Drug Ratings for ALDARAAverage Rating: 2.9 (720 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ALDARA | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 5 | Genital Warts | after using the cream I became very sore and then started to bleed, I think this is because I used too much and spread it about.!! follow the instructions and be patient | If you use this sparingly and rest when it gets too sore its seems to work, I am delighted as I am now clear in less than 3 weeks. | M | 45 | 2 weeks 1X D | 5/21/2013 | 1 | Genital warts | Chemical burn, painful urination, swelling and discomfort walking. Now painful sex due to scar tissue around vaginal opening and perineum. I now always tear there during sex. | I applied this cream only once and although I thought I used the proper amount I may have used too much. I wore pantyhose and was flying internationally so there was no chance for my vulva to have proper air circulation. After the flight I washed off the cream and a dime sized piece of my perineum was burned off into a sore that took weeks to fully heal. It was truly awful! The genital warts I had were tiny (two side-by-side) and on my perineum just below my vaginal opening. I have never had another outbreak, but if I did I would never use Aldara again! for the first few years after the treatment I would sometimes tear during sex at the base of my vagina/perineum where I had applied the cream. Now 13 years later (and for the past six years) I ALWAYS TEAR there after sex! The skin/scar tissue is so thin and tight that no matter how I try to prevent it, I always have this issue. This cream has destroyed my sex life! Do not use this medicine! | F | 33 | 1 days 1X D | 5/15/2013 | 1 | bcc | First 2 weeks -burning, itching, flu like symptons very red and sore. 1weeks rest Week 3 - All the above with open weeping and bleeding sores on my chest area Week 4 - could only do 3 days as was in agony. Laid up for 4 in agony. Hurts to move. No proper sleep for weeks as i was in so much pain. Miserable. Crying. A recluse and dont want to socialise immobile and unable to do simple tasks. 8 days rest to heal u - looks like a bad burn Week 5 - After 4 days i had open bleeding n& weeping sores i was in agony it felt like someone was holding a blow torch on my skin and sticking hot daggers into my chest. I felt like i was dying. It smelt like rotting flesh. I went to hospital and have a bad infection. I was crying with the pain. Im exhausted and will not continue with week 6. I pray im cured. The hospital dont tell you how awful Aldara is and it shouldnt be put on open sores as it goes into your blood stream, we need a better explanation about the treatment and follow up appointments during treatment. | F | 56 | 6 weeks 5mg | 4/23/2013 | 1 | Genital warts | Zero reduction in wart quantity or size. New warts continued developing while on the cream. I only used one packet every 3-4 times, so I was not over applying. I also made sure to wash the cream off in the morning. Since the warts were inside my labia minora it was impossible to prevent the treated area from coming in contact with healthy tissue. It took about 3 wks before I developed extreme itching, burning, swelling and redness. The swelling wasn't anything major, but combined with the angry red color of my vagina it looked AWFUL!! This cream is extremely uncomfortable to use. I am constantly aware of clothing touching me on a minute by minute basis due to the pain. I developed ulcerations but I was also undergoing acid treatments, so I can't fully attribute that to the aldara. I continued using it on the sensitive, red skin, and then woke up every day with a headache (which I never get). I was willing to deal with the pain, but this cream did nothing for me. | F | 31 | 3 months 5% | 3/30/2013 | 4 | Vaginal warts | I used this cream on and off for over 4 years for small vaginal warts, with periods of freezing every few months, without much success. I could get to the point where they looked like they were going but always flared up when I stopped treatment. I suffered horrid side effects like wearing of the skin, blisters, burning, itching, thrush and bv infections. BUT I've recently restarted using the cream AND for some reason its working much better with hardly any side effects! The only thing I've done differently this time round is to thoroughly wash and DRY the area and allow the cream to soak in or dry BEFORE standing up and moving around. Maybe this allows the cream to ONLY be absorbed by the area you put it on! You know what I'm saying girls :-) I've used it 2-3 times per week for the last 2 weeks and things are looking much better! I am officially converted from thinking this cream is an evil substance that has minimum effect to feeling like its doing a pretty good job with no side effects! | F | 31 | 4 years | 2/27/2013 | 3 | HPV | None | I had a growths that hang off the skin around anus area. It didn't bother me at all until I accidentally bumped into GW pictures on the web. I hate going to hospitals especially with anything like that. I started to search the Internet and it didn't take long for me to "diagnose" myself with HPV - GW. I went to a drug store and bought a 12 sachets box of Aldara, fortunately no prescription needed in Macau. Then I found this site and was really freaking out to use it after reading all the comments. I decided to see a doctor first before i go ahead with Aldara. This time I was actually diagnosed with skin tags as oppose to GW. What a relief! I want to say if you done a self diagnoses better seek professional opinion before coming to