warts, some warts are not clearly visible due to pubic hair. Aldara-Imiquimod can be applied on such warts

The most successful genital wart treatment

• Aldara cream comes with a patient information leaflet, which must be read whether it is the first use or a subsequent refill. The leaflet provides valuable information. Any unanswered questions should be shared with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• A fine layer of aldara cream that covers the genital warts affected area is sufficient. Aldara (imiquimod) should not be applied in large quantities. This could result in adverse skin reactions.
• In case an application dosage is missed, imiquimod should be applied immediately. The next dose must be administered according to the original schedule.
• Aldara cream (imiquimod) consists of oils that can damage latex condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps, inhibiting their ability to prevent unwanted pregnancies or the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Use of aldara cream with condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps should be avoided.
• Some people may develop symptoms, such as fever, headache, or muscle pain. If this is the case, aldara (imiquimod) application must be postponed until the symptoms go away. If the symptoms become more severe, contact your doctor immediately.
• Upon application of cream on the genital warts area, there must not be any kind of sexual contact for at least 10 hours. Sexual contact includes genital, anal, or oral. If you just cannot wait after applying aldara imiquimod, then the affected area must be washed with soap to clear the cream.
• The result of aldara cream on the transmission of genital warts HPV is not well known. Do not assume that aldara cream will take care of any transmissions of genital warts HPV. Proper precautions must be taken to avoid any genital warts HPV transmission.
• Aldara cream is not prescribed or used for children, ages 12 and under. Researchers have not yet studied the effect of aldara cream on children or the elderly. You should contact your health care provider to get the appropriate advice in these situations.
• Men with warts on an uncircumcised penis who apply aldara imiquimod should pull the foreskin back and gently wash it daily. Failing to do so may result in swelling, wearing away of the skin, or pain in pulling back the foreskin.

• The skin area affected with genital warts where the aldara cream is applied should not be dressed, bandaged or wrapped after application of aldara imiquimod. However, cotton underwear can be worn after application of the cream.
• No other genital warts treatment should be undertaken while the aldara cream is being used. Creams, lotions, oils, etc. also should not be applied.
• The aldara cream should not be applied to the warts inside the vagina or anus. Aldara cream is only for external warts and is not intended for internal warts (vaginal warts).

Pregnancy and Breast Feeding

• Aldara cream is not known to interfere with pregnancy, cause birth defects or any other problem. However, no adequate studies have been conducted to guarantee safety. Precaution should be taken and a doctor should be consulted before using this treatment.
• Traces of aldara cream and its ingredients have not been reported as being passed in a mother’s milk have not been proved since there have been no reports of problems with babies being nursed by mothers who have undergone genital warts treatment with aldara cream.
• Aldara cream applied by uncircumcised males in the treatment of genital warts should properly wash and clean the area every day. In the absence of proper hygiene, the foreskin of the penis may become swollen, rigid and start to hurt. Stretching the foreskin of the penis back for application of the aldara cream may become quite painful.

Storage precautions with aldara imiquimod

• Aldara should not be frozen or refrigerated.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat of any kind.
• Discard or destroy any unused aldara cream after each application.
• Make sure that children cannot reach the discarded medicine.
• Place all medicine out of the reach of children.
• Use aldara cream within the time period specified.
• Do not use the medicine if the aldara-imiquimod packaging is torn or shows signs that it may have been opened.