Aldara (imiquimod) Cream 5% - for External Genital Warts

Refer to the "Information for Patients with External Genital Warts" brochure for important information about Aldara Cream.

How does Aldara Cream work?

Aldara for external genital warts (EGW)Aldara Cream works from within by activating the body's own immune system. When Aldara Cream is applied to the skin, immune cells are activated and travel to the area. The activated immune cells work to eliminate cells that have been infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes the warts.

The way Aldara works is not completely understood. The effectiveness of Aldara has been proven in clinical studies with many patients. Use Aldara Cream exactly as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider.

How to Use Aldara Cream

Use Aldara Cream exactly as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider. Aldara Cream is for skin use only. Do not take by mouth or use in or near your eyes, lips, or nostrils. Talk with your doctor or other healthcare provider if you have any questions.

Aldara Cream does not work for everyone. Aldara Cream will not cure your genital or perianal warts. New warts may develop during treatment with Aldara Cream. It is not known if Aldara Cream can stop you from spreading genital or perianal warts to other people. For your own health and the health of others, it is important to practice safe sex. Talk to your healthcare provider about safe sex practices.

Use Aldara Cream only on the area of your body to be treated. Your healthcare provider will tell you where to apply Aldara Cream and how often and for how long to apply it for your condition. Do not use Aldara Cream longer than prescribed. Using too much Aldara Cream, or using it too often, or for too long can increase your chances for having a severe skin reaction or other side effect. Talk with your doctor or healthcare provider if Aldara Cream does not work for you. For external genital and perianal warts, Aldara Cream is usually used once a day for 3 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. For these conditions, Aldara Cream is usually left on the skin for about 6 to 10 hours. Treatment should continue until the warts are completely gone, or for up to 16 weeks.

Aldara Dosing Schedule Example for External Genital Warts (EGW)

Learn more about How to Use Aldara Cream for External Genital Warts (EGW)

What to Expect During Treatment With Aldara Cream

Results of treatment with Aldara Cream vary from person to person. Many people see reddening or swelling on or around the warts during the course of treatment. In clinical trials, about 50% of patients completely got rid of their warts. In most patients, the warts disappeared in 8 to 12 weeks. However, some patients got rid of their warts in 4 weeks and others took up to 16 weeks. For best results with Aldara Cream, follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely. Aldara Cream does not work for everyone.

Patients should be aware that new warts may develop during treatment, as Aldara Cream is not a cure. You have a higher chance for severe skin reactions if you use too much Aldara Cream or use it the wrong way. Stop using Aldara Cream right away and call your healthcare provider if you get any skin reactions that affect your daily activities or that do not go away. Sometimes, Aldara Cream must be stopped for a while to allow your skin to heal. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about your treatment or skin reactions. Other side effects of Aldara Cream include headache, back pain, muscle aches, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, and fungal infections. If the reactions seem excessive, if the skin breaks down or sores develop during the first week of treatment, if flu-like symptoms develop, or if you begin to not feel well at any time, contact your healthcare provider.

Learn more about What to Expect During Treatment with Aldara Cream for Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma.

What are the possible side effects of Aldara Cream?

The most common side effects with Aldara Cream are skin reactions at the treatment site including:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • A sore, blister, or ulcer
  • Skin that becomes hard or thickened
  • Changes in skin color that do not always go away
  • Skin peeling
  • Scabbing and crusting
  • Itching
  • Burning

Patients should be aware that new warts may develop during treatment, as Aldara Cream is not a cure. Many people see reddening or swelling on or around the application site during the course of treatment. If you have questions regarding treatment or local skin reactions, please talk with your healthcare provider.

You have a higher chance for severe skin reactions if you use too much Aldara Cream or use it the wrong way. Stop Aldara Cream right away and call your healthcare provider if you get any skin reactions that affect your daily activities, or that do not go away. Sometimes, Aldara Cream must be stopped for a while to allow your skin to heal. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about your treatment or skin reactions.

Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Aldara for External Genital Warts (EGW).

Additional Resources

Treatment Summary
Treatment Options for Genital Warts
How to Administer
How to Use Aldara for External Genital Warts
General
Questions for Your Doctor about External Genital Warts
En Espanol
Aldara (imiquimod) Para Verrugas Genitales (PDF)
More Information
HPV and Genital Warts
What are External Genital Warts (EGW)?
What Causes External Genital Warts?

Aldara Cream is a skin-use only (topical) medicine used to treat external genital and perianal warts in people aged 12 years old or older.

Safety Information:

When using Aldara Cream, the most common side effects involve skin reactions in the application area. These include redness, swelling, a sore, blisters, or ulcers, skin that becomes hard or thickened, skin peeling, scabbing and crusting, itching, burning, and changes in skin color that do not always go away.

The effect of Aldara Cream on the transmission of external genital warts is unknown. Aldara Cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms. Sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. New external genital warts may develop during treatment.

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