conclusions. BTW I still got full box of Aldara, if anyone wants it PM me. | M | 40 | 1X D | 1/28/2013 | 1 | Genital warts - HPV | I was prescribed the generic form of Aldara, called Imiquimod cream. First time applying I used half the packet and put on vaginal warts that were not internal. About an hour or so, I had burning. Since, side effects not too bad I applied cream 2 nights later at the same dosage and awoke with itching, burning, severe white vaginal discharge, white lesions scattered throughout my vagina and a burning on my labia an inch long. | Called the doctor the next day, got an appointment for the next day. In the meantime, I suffered extremely terrible burning pain during urination. I can compare this pain with giving childbirth. I could barely walk or even sit and be comfortable, it was a constant burning type of pain. Went to doctor, he gave me 2 antibiotics, one for viral, one for bacterial and he basically applied numbing cream, and treated discharge and all the "white dots." Felt good the rest of the day then the burning pain came back at a vengeance, it was at its worse. Doc recommended pee in bathtub water and that's what I had to do. I then took baths every morning using Aveeno Oatmeal, nothing else. I used Vagisil Medicated Wipes for burning and itching, but a good cold washcloth helps you keep your sanity. I just had my follow-up with the doc and he says my tests came back negative for any STD's. This was basically a chemical reaction to the creme. I think my initial visit to him was that I had a full blown case of the herpes. I advise anyone NOT to take this medicine. I feel it should only be put on by a doctor or further tests need to be done on side effects. Currently, I don't have any itching or burning but I still have some fatigue, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and breathing problems. | F | 46 | 2 times 5 percent 3X W | 1/27/2013 | 1 | Genital warts | Horrific horrific cream. Do not use. Only have your genital warts frozen off and do not shave the area. | Absolutely horrific experience with Aldara. I have a chemical burn on my vagina. It looks like herpes but it is my reaction to the Aldara cream. Extremely sore and painful. I can't walk comfortably, going for a wee is like being sliced with razor blades, looks horrific, I can feel a constant burn down there. Just is awful. | F | 22 | 2 weeks 3X W | 1/13/2013 | 1 | Basal Cell of chest area | I developed urinary symptoms including frequency, urgency, burning on urinating, also irritation of urethra that has been slowly subsiding after using Aldara 2xday/21 days in a small area on my chest. I also developed low back pain. Would not use this medication again. | I have not seen any other patient using this medication as often as the instructions from my dermatologist -- 2 times a day for 30 days. I wonder if I overdosed on the medication. | F | 60 | 21 days 5 mg. 2X D | 1/4/2013 | 5 | gw | Some mild itching and burning. No fatigue, muscle soreness, or headache. | Fortunately I read extensively about this drug (from this site and others) before using. Apply sparingly and only on the wart(s). I can't stress that enough. After only 4 treatments, warts almost gone. This does work! | F | 43 | 1 weeks packet 4X W | 12/27/2012 | 1 | HPV GW | Im on a lower dosage of aldara called zyclara and i have to use it everyday for 16 weeks..,It is just horrible literally set my vagina on fire. Horrible ulcers hurts to pee open sores, I wouldn't recommend this cream just get them removed I have a lil under a month to go... No change has taken affect all. THIS CREAM IS WORST THAN THE PROBLEM UTS TRYING TO CURE... | F | 20 | 10 weeks | 12/6/2012 | 4 | BCC | Burning , itching, scabbing oozing followed by flaky skin, Did not like the treatment and was pleased most of the area was covered by my fringe as it did not look pleasant. A very small BCC became a large red area on my forehead. Was tempted tp stop treatment but as I had got so far I thought I should continue.I did suffer from back ache occasionally but did not stop me working. | Now one week after finishing treatment and skin scabs and flakes have gone and the redness is fading. I think it will take a few weeks to look "normal" again but it is looking promising. | F | 59 | 6 weeks 5% 1X D | 11/9/2012 | 1 | Bcc and actinic keta's | My GP prescribed this drug, I did the usual check it out on the net stuff, you don't believe half the stuff you read ... And well anyway being of sound mind I proceeded ... I think it's worked sort of .. But in the meantime my normal life is a shadow of what I used to feel like ... I fall asleep exhausted at 9 pm sleep 3 hrs then awake for 2- 3 hrs, i have constant headaches - i dont get head aches , I have a constant ringing in my ears, I cannot concentrate anymore - I used to be a fit healthy hard doer running a business, now at the end of the treatment I find myself suffering anxiety and tension ... Still unable to sleep a sound night | Yup ... I will not use this stuff again, ever, it dicks with you, I have told my GP he seems not really interested, same for the pharmacist, he even suggested counciling for the anxiety ! ......... Your choice ... But from a bloke who has only ever had a cold or flue in his whole life and headaches from over indulging don't use it ! | M | 48 | 16 weeks 5% 250mg 2X W | 10/24/2012 | 1 | HPV | Autoimune disorders, rashes, just overall unhealthy feeling 4 years after use. Currently using treatments to counteract an overactive immune system. | Dont use it. | M | 34 | 30 days 1X D | 10/21/2012 | 1 | BCC | Don't think if you just use too