Aldara

Drugs

Generic Name: Imiquimod
Product Name: Aldara

Indication of Aldara
Action of Aldara
Dose advice of Aldara
Schedule of Aldara
Common side effects of Aldara
Uncommon side effects of Aldara
Reference

Indication of Aldara:

Aldara is used to treat the following conditions:

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin
Treatment of external perianal and genital warts
Actinic keratoses

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Action of Aldara:

Aldara contains an active ingredient called imiquimod which is an immune response modifier. Imiquimod works by stimulating immune cells, which then attack and kill virus infected cells or cancer cells.

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Dose advice of Aldara:

Aldara is only available via prescription from a doctor.

Different regimens are used depending on the condition being treated. The following dosages may differ from what your doctor advises:

Treatment of external perianal and genital warts:
- Aldara is applied once a day 3 times a week (eg. Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
- Treatment is continued for a maximum of 16 weeks, until wart has completely disappeared or until your doctor tells you to stop
Treatment of basal cell carcinoma:
- Aldara is applied for 5 consecutive days each week
- Treatment should continue for 6 weeks or until the doctor tells you to stop
Treatment of actinic keratoses on the scalp and face:
- Aldara is applied once a day 3 times a week (eg. Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) to the area
- Treatment should be up to a maximum of 16 weeks or until the doctor tells you to stop

The best time to apply it is before bedtime, as it needs to be kept in contact with skin for 6-10 hours (approximately 8 hours).

Wash the area with mild soap and water and allow it to dry. The cream should be rubbed in until it is not visible. It can be removed by washing the area with mild soap and water.

A new sachet should be used for each treatment.

It is important you notify your doctor if you are planning to become or are currently pregnant (Pregnancy Category B1), breastfeeding, have any autoimmune conditions(such as eczema or psoriasis) or are HIV positive. A more suitable medication may be available for you.

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Schedule of Aldara:

Schedule 4

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Common side effects of Aldara:

All medicines have side effects. Some side effects can be serious, but the most common ones are mild. Common side effects occurring in more than 1% of patients prescribed Aldara include (at the site of application):

Redness
Flaky skin
Forming of crust during healing
Burning sensation
Itching
Wearing away of skin

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Uncommon side effects of Aldara:

Uncommon side effects that occur in less than 1% of patients. Do not be alarmed by this list. A patient will not necessarily experience any of these:

Skin colour may change, becoming lighter or darker (may be permanent)
Flu-like symptoms
Fever
Headache
Allergic reaction

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or any other unusual or abnormal symptoms.

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Reference:

Australian Medicines Handbook. Aldara. [Monograph online]AMH Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 2, 2007]. Available from: http://www.amh.net.au
Aldara. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 2, 2007]. Available from: http://www.mims/com.au
Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L, Parker K. Goodman & Gilman's the pharmacological basis of therapeutics.11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005

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For further information talk to your doctor.