| Key to ratings for aldara: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
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| 1 | HPV-GW | EXTREME PAIN!! itching, sores, blister, pussing, burns, very painful urination, the list goes on and on. | I was recently diagnosed with HPV-GW.I had them burned off twice within 2 wks & my dr also prescribed aldara for follow up.my dr didnt know anything about this product before prescribing it 2 me.PLEASE do your own research before using this product & make sure 2 apply correctly.I started using the cream on a wed, i used the entire package (HORRIBLE idea)& applied it EVERYWHERE as my dr said 2 keep new warts from appearing in the non effected areas(2nd HORRIBLE idea)no side effects yet, i then used it again on fri once again applying it everywhere & globbed it on thinking the more the marrier(WRONG)i experienced some itching,irritation,&also lots of soreness on my labia, redness,& burns.I will say that some of my warts did go away so it does work.On the 3rd day sun when i applied it i was in tears it hurt so bad(especially my labia)& i noticed swelling on 1 side of the labia.It hurt SO bad to pee & thats when sitting & walking started to hurt.I woke up mon morning once again in a lot of pain so i took a mirror & looked to see & noticed my labia was even more swollen & that i had a nasty pussy blister & it hurts SO BAD!i was in tears.I later went 2 the bathroom & noticed that i was pussing from my vagina &FREAKED out!the blister was worse & the pain is almost unbarable to walk, sit, stand or even wear clothes.Im also aching, and feel like i have the flu. Im goign to stop using Aldara & let it heal idk if ill us | F | 20 | 1 weeks 5 3X W | 9/6/2010 | 3 | GW | Massive swelling, Chemical burns, Excruciating pain! | I wish I had found this site a few days ago. I discovered I had GW about two months ago, but was not confirmed until two weeks ago by my OBGYN. I was very upset as I have been with two people. The first week of applying Aldara went okay, I experienced minor swelling, itching and irritation. This week I applied the cream two nights in a row. I am in so much pain I had to call in sick to work. I have been crying all day, I need to sit in a tub just to urinate. I have been Icing and applying bacitracin to avoid any infecting just in case these burns decide to open. I tryed hydrocortisone cream but it was too painful. My vagina is so swollen my inner labia is outside my outer labia. I have sever muscle ache and a bunch of red/brown burns all over my vagina. It seems to be getting worse even though I have not applied cream the last two days. I am freaking out and don't know what to do. If anyone has any suggestions or advice please email me. Does the pain go away??? HELP | F | 24 | 3X W | 9/5/2010 | 4 | severe swelling, burning, itching, sores. | Continued: I am wart free after only 3 applications. I had 2 lines of warts on my inner labias which were small, in clusters with some larger ones. I had a terrible reaction because i was not advised how to use this product or the possible side effects. MY ADVICE ON HOW TO AVOID BAD REACTION: - Rub vaseline all over your genitals where Aldara DOES NOT need to be applied - Leave aldara on for 6-7 hrs to see how you react.. my first application was 10 hrs, second was 7.5 and third was 6 hrs. - Apply with a Q tip and with an EXTREMELY minimal amount. I still used the smallest amount and still had a severe reaction. - DO NOT WASH YOURSELF WITH SOAP USE A NON SOAP PRODUCT LIKE CETAPHIL WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A REACTION: I had 2 large sores appear and lots of red & white bumps appear. DO NOT STRESS your skin will do bizarre things its MOST LIKELY not new warts. I wet paper towels and gently dabbed my vagina throughout the day to keep area clean to prevent infection. Take neurofen to reduce pain and swelling, take ANTIHISTAMINE to reduce itching. I took the drowsy kind at night so i could sleep. Within 5 days most swelling was gone, bumps dissipated. 