Aldara - use, contraindications, indications, side effects

Aldara, also known as imiquimod, is a medication that works by stimulating the body's immune system. It acts primarily through activating the immune cells to fight certain skin diseases. Aldara is a topical cream that exerts its action directly on the skin where it is applied.

When applied, Aldara triggers the production of interferon, a protein that the body naturally produces in response to viral infections. This protein plays a critical role in the body's defense mechanism by inhibiting the growth and spread of the offending cells. Besides inducing the production of interferon, Aldara also stimulates the immune cells to release other chemicals known as cytokines, which assist in regulating the body's immune response and controlling cell growth.

Thus, the action of Aldara involves a dual mechanism - direct antiviral activity and immune response modulation. It does not directly destroy the viruses, but rather, it helps the body's immune system to do so. This makes Aldara a unique and effective treatment for several skin conditions.

It's important to note that the exact mechanism of action of Aldara is not entirely understood. While it's known that Aldara stimulates the immune system, research is ongoing to determine precisely how it works at the cellular level.

Aldara (generic name: Imiquimod) is a topical cream primarily used for the treatment of certain skin conditions. The following are the key indications for the use of Aldara:

• Actinic Keratosis: Aldara is indicated for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK), a skin condition that is caused by too much sun exposure. AK presents as rough, scaly patches on the skin and can sometimes progress to skin cancer if left untreated.
• Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma: Aldara is also indicated for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a common type of skin cancer. Aldara helps the immune system to fight the cancer cells effectively.
• Genital Warts: Another key indication for Aldara is the treatment of external genital and perianal warts (EGW) caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It helps in reducing the size and number of warts.

It's important to note that Aldara should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is not suitable for certain individuals, including those with a compromised immune system. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication.

While Aldara is a versatile medication, it carries certain contraindications that need to be kept in mind before usage. It is critically important to discuss your medical history with your doctor, to ensure Aldara is safe for you.

First and foremost, Aldara should not be used by individuals who have a known allergy to imiquimod, the active ingredient in this medication. An allergic reaction may include symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant should also exercise caution when considering the use of Aldara. Although the medication does not generally pose a risk to the fetus, extensive studies have not been carried out on pregnant women. It is therefore recommended to weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks before deciding to use this medication during pregnancy.

Furthermore, Aldara may not be suitable for individuals with autoimmune disorders, as it may potentially exacerbate the condition. Finally, patients with sunburn or other skin conditions should avoid applying Aldara to the affected areas until full recovery.

It is important to note that this is not a complete list of contraindications, and other conditions might also dictate whether Aldara is suitable for you or not. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

Just like any other medication, Aldara has its potential side effects. While most people may not experience all of these side effects, if they do occur, they may require medical attention.

Some common side effects of Aldara include redness, swelling, itching, burning, pain, rashes, and peeling in the area where the medicine was applied. These side effects are usually mild and should go away within 2 weeks after you stop using the medicine.

However, there are some serious side effects that need immediate medical attention. These include severe skin reactions with symptoms such as severe redness, swelling, itching, burning, discomfort, bleeding, scabs, or skin breakdown. Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, body aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea can also occur.

It's important to remember that these side effects are not all the possible side effects of Aldara. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. You should also inform your healthcare provider if any symptom worsens or if you have any unusual symptoms while using Aldara.

Despite the potential side effects, Aldara is a valuable medication for many people, as its benefits are likely to outweigh these side effects. However, it's essential to use it as directed by your healthcare provider, and inform them immediately if any adverse reactions occur.

The dosage of Aldara, also known as imiquimod, should be determined by a healthcare professional and is typically based on the type and severity of the condition being treated. In general, the cream is applied topically to the affected area and left on for approximately 8 hours before being washed off.

For actinic keratosis, the usual dose is one packet applied to the affected area twice a week. For superficial basal cell carcinoma, Aldara is usually applied five days a week. For genital warts, the cream is typically applied three days a week. Treatment should continue until the warts are completely cleared, or up to a maximum of 16 weeks.

