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Aldara
Cream
Chemical Name: IMIQUIMOD (i-mi-KWI-mod)
Common uses
This medicine is an immune response modifier (IMR) used to treat external genital and perianal warts in patients 12 years of age and older. This medicine is also used to treat adults with superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) on the body, neck, arms, or legs, or certain types of precancerous skin lesions found on the face or scalp known as actinic keratosis (AK). This medicine is for use in patients with normal immune systems. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. 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 doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE in children under age 12 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Your dosing schedule depends on your specific medical condition. If you are unsure how often to apply this medicine, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for instructions. This medicine 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 this medicine. Do not apply this medicine 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 doctor. 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 doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure how long this medicine 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 THIS MEDICINE 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 THIS MEDICINE, 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.
Cautions
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Avoid getting this medicine 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 doctor. Doing so will not improve your condition faster and may increase your risk for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR if the treated area becomes overly irritated by this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period of time. This medicine 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 doctor any concerns you may have about this. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE can prevent you from spreading genital or perianal warts to others. For this reason you should use safe sex practices. Ask your doctor, 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, THIS MEDICINE MAY DECREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS of condoms and diaphragms. Use another form of birth control while you are using this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may occur while using this medicine 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. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Pain or difficulty urinating may occur when this medicine is applied at the opening of the vagina. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine 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. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include severe flaking, cracking, or swelling of affected area; fainting; weakness; and dizziness.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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