Information About Aldara

Common uses
Aldara is an immune response modifier (IRM) used in adults with normal immune systems to treat certain types of precancerous skin lesions of the face or scalp known as actinic keratosis (AK) or to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) of the body, neck, arms, or legs. Aldara may also be used to treat external genital and perianal warts in patients 12 years of age and older or to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are using other topical medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of Aldara in children under age 12 is not recommended. Discuss with your physician the risks and benefits of giving Aldara to your child. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Aldara.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Aldara. Aldara comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Aldara. Your dosing schedule depends on your specific medical condition. If you are unsure how often to apply Aldara, contact your physician, nurse, or pharmacist for instructions. Aldara is for use on the skin only. Wash and allow the area to completely dry (at least 10 minutes) before applying the medicine. Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected area only. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands immediately after using Aldara. Do not apply Aldara inside the vagina or anus when applying the medicine to genital or perianal warts. Do not bandage or wrap the affected area unless directed otherwise by your physician. However, cotton underwear may be worn after applying medicine to the genital or anal area. After applying, discard any unused medicine left in the packet in a trash container, away from children and pets. Leave the medicine on the skin for the prescribed amount of time. Do not bathe or get the area wet until it is time to remove the medicine. The amount of time the medicine is left on the skin varies depending on what condition is being treated. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you are unsure how long Aldara should be left on the skin. Wash the affected area with a mild soap and water when it is time to remove the medicine. Store Aldara at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in the original container, away from heat and light. Do not freeze if you miss a dose of Aldara, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Warnings
Do not use Aldara if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in Aldara. It may take several weeks for Aldara to work. Do not stop using Aldara without checking with your physician. Avoid getting Aldara in your eyes or on the inside of your nose and mouth. Do not exceed the recommended dose, leave the medicine on the skin longer, or use the medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your physician. Doing so will not improve your condition faster and may increase your risk for side effects. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Aldara. Contact your physician if the treated area becomes overly irritated by Aldara. Aldara may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Aldara. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period of time. Aldara may cause a lightening or a darkening of the skin where it is applied. This discoloration may not go away when the medicine is discontinued. Discuss with your physician any concerns you may have about this. It is unknown if Aldara can prevent you from spreading genital or perianal warts to others. For this reason you should use safe sex practices. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist about safe sex practices. If you are being treated for genital or perianal warts, do not have any type of sexual contact while the medicine is on the skin. When applied to the genital or anal area, Aldara may decrease the effectiveness of condoms and diaphragms. Use another form of birth control while you are using Aldara. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Aldara during pregnancy. The effects of Aldara on breast milk is not known. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Aldara, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may occur while using Aldara include burning, itching, redness, blisters or sores, thick or hardened skin, scabbing, drainage, changes in skin color, or peeling where the medicine is applied; swelling of surrounding areas; headache; back pain; muscle aches; tiredness; fever; or diarrhea. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Pain or difficulty urinating may occur when Aldara is applied at the opening of the vagina. An allergic reaction to Aldara is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, severe itching, unusual swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Aldara may be harmful if swallowed. Indications of an overdose are severe flaking, cracking, or swelling of affected area; fainting; weakness; and dizziness.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Aldara. Do not take Aldara to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Aldara for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.