Prescription Aldara Cream Drug Information

Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Using too much of this medicine, or using it for too long can increase your risk of severe skin reactions. Before applying Aldara, wash your hands and wash the skin area to be treated. Allow the skin to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the medicine. Always wash your hands after applying the medicine also. Do not use Aldara on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Aldara. Aldara is normally used 2 to 5 times per week for up to 16 weeks. How you use this medication will depend on the condition you are treating. Follow your doctor's instructions. Actinic keratosis: Aldara is usually applied 2 times per week (such as Monday and Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday) for a full 16 weeks. Apply the cream to the treatment area in a thin layer, and rub in the cream until it disappears. Use the medicine before going to bed and leave it on for 8 hours. In the morning, wash off the medicine with water and a mild soap. Superficial basal cell carcinoma: Usually applied 5 times per week (such as Monday through Friday) for a full 6 weeks. Apply the cream from one Aldara packet to the treatment area and the border of skin around it, and rub in the cream until it disappears. Use the medicine before going to bed and leave it on for 8 hours. In the morning, wash off the medicine with water and a mild soap. Genital warts: Usually applied 3 times per week (such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) for no longer than 16 weeks. Apply the cream from one Aldara packet to the treatment area, and rub in the cream until it disappears. Do not cover the treated skin areas with any type of plastic bandaging, and avoid nylon underwear. You may wear cotton gauze or underwear over the treated area. Use the medicine before going to bed and leave it on for 6 to 10 hours. Then wash off the medicine with water and a mild soap. When treating genital warts under the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis, pull back the foreskin and wash it with mild soap and water before applying Aldara. Clean this area daily during treatment. When treating genital warts around the vagina, avoid getting the cream on the more sensitive inner layers of vaginal tissue. This could result in vaginal swelling or irritation and painful urination. Aldara 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 Aldara. For best results, keep using the medicine for the entire length of time prescribed. Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve or if it gets worse during treatment.