2 large sores practically gone within 6 days. i am wart free. This was a terrible experience but WORTH it. ITS NOT FOREVER BE STRONG! | F | 23 | 3 days 1X D | 9/3/2010 | 3 | Basal Cell Carc., Actinic Keratosis | Dizziness, headache, fatigue, eye infection (may be related), joint aches | Doctor pitched this drug as "diagnosis and cure" for any BCCs I may have, and to treat visible AKs. I was told I could use it on face and chest. My chest broke out in big bumps, while my face developed red splotches that crusted and oozed. This confirmed CCs where I suspected I had them on my face, but I got a similar reaction where I had some acne at the time of treatment. I am to be assessed by doc in one week. Overall, I have reservations about this drug. It concerns me that it is being prescribed with so few precautions, and for so many off-label uses. | F | 50 | 3 days Packet 3X W | 9/2/2010 | 1 | Actinic Keratosis | Hideous, painful, topical side effects - angry, raw, red, oozing, crusting craters on my chest and neck that drew the attention of sympathetic strangers (!) wanting to know what had happened to me. I was deeply distressed by what I was going through. | I would NEVER recommend this drug to anyone. I feel betrayed by my doctor who prescribed this drug to me as a preemptive strike against future ACs - I didn't even know that there might be any of them simmering under my skin's surface. She prescribed the drug ten days before Christmas, and didn't warn me about the side effects, thereby negatively impacting the entire holiday season for me. (I was in tears on Christmas Day due to the awful condition of my skin, and almost backed out of an invitation to my best friend's house for dinner.) Now, almost 9 months later, my previously clear skin is scarred in 10 or more places, and I can no longer wear open necked clothing. I HATE ALDARA. | F | 48 | 4 weeks 4X W | 9/1/2010 | 3 | genital warts | burning, swelling, intense itching, open sores, pussing. | Worst medication Ive ever used. Makes it painful to sit, urinate, cross your legs, shift your sitting position, exercise. I have never felt such pain in my life. I used it only for three days and I have open sores now. I went to have my doctor look at it and she told me it was herpes which isnt true. Ive seen many other people report the same symptoms as me and its scary how a lot of doctors just perscribe medications with out full knowledge of its side effects. | F | 22 | 3 days 1X D | 8/24/2010 | 3 | GW | blistering, extreme pain, burning, white discharge, back pain, peeling, swelling, pain urinating. | Make sure you research how to use this product before using it. all my doctor told me to do was apply it to the affected area before bed 3 times a week. she didnt tell me to wash it off after 10 hours and didnt tell me to apply directly to the warts. thinking i wanted to treat the whole area i applied to areas around the warts and now i have a chemical burn on my vagina. its the most pain i have ever been in and im afraid its going to give me problems in the future if the burnt skin has trouble healing. i have herpes-like blistering on my inner labia, which i have read in other reviews is a side effect which doctors dont know about because they tell all these poor people they have herpes when really its a reaction to this cream because the doctors didnt tell them how to apply it properly. doctors need to be more careful when prescribing this it can be very dangerous. but i must say, most of the warts have gone away, but the skin cant heal because every time i apply the cream it makes everything sore and swollen again. | F | 21 | 60 days 3X W | 8/22/2010 | 1 | Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma | Initially I had a sharp pain in my lower right abdomen (near appendix) and went to the ER. Over the next 6 weeks, multiple CT scans showed 2 enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged pancreas, enlarged kidney, splenomegaly, enlarged thymus. Myalgia, muscle weakness, bone pain in arms and legs, joint pain, difficulty breathing, jaw stiffness. Bloating and distended stomach. Gastrointestinal discomfort, pain after emptying bladder. | After the initial pain and ER visit (during week 9 on Aldara) I experienced widespread myalgia. I did not know Aldara had caused my pain at that time. My muscles ached and I felt weak, I easily pulled/strained muscles during normal activity. I woke up in pain every day and it hurt to roll over or get out of bed. I switched to a low-sugar veggie focused diet which helped a little with the GI issues. I was told by a GI doctor, after my second CT, that I had lymphoma and I was sent for a biopsy. I spent 8 weeks in and out of doctors' offices before the symptoms began to subside, as I had stopped taking the medication. | F | 31 | 12 weeks .05 MG/day 1X D | 8/21/2010 | 3 | gw | itching, MILD burning, sensitive, redness. | I have been using Aldara for 3 weeks now. I had about 10-15 small warts total. A lot of the warts are still there. A few have went away on week 2 but you can still tell where the wart was as there's a red blister like scar in replace. To me, Aldara doesn't seem