much you will be affected, if any get's in your bloood stream, which it is likely to do as it creates a sore and scabby area, which you are still suppose to apply....even when the scab cracks, creating the opportunity for Aldara to reach your blood. I had absolutley no side effects until 5 weeks into the treatment...then all heck broke loose. Anxiety, depression, shooting pains, Insomnia, Tinitus. | 4 years later still have the Neuropathy this drug induced. Please stay away from this drug. | F | 1X D | 10/13/2012 | 5 | BCC | Please study the medicine you are taking before using it IMPROPERLY and complaining about the side affects. I will explain many of the side affects of this medicine. It is known that imiquimod activates a potent immune response through the toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), which causes and increase in cytokines (primarily interferon) natural killer cells, macrophages and B-lymphocytes. If you get canker like sores or major flu symptoms then it is a CLEAR sign that you are using WAY TOO MUCH cream. Use the MINIMAL amount possible to get the result you need. Be patient and after several weeks increase the dose if needed. In this case more cream DOES not equal a faster or better result. Please don’t listen to me, ask your doctor, do your own research and be logical. | After doing some basic research on wiki and pubmed I found this 1) Aldara causes a potent immune response, increasing interferons. It is normal for the human body to have symptoms such as aching muscles and fever related to the production of IFNs during infection. E.G. The Flu virus. Interferon (IFN)-alpha is known for causing high rates of depression and fatigue which makes sense because if you are sick your body is using energy to mount an immune response and telling you to stay in bed and rest. 2) You will see Imiquimod has a strong anti-proliferative effect. This means it inhibits cell growth which is good for cancer but is an obvious explanation for all these canker like sores people are seeing. If you use FAR TOO MUCH cream then you will get massive antiproliferative effects and cell death, large dead areas of cells on the skin will give you sores. 3) People spoke about Aldara messing with your immune system, I have no proof but this seems totally plausible because if you use too much Aldara on your skin it gets into your blood stream it will cause a potent increase of interferons in the blood which will affect your immune system in some way. It is plausible for example if you have if you have leaky gut syndrome, this increase interferon will cause antigens to be produced against all the undigested foods in your blood. These proteins are similar to those found in human tissues so autoimmune problems could develop. | M | 37 | 2 months 25mg 1X W | 9/28/2012 | 4 | VIN 1-2 | Swelling, Burning, itching, weeping, a severe UTI at the end of the 2nd week (kidneys), severe pain, hair loss (after the first month), depression, body aches. | It did remove the black spots (VIN). | F | 32 | 16 weeks 5 MG 3X W | 9/20/2012 | 3 | HPV | Oh my goodness I am not liking this cream at all. I am applying 3 times a week to the letter, the first two applications were fine, a little itching maybe but nothing bad. From there on I am in intense pain in my labia minora (where I don't have any warts but I guess the cream may have transferred) which is red, swollen & extremely sore. So much so that I cannot bear to wear underwear or have anything touching it. Even walking hurts. I have another two & a bit weeks to go on this cream & am hoping the burning pain subsides soon. On the plus side, I do think it is having some effect on the warts. They seem to be swollen & hard & I am sure a few have gone already. I guess having them gone will be worth all the pain in the end! Good luck if you're persevering like me. I literally feel your pain! | F | 31 | 2 weeks 5 | 8/24/2012 | 4 | melanoma in situ | extreme redness, weeping, scabbing, itching, burning, crusting, swelling; canker sores in the corner of the mouth and eye, systemic side effects including fatigue, anxiety, depression, nausea, shortness of breath, mental fogginess | Ignore my rating--I have another five weeks out of twelve to go. Won't know the results until the skin heals. But I wanted to share my experiences. I had five surgeries (2011) to excise an unusually extensive lentiga melanoma on my eyelids and upper cheek.(Each surgery turned up more cancer, despite having first had five mapping biopsies.) Last June, my oncologist judged that the melanoma had returned to the margins of the skin graft. More surgery would have been severely disfiguring, it's a huge area. So we are trying Aldara, which is off label for melanoma. a) It works BEYOND the area of application. Maybe this is good. Areas of my face are inflamed that I have not applied to cream to. b) BE VERY AWARE THAT DOSING IS NOT A SCIENCE!!! I started using one packet a day, for eight hours. I am however, super drug sensitive. After two weeks I had severe systemic side effects described above. (These come from the production of alpha interferon by your stimulated immune cells. Alpha interferon is the source of the depression and fatigue.) My doctor told me to halve the dose, and use it every other day. The canker sores went away, but not the intense surface reactions. I am still exhausted, depressed and short of breath. BE VIGILANT ABOUT SYSTEMIC (CHEMO) SIDE EFFECTS--NO ONE KNOWS THEIR LONG-LASTING EFFECTS. REPORT THEM TO YOUR MD, JIGGLE THE DOSE. I am hanging in, however The alternative is a Phantom of the Opera Mask.Good luck