It's important to use Aldara exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it's near the time of the next application. In that case, skip the missed dose and proceed with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses to catch up.

Aldara, generically known as Imiquimod, is primarily used in the treatment of certain skin conditions. This includes actinic keratosis, a skin condition caused by too much sun exposure, superficial basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, and genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Aldara is a topically applied cream. It works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight certain skin diseases. It is not a curative treatment for these conditions but rather helps to reduce the symptoms and manage the conditions effectively.

To use Aldara, wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, and allow it to dry thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area and rub it in until it disappears. It should be left on the skin for approximately 8 hours for the treatment of actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma, and 6-10 hours for the treatment of genital warts. After the treatment time, the cream should be washed off with soap and water. This process is typically repeated 2-5 times per week for several weeks, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Please note that Aldara is for external use only. It should not be used on open wounds, burns, or areas of broken skin. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, and other sensitive areas. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

While using Aldara, patients may experience redness, swelling, itching, burning, and pain at the application site. These are normal side effects and should decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

While using Aldara, certain precautions should be taken to ensure its safe and effective use. Here are some key precautions to bear in mind:

• Aldara should not be used for conditions for which it is not prescribed. Misuse can lead to unnecessary side effects and decreased effectiveness.
• Before starting treatment, inform your healthcare provider about any existing health conditions or allergies. Some conditions may affect how Aldara works, or make you more susceptible to side effects.
• Aldara should be applied only to the affected areas, avoiding healthy skin. Do not apply to open wounds, sunburnt skin, or other irritated skin areas.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds while using Aldara, as it may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
• Do not cover treated areas with bandages or other dressings unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Aldara is meant to be left on the skin for a certain period of time for it to work effectively.
• If you experience severe skin reactions or other side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. You may need to stop using Aldara or adjust your treatment plan.

It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking before starting treatment with Aldara. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain drugs may interact with Aldara, which can affect how the medication works or increase your risk of side effects.

Specifically, Aldara may interact negatively with medications that suppress the immune system. These include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and others. Such interaction can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of Aldara, making it less able to treat your condition.

Moreover, the use of Aldara along with certain other topical agents may lead to increased skin irritation. Drugs that have a high potential for this interaction include keratolytic agents (such as salicylic acid), abrasive soaps, or other topical acne medications.

Alcohol may also interact with Aldara. While it's not known to cause a direct interaction, consuming alcohol can worsen certain side effects of Aldara, such as skin irritation and inflammation.

In conclusion, while Aldara has known interactions with certain medications, it is always important to discuss with your healthcare provider about all your current medications and substances to avoid any potential drug interactions.

The price of Aldara can vary based on several factors, including the retailer, the location, and whether or not you have insurance. Generally speaking, a box of 12 sachets of Aldara can cost between $200 to $300, depending on the pharmacy. However, this is only an average cost and the actual price you pay could be higher or lower. If you have a prescription insurance, you might be able to get the medication for a lower price.

It's also worth noting that there are generic versions of Aldara available, which can be significantly cheaper. These generic alternatives contain the same active ingredient, imiquimod, and are just as effective. The price for generic imiquimod cream can range from $30 to $200 for a 30g tube, depending on the manufacturer and the pharmacy.

If you're concerned about the cost of Aldara, it might be worth speaking to your healthcare provider or a pharmacist. They might be able to recommend a lower-cost alternative or provide you with a coupon or discount card to help reduce the price.

Substitutes for Aldara are available, although the effectiveness and side effects can vary. Always consult your healthcare professional before switching to a substitute. Some alternatives to Aldara include:

• Condylox: This is a topical gel used to treat external genital warts. It works by destroying the skin tissue of the wart.
• Zyclara: This is another topical cream that contains the same active ingredient as Aldara, imiquimod, and is used to treat actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and external genital warts.
• Veregen: This is a botanical drug product used for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts.

While these substitutes can be used in place of Aldara, it's important to remember that they may not work in the same way or have the same side effects. Always discuss the options with your healthcare provider to choose the best treatment for you.