to be working now since after week 2. I agree with everyone that using this stuff makes it extremely itchy, but it burning so much that you can barely walk or pee? I haven't experienced any of that. I've had maybe mild burning but at most its just a little sensitive and red. My doctor told me to use it 4 times a week during bedtime and wash off when you wake up. So I'm using it an extra day more than most people and sometimes I even forget to wash the cream off and still the warts are still there and the same size. I'd definitely keep using it and pay for the entire 4 months if I knew it was going to work, but I'd rather not waste $500 or $600 and the warts still be there! I think the Aldara cream cost $160 for 1 months worth for me. | F | 19 | 3 weeks 4X W | 8/20/2010 | 4 | Genital Warts | PAIN .. seriously. The first two days, it seemed as if nothing was happening. I thought that it would just vanish, but how naive of me. It began to itch and I had to make sure that I read the label properly .. "mild to moderate burning" .. and boy, does it burn. There are a few blisters and my entire vaginal region is swollen and red. My clitoris is even swollen .. walking is a bit painful .. sitting is as well. This is all the consequences of unprotected sex. I never in my life want to have unprotected sex .. because it was a foolish mistake. The way my vagina is feeling, right now .. I don't want to have sex at all! Whatsoever. I refuse to go through this pain .. somewhat, torture again. I will take someone's advice and use some petroleum jelly on the days when I don't have to use it. | In addition, ALDARA obviously is effective. I mean, I wished that the process was going to be easy as pie, but c'mon now .. it's fricking warts. I never imagined myself being put in this situation .. but I guess I have to roll with the punches .. and continue on with the treatment until I am healed. I plan to get the gardasil shot as soon as possible. I don't want to run the risk of getting cervical cancer or anything of that nature. All of this pain is definitely a life lesson LEARNED! I can't wait to get rid of it. BUT I thank GOD that it wasn't anything worse. | F | 19 | 7 days 2X D | 8/11/2010 | 1 | BCC on face and neck | Within one day of using Aldera, I developed severe flu-like symptoms, nausea and vomiting, muscle and joint pain, headache, trouble urinating, severe fatique and depression, and became unable to do normal daily activities. All I could do was sit in my chair for days. Very very bad overall reaction. | After giving this drug a good try, I contacted dermatologist regarding my severe difficulties with it. I am a heart patient and have diabetes, also chronic pain from an injury. This drug put me in a severe lethargy immediately following using it on my head, face and neck as instructed by my doctor. I soon developed an open wound on my neck that looked extremely red, pus-like and scabbed and weeped continuously. My wife called my dermatologist and his NP returned the call. After describing my symptoms, I was told to continue using it, that it would be worth the "discomfort." After using it for almost three weeks, I have decided to discontinue it after reading these comments and other information on the internet. I will be calling my dermatologist again Monday. I believe this drug is very dangerous, especially for someone with other health problems I am also concerned about interactions with some of the heart and diabetes medications that I have to take. | M | 63 | 20 days 5% 3X W | 8/7/2010 | 2 | gw | So much pain, Extreme itching, extreme burning and rawness | I was prescribed aldara and told to use 3 times a week monday, wednesday and friday. I have used it 3 times and believe i was a bit liberal in applying it on the first occasion then i had extreme itching and burning so i used much less the next application.Over the next few days the pain has become unbearable,especialy to urinate.Swollen,painful throbbing vulvar that hurts just to sit.Have decided to stop using it today to give me a 3 day break and see how it goes.I have applied vaseline before urinating and this has helped a lot with pain so i can go to the loo, i would recommend this to help with painful urinating. | F | 43 | 3 days 1X D | 8/6/2010 | 4 | HPV | redness, itching, fatigue | I found out i had GW about four months ago. i got it from my boyfriend(now my husband) who was unaware that he had HPV. I started out with one bump on the outside of my vagina. my doctor first prescribed me with podofilox which made the wart go away, but then about two weeks later 10 tiny