everyone! | F | 65 | 12 weeks .25 grams 1X D | 8/15/2012 | 1 | GW | I was prescribed this drug for a minimal gw, with doses every M,W,F. I put a very small amount on the wart but could only do it once a week due to burning and itching. I was never told to wipe it off, but later read you're supposed to. Up until recently, my side effects were only headaches and fatigue. I may have put more cream on then normal, but I developed bad white/black burns around my labia which also got extremely swollen and red. It has been three days and I still cannot walk normal and dread peeing as it burns beyond belief. I have a very high pain tolerance (i.e natural childbirth) but cannot tolerate this. I've found so many reviews consistentwith mine that had I read before I wouldnt have used. I went to my Dr who just doesn't believe its from the cream and actually told me it could be a herpes outbreak! My herpes test came back negative, which now has him in disbelief as he still doesn't think its the cream. He said he prescribes this a lot and has never heard of this. Well, check the internet because tons of ppl have experienced this. I would never recommend trying this cream for gw. There are alternatives. Not to mention the gw has not changed in 12 weeks. This stuff is miserable as application on genitals is not easy to control. Don't try it!! | F | 27 | 10 weeks | 8/6/2012 | 2 | Common Warts | Extreme fatigue and drowsiness. | The side-effects were not tolerable for me; it seems to be working for the warts on my face, though. | M | 27 | 1 months 5% cream 1X D | 7/20/2012 | 2 | gw | No side effects and no change in warts what so ever... Not sure if this stuff works.. Thinking about trying it everday and see how I get on.. | M | 26 | 4 weeks 3 x week | 7/4/2012 | 4 | Genital Warts! | First of all I had the warts frozen off around the top of my vagina and anus and the began using the cream. The ones on my vagina went a purple colour and then fell off, however I am still finishing the course of medication (just like you would antibiotics) and the ones in my anus feel like they've gone after 2 and half weeks of using it. | F | 18 | 2.5 weeks 3X W | 6/19/2012 | 1 | sBCC | I took Aldara per the direction of my dermatologist. She prescribed for me to put it on the side of my neck to treat a "sBCC" for 6 weeks. 5 days treat before bed, 2 days rest. She indicated to just use a pinhead size for the cream. After starting I immediately got flu-like symptoms just before a big vacation. I had runny nose, achy muscles and joints, and itchy eyes. I thought it was just allergies at the time. The BCC on the side of my neck became red, puffy and encrusted within a few days. It didn't hurt, but it was unsightly. After a while it scabbed over and I called the dermatologist they told me to keep using it for 6 FULL weeks. At this point I feel that I have some side effects from the Aldara treatment but I am still trying to figure out what it has done to me. Search the web and you'll find plenty of stories on how this drug has permanently ruined healthy people's lives. | If you are considering taking this "topical chemotherapy" drug I would seriously do your own research on it. It seems like a harmless little cream, but 3M has created a way for the powerful drug Imiquimod to be delivered directly through your skin into your body and cause temporary and permanent serious medical conditions. Please don't use on genitals, anus, nose or around face (eyes, mouth, etc). If your sores become red and bloody do not use Aldara on the open sores as the powerful drug Imiquimod will go straight to your bloodstream and wreak havoc with your immune system. As an alternate there are other types of topical creams which aren't immune modifiers like Aldara (Black Salve, etc..). I felt like my derm. did not clearly indicate the severe dangers of this drug before prescribing it to me | M | 39 | 14 days pinhead 1X D | 6/18/2012 | 2 | GW | This is only my fourth day using Imiquimod, the generic version of Adara and my genitals are bright red, itchy,sore, and stinging. I also have an odor and it seems as though more spots have risen on my vulva. They almost feel like insect bites because they itch but then if you touch them they hurt badly. I hope this medication works and I hope I can make it four weeks because I am absolutely miserable. | F | 18 | 4 days 3 pks/wk | 6/14/2012 | 1 | planter wart | causing planter warts to get worse | The price for one month treatment would be over $900.00 but luckily had insurance but still yet I had to be out $200.00.......now after the expense of this expensive medication it's making them worse !!!!! | F | 60 | 25 days 5% 4X W | 6/11/2012 | 1 | for herpes or genital warts or HPV | Joint, muscle , and limb pain severe. I have been suffering for a few years. Now i have depression due the after affects of Aldara, I want to die, I want to kill myself, I want to commit suicide since I can no longer lead a physical life. My strength has been reduced to that of a 6 year old, a child. I am 40 years of age. I cannot work, I am disabled because of the affects of Aldara | I stopped the medications after having seizures for the first time in my life. I have never been depressed or suicidal. I want to kill myself everyday to escape the pain. | M | 40 | 30 days 1X D | 6/9/2012 | 1 | GW | Aldara have been very effective with few of warts growing around my penis but I really curse this cream to hell. My penis now has 2nd degree burn that in worst I cannot walk and even go to work. I don't want to use the cream anymore and won't tell anyone about this drug!!!!! | M | 