How do I know if Aldara is working for skin cancer?

When using imiquimod to treat AKs or skin cancer, your skin should react. You may have redness, swelling, burning, itching, and tenderness. As the skin starts to heal, you will see scabs and flaking. These reactions indicate that the medicine is working.

Does Aldara cure basal cell carcinoma?

Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of nonfacial superficial BCC. Several studies have shown imiquimod to be curative in all patients with superficial BCC if used twice daily and in 73-82% of patients when used once a day for 6-12 weeks.

What happens if you leave Aldara on too long?

Using too much Aldara, or using it for too long can increase your risk of severe skin reactions. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not use Aldara on areas of broken, wounded, or burned skin (including sunburn).

Does Aldara affect healthy skin?

Even normal looking skin may be affected, because it may contain invisibly abnormal cells. The skin may weep, peel, crack or even blister and then scab over. The area may be itchy or sore, painful and burn.

How long does it take Aldara to heal?

Aldara should not be used for more than 16 weeks at a time. It usually takes 8-10 weeks for your warts to disappear but warts may clear as early as 4 weeks. If your warts reappear, talk to your doctor. If your skin reacts badly to Aldara, your doctor may recommend that you stop treatment for a few days.

Does Aldara cream work on squamous cell carcinoma?

According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Aldara™ (imiquimod 5% cream) effectively treats squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin.

Can you apply Aldara everyday?

When using Aldara to treat External Genital or Perianal Warts. Apply a thin layer of cream once a day, at bedtime, three times a week or as recommended by your doctor. For three times a week application, Aldara can be applied on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Is Aldara a chemotherapy?

Topical chemotherapy is applied with a cream such as Efudex (5-fluorouracil), Carac (5-fluorouracil), or Aldara (imiquimod). It is a highly effective treatment for pre-cancerous lesions such as Actinic Keratoses (AK).

Does Aldara make you tired?

During pregnancy, Aldara should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding….

Preferred Term	Aldara Cream (n=215)	Vehicle (n=221)
Back Pain	3 (1%)	2 (1%)
Fatigue	3 (1%)	2 (1%)
Fibrillation Atrial	3 (1%)	2 (1%)
Infection Viral	3 (1%)	2 (1%)

How to apply Aldara cream?

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.