What is aldara?
Aldara® is a cream with the active ingredient Imiquimod (5%), which is used for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts (Condylomata acuminata, fig warts) in adults. These warts are caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV), usually the types 6 and 11.
Imiquimod is an immune modulator – it activates the body's immune system to combat the viruses and to reject the warts. The cream is applied by the patient himself at home, which is a great advantage over doctor treatments.
Aldara® is also approved for the treatment of actinic keratose and superficial basal carcinomas.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Imiquimod (5 %)
Active mechanism:
- Imiquimod activates Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) on immune cells
- Stimulates the production of interferon-alpha and other cytokines
- Local immune response is enhanced
- Virus infected cells are detected and destroyed
Immunological cascade:
- Activation of dendritic cells and macrophages
- Enhanced T cell response against HPV infected cells
- Induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) of wart cells
- Long-term immune memory formation
Advantages:
- Low fall rate (about 13–19 %) compared to destructive methods
- Self-application at home possible
- also treats subclinical (non-visible) HPV lesions in the treatment area
Who is it suitable for?
Aldara® is suitable for:
- Adults with outer genital and perianal warts
- Warts on normal skin (not on mucous membranes)
- Self-treatment at home
Not suitable:
- Internal (vaginal, cervical, urethral, anale) warts
- Children under 18 (for this indication)
- Pregnancy (inappropriate data)
- Immunosuppressed patients (restricted action)
- Open wounds or inflamed skin
Available Dosages
Genital warnings:
- Apply three times a week (e.g. Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Apply before bed
- Wash off after 6-10 hours
- Maximum treatment time: 16 weeks
Application quantity:
- Apply thin layer to warts
- 1 bag for an area of about 20 cm2
- Only apply to outer warts
Current:
- First improvement after 4-8 weeks
- Complete healing after 8–16 weeks
- redness and light inflammation are signs of action
How to Take
Application: 1. Wash your hands before bed Two. Apply thin layer Aldara® to warts 3. Gently rub until the cream is drawn in 4. Wash hands thoroughly Five. The next morning (after 6–10 hours) wash with mild soap and water
Important notes:
- Do not use under the Occlusive Association
- No intercourse as long as the cream is on the skin
- Condoms and diaphragms can be weakened by the cream
- With strong skin reaction: 1–2 applications leave
- Do not apply to open wounds or mucous membranes
Contraindications
**Aldara® must not be used at:* *
- hypersensitivity to imiquimod
- Inside genital warts
Preview at:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Organ-transplanted/immune-suppressed
- Untreated preskin gene (Phimose)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not apply to:
- mucous membranes (vaginal, anal inside, urethral)
- Open wounds
- Sun damaged skin at the same time
Possible Side Effects
**Very common (> 10 %):* *
- Local skin reactions: redness, erosion, dandruff, swelling, crust formation
- These reactions are signs of immune activation and desired!
Family (1–10 %):
- Burn, itching at the job site
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
- muscle pain
Occasionally:
- Pain at the job site
- Local infection
- lymph node swelling
** Mild to moderate skin reactions are normal and a sign of efficacy. In case of strong reactions (open places, severe pain) take a break of several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is aldara right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.