|
|
Special warnings about this medication
Before using Aldara ,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Aldara or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medicat
ions you are taking, including vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Aldara , call your doctor.
|
How should this medicine be used?
To apply the medicine:
-
- Wash your hands before and after using the medicine . Avoid getting the medicine into your eyes.
- Use the medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not u
se more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it longer than directed.
- Allow medicine to stay on skin for 6 to 10 hours, then wash area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Throw ou
t any unused cream from the single-dose packet.
- Do not apply an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) over the medicine, unless told to do so by your doctor. To d
o so may cause irritation of the skin. Other materials that are not airtight, such as cotton gauze or cotton underclothes, may be used.
|
Why is this medication prescribed?
External genital and perianal warts are cause by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus. These wart-like growths are oftentimes referred to as condyloma acuminata. While Aldara itself has not been demon
strated to have any of its own antiviral activity, Aldara cream is an immune response modifier that stimulates the body's own immune response system and helps the body fight this virus. It may do this
via the induction of cytokines like alpha-interferon. Alpha-interferon is a complex compound normally produced by the human body that does have potent antiviral activity.
|
|
|
|
Side Effects
If you notice severe skin irritation or flu-like symptoms (diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, or muscle pain), check with your doctor. It may be necessary for you to reduce the number of times a day
that you use the medicine or to stop using the medicine for a short time until your skin is less irritated or your flu-like symptoms disappear.
Avoid having genital, oral, or anal sex while
the medicine is on your skin. Make sure you wash the cream off your skin before you engage in any sexual activity. Also, the medicine contains oils that can weaken latex (rubber) condoms, diaphragms,
or cervical caps causing them not to work properly to prevent pregnancy.
|
|
|
|
