WHAT TO KNOW
Because Aldara cream doesn't cure Human Papilloma Virus,
the cause of genital and perianal warts, new warts
may form during treatment. Aldara cream may weaken
condoms and diaphragms, so sexual contact should be
avoided while the cream is on the skin. How Aldara
cream affects the spread of genital warts to a partner
is not known. A woman who is or becomes pregnant while
using Aldara cream should notify her health care provider
immediately. Do not use Aldara to treat internal (inside
the vagina or anus) warts. Skin color changes to the
application site have also been reported. Do not cover
warts with bandages or other closed dressings. Avoid
using overly large amounts of cream. A thin layer that
completely covers each wart is enough.
WHAT IS IT
Aldara is an off-white oil-in-water vanishing cream.
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION
Typically, dosing is once a day, 3 days a week: Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Apply Aldara cream at bedtime, after bathing, so you
do not wash off the cream. Treatment with Aldara cream
should continue until the warts are completely gone,
or up to 16 weeks.
SIDE EFFECTS
Aldara cream doesn't destroy healthy skin. Most people
who use Aldara cream don't complain of pain. One of
the most common side effects is redness. This may be
a sign that your immune system is working. Other common
side effects are peeling of the skin, itching, flaking,
and swelling around the warts.
