Imiquimod is used topically to treat warts on the skin of the genital and anal areas. Imiquimod does not cure warts, and new warts may appear during treatment.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Imiquimod comes as a topical cream in unit-of-use packages. It is important to wash your hands before and after applying imiquimod to your skin. One packet of imiquimod is used to apply a thin layer of cream to the wart area three times per week, just before going to sleep. A schedule of Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday is suggested. Rub the cream into the skin until no more cream is visible. Do not put any covering on the area. Imiquimod should be left on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. Upon waking, wash the area with mild soap and water to remove excess cream. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use imiquimod exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
 
What is the most important information I should know about Aldara?
 
Do not get the treated area wet, bathe or shower, or enter a swimming pool until the prescribed amount of time for treatment has passed.
 
Aldara may increase any sensitivity you have 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 imiquimod topical until the sunburn is fully healed.
 
Aldara is not a cure for genital or perianal warts. New warts may develop during treatment with imiquimod topical. It is not known whether imiquimod topical 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. This medication may interfere with various forms of birth control including 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 special precautions should I follow?

Before using Aldara be sure to,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to imiquimod or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using imiquimod, call your doctor.

Apply imiquimod just before bedtime. Apply only the single dose, do not apply a double dose. Resume a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday schedule, depending on what day you resume treatment.

Although side effects from Aldara are not common, they can occur. Contact your physician right away if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• redness, itching, or burning of the skin
• flaking of the skin
• swelling or pain in the area where imiquimod was applied
• blisters, scabs, or bumps on the skin
• change in skin color
• headache
• muscle weakness or pain
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• fungal infection

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Imiquimod is for external use only. Avoid sexual contact while the cream is on the skin. Imiquimod may also weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms.

Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Tell your doctor if your skin condition gets worse or does not go away.