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What Is It
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. In a large clinical trial 50
% of patients had complete clearing of their warts. The mean time to complete wart clearing was 10 weeks.
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How should you take this medication?
To apply the medicine:
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- 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.
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Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your
doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Blisters on skin; itching in genital or other skin areas; open sores or scabs on skin ; redness of
skin (severe); scaling
Symptoms of overdose
- Flu-like symptoms, including diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, or muscle pain
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
Sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. If you decide to have sexual relations, apply Aldara cream after - not before - sexual activity. If you have already applied the cream,
it should be washed off before sexual activity. In addition, Aldara cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms; therefore the cream should not be left on during sexual activity. The effect of Aldara cre
am on the transmission of genital warts is unknown.
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