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Why is this drug prescribed?
Aldara is used to treat external warts around the genital and rectal areas called condyloma acuminatum. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum.
It works by aiding the immune s
ystem to help protect the body from viruses that cause warts. The medicine does not fight the viruses that cause warts directly. It does help to relieve and control wart production.
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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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What special precautions should I follow?
Pregnancy¡XAldara has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans. However, studies in animals using doses higher than recommended for humans have shown that Aldara causes bone
problems or low birth weight in pregnancies. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding¡XIt is not known whethe
Aldara passes into breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
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Side Effects of This Medicine
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.
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