United Kingdom
A 25-year-old male asked:
Is aldara (imiquimod) a dangerous medicine? im going to take it against genital warts. can this medicine cause any dangerous side effects? deadly?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Donatoanswered
Urology 27 years experience
Safe Medication: Aldara (imiquimod) does not have any black box warnings or major complications associated with it. As it is a skin based treatment, most of its side effects (and expected effects) are skin irritation.
Since it is an immune therapy, you should expect the warts to become inflamed as your body attacks them.
There have not been any reports of death from topical application of aldara (imiquimod).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Hickanswered
Dermatology 15 years experience
Rare side effects: Common side effects are pain and irritation at the site of application. I have seen a rare flu-like reaction in which the patient can start to feel malaise, fatigue, and muscle soreness from using the medication. This is rare.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
Good choice: It is not pleasant, but it's safe and effective. Your physician should be commended for making a good choice.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
Agreed. Will almost definitely cause a rash which will eventually go away, but side effects beyond the local area would be unusual. There's a high chance that warts will return regardless of chosen therapy. Don't use your fingers to apply it, or wear a glove if you do.
Aug 11, 2015
Related questions
A 28-year-old male asked:
I had a genital wart in urethra and its been removed by Imiquimod cream (Aldara) 3 years ago and I am scared if it will transfer with my partner?
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Unlikely: Most people are able to get rid of the HPV with or without treatment. As you do not have any lesions you are unlikely to transmit what you had to your... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
270 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:
Are there any products I can use on the days I do not apply Aldara (imiquimod) for genital warts? After one month I'm not seeing much in the way of results.
Dr. Wayne Ingramanswered
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Aldara (imiquimod) alternatives: Most MD's can use alternative applications to treat warts if the Aldara (imiquimod) is no longer working. There include TCA, podophyllin, and cryother... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Can aldara (imiquimod) be used to get rid of genital warts?
Dr. Ronald Obermananswered
Podiatry 33 years experience
Several ways: Topical medication, freezing, laser, surgical excision among other things.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Can Imiquimod be used to treat genital warts near the vaginal opening?
Dr. Birendra Tandananswered
Urology 36 years experience
Yes. Very carefully.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Jul 05, 2022
A 21-year-old male asked:
Is aldara (imiquimod) the best prescribe medication for early stages of genital warts. Warts have beem appearing in thr last month or so.?
Dr. Michael Fisheranswered
Dermatology 34 years experience
Genital Warts: Treatment of genital warts should be guided by the preference of the patient, the available resources, and the experience of the health-care provider.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 20, 2016
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