22 | 3 weeks 5xweek | 6/3/2012 | 1 | GW | HORRIBLE!!!! Leaves sores and burns that make even walking difficult for over a week!!! | F | 21 | 3 days | 5/23/2012 | 3 | Vin 11 | No side effects the first week. Side effects such as headache, exhaustion, body aches, throbbing in genital region, burning when urinating started the beginning of the second week which was right after the fourth application. | I use the cream Monday, Wednesday and Friday night. The day following is the when I feel the worst. I have only had two bad days so far, but am worried about having to do this for an additional 2.5 months. My side effects seems to be more whole body rather than the local sores that most talk about. | F | 34 | 2 weeks 5% 3X W | 5/17/2012 | 3 | VIN-1 | Inflammation, open red sores, backaches and flu symptoms. | I hate being on this drug. It has been hell on earth and has only minimally helped my lesions. I am hoping my doctor decides laser ablation during my next follow up because I can not stand being on this drug any longer! | F | 19 | 4 weeks 5% 3X W | 5/12/2012 | 1 | skin cancer | with in 2 days i had flu like syptoms/open sores on my face anywhere applied.i now have no immune systom/terrible pain everywhere/open wounds/i used aldara 3 times 2007/2009/2011 i am so ill now with no help from the doctors or lawyers i am thinking about not suffering much longer.if i go out in public i get sick.the scars on my body are horrendous.my life is over.3m cares for no one but thier bottom line they posion thousands but make billions and do not suffer anything from the damage they cause. 3 m killed me/destroyed my family and our lives i was only 45 when this started and only 50 when i was murdered by 3m and aldara | DO NOT UNDER USE NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS. THIS IS A POISON THAT HAS DESTROYED OUR LIVES.I AM SO SICK NOW AFTER USE OF ALDARA THE DREAMS WE HAD ARE GONE.THE PAIN IS TOO TERRIBLE TO FIND ANY REASON TO SURVIVE ANY LONGER.THE SIDE EFFECTS ARE TOO LONG TO LIST.THE DAMAGE TO MY SKIN AND BODY ARE DEVESTATING.3M WILL NOT HELP YOU FOR ANY REASON.TOO MUCH MONEY BEING MADE/TOO MANY PEOPLE BEING SACRIFICED TO MAKE MONEY.no doctors will help/believe/ no lawyers will help. my medical bills are outstanding/no longer can work i supported my family now i can not.i can no longer take chances of going out in public i get sick everytime.. | F | 50 | 6 weeks 3x week 1X D | 4/24/2012 | 1 | GW | Applied on a very small spot Sunday night, experienced some itching and yellowish discharge and very minor swelling. Next day started coming down with a fever, chills, body aches, and headache. Took Tylenol and symptoms subsided. Then applied medicine again on Tuesday night, this time using a little more cream than last time because I thought nothing of the side effects. That night I experienced severe itching and burning to the point where it woke me up in the middle of the night. The next morning I couldn't take the itching so I washed all the cream off. Then the same side effects happened but worse than 2 fold. I came down with the same flu-like symptoms but my labia and everything else down there was completely swollen. It burned like hell when I peed and it hurt so much to touch with anything, soft tissue and water. I had to immediately make an appointment to see my gyno who prescribed the medicine and she said I just had a really strong reaction to the medicine. She prescribed me with strong ibuprofen but that only helps so much with the pain. I never ever want to experience anything like this again. The side effects are completely horrible. Why would someone engineer a medicine that would make you suffer so much? It's been 5 days after the second application and the side effects are still as I remember when it first started. I'm just laying in bed suffering while waiting and waiting for everything to subside. | F | 25 | 7 days 1 pck 3xWK | 4/22/2012 | 4 | HPV Warts | Redness, Itchiness, (some) Burning, Discomfort | F | 15 | 2 weeks 5 MG | 4/19/2012 | 1 | GW (3) | Whatever you do, don't use this cream. Horrendous side effects. Open sores, blisters, throbbing, burning, itching, and depression! | F | 21 | 7 days | 4/15/2012 | 5 | for bcc on face | extreme tiredness nausea and flu like symptoms but it has been so worthit it is now feb 2012 and the cancer has completely gone. I don't feel so self conscious any more...... | Aldara was really a miracle cure for me.I dont know, but I suspect that very many of the posts who experienced extreme side effects simply used far far too much at a time.Use only a pinprick at at time, once a day,rub it well in and don't be tempted to use more just cause it | F | 64 | 4 months 30 1X D | 2/24/2012 | 4 | anal dysplasia | About once a week I will have flu-like symptoms, aching all over body. Burning hemorrhoid like pain as a site-reaction | I've been doing Aldara for Anal Dysplasia, which has been studied, but this is off label, since it involves internal use inside the anus. This is meant to be proactive to prevent the abnormal cells from becoming cancerous. I'm 13 weeks into a 16 week period. At my 8 week evaluation, about 75% of the dysplasia had been resolved. Hoping for complete resolution, but will opt for Infared Coagulation to zap the rest of it. Would I do it again? Probably not -- I just think there are too many unknowns when you start messing with the immune system, and the flu-like symptoms for the past 3 months have been at time debilitating. Would probably just the the IRC from the get go. | M | 53 | 16 weeks 1/2 pk3xwk 3X W | 2/16/2012 | 5 | genital warts | little bit of itching