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Brand Names: Aldara

Generic Name: imiquimod topical (Pronunciation: i MI kwi mod)

• What is imiquimod topical (Aldara)?
• What are the possible side effects of imiquimod topical (Aldara)?
• What is the most important information I should know about imiquimod topical (Aldara)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using imiquimod topical (Aldara)?
• How should I apply imiquimod topical (Aldara)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aldara)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aldara)?
• What should I avoid while using imiquimod topical (Aldara)?
• What other drugs will affect imiquimod topical (Aldara)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is imiquimod topical (Aldara)?

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier. Imiquimod topical is used to treat actinic keratosis (a condition caused by too much sun exposure) on the face and scalp.

Imiquimod topical is also used to treat a minor form of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma, when surgery would not be an appropriate treatment.

Imiquimod topical also treats genital warts that appear on the outside of the body, but this medicine is not a cure for genital warts.

Imiquimod may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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;
• changes in the color of treated skin;
• fever, chills, body aches, swollen glands, flu symptoms;
• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat;
• headache, back ache, muscle pain; or
• diarrhea, upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about imiquimod topical (Aldara)?

Imiquimod topical is used to treat different types of skin disorders, including actinic keratosis, a minor form of skin cancer, and genital warts that appear on the outside of the body.

Imiquimod topical is not a cure for genital warts and it may not keep you from spreading this condition to others through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You may develop new lesions during treatment with imiquimod topical. For best results, keep using the medicine for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor.

Wash your hands before and after applying imiquimod topical cream. Also wash the skin area to be treated, and allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the medicine.

Do not use imiquimod topical on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using imiquimod topical.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Imiquimod topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Imiquimod will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

If you are treating the genital or rectal area with imiquimod topical, avoid sexual activity while the medicine is on your skin. Imiquimod topical can weaken the rubber that condoms or diaphragms are made out of. If you use a condom or diaphragm for birth control, these items could break if the rubber weakens and an unplanned pregnancy could result.