External Genital Warts
Advice Notes for Female Patients
Aldara
Cream 5% Imiquimod
What is Aldara cream?
Aldara cream is used to treat external genital and perianal warts. These warts are caused by the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) which is generally passed from person to person during sexual contact.
Is Aldara cream like other treatments?
Aldara cream works differently to other treatments. It helps your body’s own immune system fight the virus which in turn helps clear the warts.
How do I use Aldara cream?
Rub Aldara cream directly on the external warts.
X Do not take by mouth or use in or near the eyes.
X Do not use to treat internal warts.
When do I apply Aldara cream?
Use Aldara cream three times a week, just before going to bed
· Monday, Wednesday and Friday
OR
· Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
X Do not use Aldara cream more often, it won’t have any greater effect.
X Do not use for longer than 16 weeks
How do I apply Aldara cream?
Before going to bed, wash and dry your hands, and the area where the wart is.
Open a new sachet each time, squeeze Aldara cream onto your finger tip.
Apply a thin layer of Aldara cream 3 times per week.
Apply Aldara cream onto the clean, dry wart area and rub gently until the cream vanishes.
Throw away the sachet after each application.
Remember to wash your hands with soap and water carefully afterwards.
Aldara cream should be left on for 6 to 10 hours.
During this time you should avoid showering, bathing or sexual contact.
After 6 to 10 hours, the cream should be washed off with mild soap and water.
How long does Aldara cream take to work?
As Aldara cream works with your immune system it takes time to be effective. Some people notice the warts shrinking after only 2 weeks, but in other cases they may not go away for up to 16 weeks. In some cases the genital warts may not clear using this treatment.
What changes will I notice?
Reddening, itching, burning, pain, wearing away of the skin, flakiness and swelling at the wart site are normal, telling you that Aldara cream is rousing your own immune cells to fight the virus.
Not all patients notice redness or reactions at the wart site, but the Aldara cream may still be working.
What should I do if undesirable effects occur?
You may notice reddening, itching, burning, pain wearing away of the skin, flakiness and swelling where you applied the cream. If this becomes too uncomfortable, wash the cream off with mild soap and water. As soon as the problem has stopped you can apply the cream again.
X If you notice severe itching or a burning sensation where the cream is applied, stop treatment and contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I have sex whilst using Aldara cream
If you have sex on your treatment day you should apply Aldara cream after, not before, sexual activity.
Avoid sexual contact while the cream is on the skin.
If you have already applied the cream, wash it off before sexual activity.
Aldara cream will not prevent you spreading the virus that is causing the warts to a partner.
X Do not share your prescribed cream with your partner.
X Do not use condoms or diaphragms as it may weaken them.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
X Stop using the cream.
See your doctor immediately to discuss risks and benefits of use in your own case.
What should I do if I miss an application?
Apply Aldara cream as soon as you remember and then continue with your normal routine.
What information should I give my doctor?
Do tell your doctor if you have previously used Aldara cream or any other preparation to treat your warts.
Do tell your doctor if you are HIV positive.
Remember to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Where can I find out more?
The leaflet in the Aldara cream pack has more information.
If you have any concerns talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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