the days after using, nothing major. cough and cold also minor | the warts were few and small but i have been using it for 2 weeks now and they are all gone, still yet to see if the stay away. i recommend using the this cream. put a pin prick in the packet and only use the smallest amount on each wart ever second night and wash off first thing in the morning, used correctly you will get minimal side effects and excellent results. good luck. | F | 32 | 2 days 5mg 3X W | 2/12/2012 | 1 | GW | Absolutely HORRIBLE side effects! Cannot walk cannot sit can only lay one certain way. The pain got so incredibly bad that I went to the hospital and got pain killers and even those aren't working! In aldaras defense.. I used too much of it jn the area but I never expected pain this bad in my life! If I don't heal soon I do not know what i am going to do! I do not suggest this under any condition considering I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy! | F | 21 | 3 days | 1/24/2012 | 4 | Actinic keratoses | It took awhile to work but worked well. | M | 51 | 45 days 5mg 1X D | 1/17/2012 | 1 | genital warts | I had rated aldara poorly before due to serious burns and an infection INSIDE the vagina. Now, as a result, I have serious scar tissue and am unable to use a tampon or have intercourse. Thanks Aldara, I hate you. | F | 25 | 1 days 1X D | 1/13/2012 | 1 | Basal cell carcinoma on face | After 3 applications I had wheezing, difficulty breathing, tight chest, all the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction so decided to stop. 2 days later another two BCCs have appeared so the cream is still having an effect. | F | 45 | 3 days | 12/31/2011 | 3 | Hpv warts | I wasn't explained to about exactly how to use aldara so I applied it to my entire vagina bc I had small flat warts that were waiting to get bigger. After the second day I swelled up and it became itchy but I read it was a side effect and my doctor told me to push through it. After the 3rd day the reaction was unbearable I had developed 2nd degree burns. On my entire vagina.. I obviously stopped use but noticed the actual warts turned black and fell off. To take care of the burns rotate between Tylenol and Motrin and use a squirt bottle after you pee and blow dry the area on the lowest setting bc the only way the area will heal is if it's dry. Also have your doctor prescribe you silver sulfadiazine cream and it speeds healing. It worked where it was supposed to so if you get | F | 21 | 3 days | 12/25/2011 | 5 | Genital Warts | i did experience quite a few of negative side effects such as itching, burning, rawness, swelling, tenderness, blisters, and pain. Because the side effects were so unbearable, I only used the cream twice the first week and once the second week. This allowed my skin to heal in between doses. My skin looked and felt horrible. I was very concerned that the medicine was not helping me at all and only making my condition worse. BUT, by the time the third week came around and I was ready to apply my fourth dose, nearly all of my warts were cleared (just a couple very small flat ones remained), my skin had healed, and it looked healthy as ever. Although the side effects were severe and painful, this medicine works! | If you are serious about getting rid of your warts fast, Aldara works! I read a user comment about Aldara that said it gets worse before it gets better. This is so true. If you are experiencing the uncomfortable side effects, try to stay with it. Take a break and skip a dose or two if you need to to let your skin heal. Also, ask your doctor for lidocaine jelly. This really helps with the pain and itching. And remember, only use a TINY TINY amount. Use a flat toothpick to apply to the skin. Even if you think you are not applying enough, you are! If you put too much on, you will most likely experience the painful side effects. The key to minimizing the side effects is using the smallest amount. The side effects usually last a couple of days. If you can tough it out, it'll be worth it in the end. | F | 22 | 3 weeks 1X W | 12/19/2011 | 1 | Warts | I was on aldara for 3 weeks when i developed severe flu like symptoms fever chills malaise and weakness these symptoms only lasted 1 day. A week later i started to have stomach aches and mild twitching in my muscles in my limbs back hands and shoulders. Ive been off aldara for a week now and im still getting the twitching in the murscles i also now get pins and needles in my hands and feet. I wake up in the morning and my throat is dry and my nose is stuffy. Ive seen the dr that gave me aldara and she said aldara wouldnt cause these symptoms i was fine before aldara. If you care about your life keep away from aldara. | M | 35 | 3 weeks | 12/13/2011 | 4 | sk on forehead | I found that it started to work quite quickly and those affected areas seemed to swell up and turn red. I see that it is working and side effects are minimal. It is clear that it is a powerful drug and there is probably a tendency to use more than is required. I think using less is better and just make sure you rub it in well. You don't need an insurance dose | I find that some areas swell up and turn more red than others which tells me that is where I need it. So far I am encouraged and side effects are minimal. | M | 49 | 3 weeks 3X W | 11/24/2011 | 2 | stubborn common wart in nostril | I used too much and misunderstood that my DR meant 3 x a week and I've used it every other day fpr 10 days, no change in wart just a bit sore, but I have felt tired, sick, sore throat headache and the runs | F | 52 | 10 days 5 | 11/20/2011 | 5 | Basal cell carcinoma | No major side effects. Initial mild cold for 2 days and occasional tiredness from time to time - not significant. | Previously I felt pretty awful using 30 mg of Aldara per day to get rid of large BCCs. This time around I have 3 smaller areas to cure - while they have become red and crusted or open wounds, they will heal and I feel fine. Still running 20 - 30 minutes every day and keeping fit. I prefer using Aldara to burning BCCs with nitrogen as I find that 2 years after burn off they return. 