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A 25-year-old male asked:

Being threated for genital warts (anus) with aldara (imiquimod). i have muscle pains, and flu like symptoms, but no fever. can this creme (aldara (imiquimod)) harm me?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Addagada Rao
General Surgery 58 years experience
Unlikely ( NO ): Imiquimod ( Aldara (imiquimod) ) is a immune response modifier , could be used for genital warts, ( other uses for actinic keratosis , superficial basal cell cancers ) may be you are reacting to the medication , speak to your doctor.
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Dr. HECTOR Franco
Dermatology 48 years experience
Not usually: Even when used properly Aldara (imiquimod) can cause mild problems like inflammation in the treated site. Like any medication, Imiquimod when not used correctly or in sensitive individuals can cause more significant side effects like tenderness, scabbing or as in your case, flu like symptoms. Contact the prescribing physician to determine if it is safe to continue your treatment.
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Related questions

A 28-year-old male asked:
Doctor, I noticed bleeding after a BM & found fleshy bumps around my anus. Are these anal warts? Can I use Imiquimod 5% cream, from my GP, on these?
Dr. Susan Rhoads
Family Medicine 40 years experience
Get checked!: We cannot tell what those bumps are from your description. Do not put anything on them until you have been examined. This may be hemorrhoids but the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old male asked:
Hi, i have a large amount of bright red blood coming from anus that start yesterday. 4 weeks ago I was prescribed imiquimod cream for anal warts. help?
Dr. Hunter Handsfield
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Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
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 Singh
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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.
A 24-year-old male asked:
I heard on the news that prescription Imiquimod is being used now in suppository form for internal genital warts. Could I request this from my doctor?
Dr. Mohammad Shahzad
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Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
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 Fisher
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.
Last updated Jun 25, 2014

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