Aldara (Imiquimod) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Aldara

Genital Warts in Men (HPV Virus) »

HPV Virus (Genital Warts ) in Men Introduction

Much of the information about HPV virus (human papillomavirus) centers on women, since having the virus increases their risk of getting cervical cancer. But HPV virus in men can cause health problems, too. So it's important for men to understand how to reduce the risks of HPV infection.

It can increase a man's risk of getting genital cancers, although these cancers are not common. HPV can also cause genital warts in men, just as in women.

More than half of men who are sexually active in the United States will have HPV at some time in their life. Often, a man will clear the virus on his own, with no health problems.

Risks of HPV Virus in Men

Some of the 30 or so types of HPV associated with genital cancers can lead to cancer of the anus or penis in men. Both of these cancer types are rare. In those with a healthy immune system, they are even rarer. Abou...

Read the Genital Warts in Men (HPV Virus) article »

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Aldara

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Aldara®
(imiquimod) Cream, 5%

For topical use only

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Aldara (imiquimod 5%) Cream is an immune response modifier for topical administration. Each gram contains 50 mg of imiquimod in an off-white oil-in-water vanishing cream base consisting of isostearic acid, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, glycerin, xanthan gum, purified water, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

Chemically, imiquimod is 1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine. Imiquimod has a molecular formula of C₁₄H₁₆N₄ and a molecular weight of 240.3. Its structural formula is:

Aldara® (imiquimod) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of imiquimod topical (Aldara)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: 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.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild skin irritation, dryness, flaking, scabbing, redness, or hardening of the skin where the medicine was applied;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Aldara »

What are the precautions when taking imiquimod (Aldara)?

Before using imiquimod, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent/unhealed surgery on the skin area to be treated, immune system problems (including HIV infection), a certain complication of bone marrow or some organ transplants (chronic graft-versus-host disease), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear...

Read All Potential Precautions of Aldara »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/12/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.