25 MG packet lasts me 3 days - use small amounts. | M | 49 | 30 days 25 1X D | 11/13/2011 | 4 | gw | Pain irritated skin flu like symptoms tired did i mention pain | I was putting on too much at first. That was my whole probelm. I got really sick and felt like my rectum and labia were on fire also got the herpes like sores too. I freaked out but called my doctor who told me I was putting on too much. I took a one day break and neosporin with pain relief helps also took benadryl per my doctor and that helped too. Started taking vitamin e and ibuprofen and I feel much better. They don't tell you how to apply it right, try shielding your other skin to prevent irritation and apply a very small amount. The cream is working. Just wish I knew earlier to apply something to my healthy skin to protect it and to use a small amount very small I mean like a drop. I was using half the packet for four little bumps. Feeling much better. | F | 30 | 14 days 1X D | 11/8/2011 | 3 | hpv | Lots or pain and irritation, sores and redness painful to touch. Pain during urination but it helps to lean forward. Secere itching when I wake up before I wash it off with dial gold | I had warts before, id burn them off no biggie. But then one day inside my vaginal opening was painful and split open. Went to ER got diagnosed with herpies. Ruined my life lol but I don't have herpies. I did a blood test it was negative. Went to gyno she did a biopsy and told me I hace " hpv footprints" on the inner wall of my opening. Gave me the adlara 5% cream. Didn't use the rright amount i did 4 treatments (1 3x a week) and I'm swollen red irritated and in pain. I have more bumps now at my opening its a chemical burn I'm guessing. DONT HAVE SEX WHATEVER YOU DO. Going to let sores heal and try again | F | 21 | 8 days 3X W | 10/26/2011 | 2 | Genital warts | Horrific side effects. Fever and chills, flu-like symptoms. Very swollen vaginal lips. Probably 7x their normal size. Painful urination and some soars and redness. No idea if it's actually helped the worts. Too scared to look until swelling subsides. I used too much of the cream though. Probably a third of the packet on the affected area. | if you are experiencing similar side effects, try ice packs, Tucks pads help a lot. You use them as wipes after urinating. You can also thickly layer them on a pad/panty liner in your underwear. It helps with the burning. There is also neosporin spray. I'm currently using all of the above. Got sick 4 days ago but the swelling/burning started 3 days ago. I have no idea how long this will last. I've missed school and work and I can barely walk. | F | 29 | 1 weeks tiny mat 3X W | 10/4/2011 | 3 | gw | it feels like my wife may hve set my junk on fire, left it burn for a bit, then put it out with a hammer or somthing soft like that | it was and is working, doc said sex with a condom would be ok, well its not a good idea! now i am married and have no secrets from my wife, now she tired of hearing me complain about the pain. i stopped using it and the open red sores seem to be getting much better. i will have sex one time after all healled up, and then back to treatment. i have found some comfort in beer, advil, a&d ointment, and ambien to sleep, and when im all done it will just all seem like a painfull dream! hahaha. some warts are gone, and the others have shrunk considerabley, but again, this aint for the squeemish, and dont have sex! i repete dont have sex! it is not worth the pain. i would rather poke myself in the eye with a sharp stick | M | 45 | 8 weeks 1X D | 9/29/2011 | 1 | open sores, blisters, difficulty walking | As a disclaimer -- I used a full packet of Aldara when my dr told me to only use a half packet. I was being a bit hyperactive. BUT, the side effects I had were UNREAL - i missed a week of school because I had to go to the emergency room. I could not use the bathroom, I could not walk or sit, I was in excruciating pain. Redness and swelling turned to blisters then open sores, then peeling skin. To top it all off, THREE DOCTORS (one gyno practicing for 30 years and 2 ER drs) diagnosed me with genital herpes. I cried for days, I was mortified. When I went to the follow up visit with the gyno, he said that even though my cultures came back negative, he "knew without a doubt" that what I had was genital herpes. He said I had a false negative and a positive test would come through in a month. I waited, it came back negative. I took herpes tests for 5 months before my doctor was satisfied that I did not have herpes. Needless to say -- these doctors DO NOT KNOW what they are perscribing and the mental toll the diagnosis of herpes took on me was crippling. This medication should be disposed of if drs don't understand it and can't recognize the symptoms of a chemical burn and treat it. | F | 21 | 30 days 2X W | 9/28/2011 | 4 | HPV | While using aldara, I had side effects such as Blisters, sores and incredible itchiness | Although all the side effects of this cream are quite severe, and painful, the results surpass the suffering done while on the treatment. I had sores and blisters all over my uncircumcised penis and it was so incredibly painful. But, it looks like my HPV is gone. Worth it | M | 32 | 8 days 30mg 1X D | 9/27/2011 | 4 | bcc on face | feeling very tired mainly and a bit depressed a little nauseous skin around bcc bright red but very positive shrinking and improvement after a month | i have read reviews by other users and sympathise with some of the more severe side effects. Please remember to only apply a VERY small amount of the cream it is very powerful. I am just so delighted that this ugly disease which has affected my self confidence for so long is finally disappearing!What doesnt kill you makes you strong and I find using the cream a much more desirable alternative to surgery I have taken the downtime using it to rest read sleep and reflect Good luck fellow users! | F | 64 | 4 weeks 1X D | 9/27/2011 | 4 | Genital Warts | Extreme Burning !! | I just found out about a week ago i have HPV. My doctor prescribed me Aldara. I used it once last wednesday, once thursday and than once again sunday and monday. All my doctor told me was to apply it 3 times a week before i went to bed and to wash it off in the morning. I didnt have side effects until my latest use on monday. Tuesday i woke up with extreme discomfort...burning, itching, and barely being able to pee without shedding a tear. I didnt read all the reviews on this site until today! Now with it being wednesday I am still in such pain. I cant walk, sit, or lay down without being in excruiating discomfort. I have not used Aldara since the side effects and am going to wait until they are over to begin treatment again. From reading the reviews and for people who have had the same problems i just have a few questions: Will the burning sensation go away? And when i start using the cream again should i apply it only to the warts? The prescription says to use it 3 times a week, should the 3 times a week be apart from eachother? Like Sunday, Wednesday and Friday perhaps? ALSO on the Tuesday I did not wash the medication off can they have anything to do with the fact i cant even walk without being in pain!?! My doctor didnt tell me any of these side effects nor did he or the directions itself say to place cream on only the warts! When will the pain go away :( | F | 22 | 1 weeks 3X W | 9/21/2011 | 5 | genital warts | Generic aldara cream of 250mg was used | I got generic aldara called Imiquimod online at International Drug Mart. | F | 45 | 2 weeks 250mg 1X D | 8/19/2011 | 1 | Condyloma | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | use of aldara 11/2010 - from end of 11/2010 till 01/2011: tongue burning, depression, tinnitus - 02/2011: beginning of muscle twitching (ongoing) - 03/2011: first signs of weakness (ongoing and spreading) - 07/2011: first signs of muscle atrophy - 08/2011: diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | M | 33 | 4 weeks 50-60mg 3X W | 8/12/2011 | 1 | GW | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | I Used Aldar under my foreskin for GW in 11/2010. Shortly after the begiinig of treatment I got pain in my tongue and right ear. Then I got a severe depression with suicidal intendace - that's why i stopped treatment. Then improvement till 02/2011- In 02/2011 first unspecific signs of weakness in my right leg, that subsided. Then Start of generalised muscle twitching, which turnt out to be the beginning of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (diagnosed 08/2011). I'm sure that aldara is the cause of all that and it's action as a toll-like 7-receptor. Never use this drug. For me it will have deadly consequences (and there are a lot of people with other neurodegenerative diseases caused by aldara). Never use this drug for any medical condition | M | 33 | 50mg 3X W | 8/11/2011 | 5 | hpv/ gw | The morning after the first use I felt nauseous, flu-like symptoms but this was the only time I experienced these symptoms. Now, swolen labia (similar symptoms to yeast infection ie: itching, swelling), raw skin, stinging, extremely tender, a few red bumps around the area. | The first time I had gw (6 yrs ago), I was treated once a week for 4 weeks with liquid nitrogen which was successful. This time (a different gyno) perscribed Aldara and it seems to be working great as far as getting rid of the warts. Mine were very tiny -around the vaginal opening and a few inside- and seemed to have disappeared after the first week and a half of using the cream. The side effects however, were quite disappointing. Although I believe all warts are gone, I was going to continue with treatment for a few more days just to make sure but now have to take a break as I am experiencing very raw skin. I used the cream as dirrected but from reading other's reactions to the cream, I think I am still using too much. My side effects seem to be getting a bit worse dispite not having used the cream for a few days. I now appear to have red, raw skin along the inside walls of my labia and around the vaginal opening as well as several small red bumps. I have had two outbreaks of herpes in the past 6 years and although my symptoms at the moment are similar to that of herpes, after reading other peoples reactions, I believe it is just a reaction to the cream (I take a daily dose of Valtrex as preventative measure just in case, so I figure a herpes outbreak is highly unlikely anyway). I am wondering if others have had a similar reaction, thinking it may be herpes when in fact is is just a reaction to the Aldara cream? Has anyone used vit. E to help with irritation? | F | 31 | 2 weeks 3X W | 8/4/2011 |