ones popped up around the opening of my vagina. I wish my doctor had just prescribed Aldara the first time..since Aldara actually stops them from reappearing.. Before i used Aldara the first time, i read the comments on this page and i was so scared. but i had to do something...so i was extra careful in applying the cream. i put just a tiny amount on each of the warts and after the first couple days i was really tired and it was a little itchy down there, but it was completely bearable! im on my second week of using it now and almost all of my warts are completely gone! My advice on this product is to be Extra careful and use a Q tip when applying the cream, to make sure it gets on the warts ONLY. it also helps if you have a boyfriend or someone to apply it for you..since it's hard to see the area clearly. But if you're applying it on your own make sure you hold a mirror so you can see what you are doing. You may feel like applying a tiny amount won't get rid of the warts..but this product is so strong that a little dab each time is all you need! it really does work so don't be afraid.If you use it CORRECTLY and you have a good immune system..you will be happy that you did. | F | 21 | 2 weeks 3X W | 8/5/2010 | 1 | GW | swollen, blistering, oozing, fever, back ache, pain when urinating, can't sleep, so much pain when walking, restless, hardly eatting, tired, pain so much that nearly passing out. | after being diganosed with gential warts this was a real shock to me, why me? how? why are they showing up on me and not my boyfriend? this feels like the end of the world. disgusted with myself. i was told to use aldera cream every two days at night and wash off in the morning (thursday,sunday,tuesday). i applied the cream on thursday night and washed off on friday morning with no problem, sunday night put cream on and woke up monday washed it off, became tired so went to sleep, woke up with a fever burning hot, back ache, neck ache and it swollen, very sore down there and hurt so bad when urinating. i rung my GUM clinic today and they told me to get right down there,i have not been to work today due to the pain, i feel so low and didnt think something like this could do such a thing to a person self esteam and to hit someone emotionally. i put ice on it when i had got in and it started oozing, im just laying in bed helpless at the moment - i wish i had been more careful in the first place and will always now practice safe sex, this is one of the biggest wake up calls and it isnt even the worse things you can get. I was told to take paracetamol every day till i next go back next week, the nurse said with this bad reaction that most of the warts are either gone or disappearing, so no pain no gain in this case but the pain IS ALWFUL. i would not advise using this cream, the risks are not worth it. | F | 18 | 2 days 5% 1X D | 8/3/2010 | 1 | gw | PAIN, PAIN, PAIN | I was given Aldara to clear up my genital warts. I had a severe allergic reaction including flu-like symptoms, swollen labia to the point they still touch with my legs spread, extreme pain when I move, even worse when I pee, and blisters on the inside of my labia (where the medication was not applied). My Dr. told me to stop the medication and I have, but the effects of the medication are lingering. So much that it is interfering with my daily life. I asked my Dr. for pain relief for the effects of the Aldara, but he said he doesn't want me to apply anything else. Does anyone have any suggestions for pain relief or any idea how long these reactions will last since I stopped the medication 6 nights ago?? Thank you in advance for your help. | F | 21 | 10 days 3X W | 7/23/2010 | 2 | Molloscum infection | Swelling and burning on outer vagina. 5th day using this cream, woke up this morning and had 3 sores on vulva , I guess the cream spread cuz I didn't rub it in, and now mycrotch burns. I knew I had to have an allergic reaction especially after reading other posts. | Using hydrocortisone cream forswelling and burning, hopefully this goes away soon cuz it hurts to pee, very uncomfortable | F | 21 | 7 days 5ml 3X W | 7/17/2010 | 1 | GW | Tired, really bad rash on the head on penis | THIS STUFF IS VERY DANGEROUS IF USED INCORRECTLY!!!! ONLY PUT ON AFFECTED AREA AND ONLY FOR UP TO 8 HOURS THEN WASH OFF, WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER YOU APPLY IT ASWELL. I had a single wart under my foreskin and I placed it allover the head of my penis and left it too long and it has an acid burn like affect. The Sores are painful and Ugly... Please if anyone knows how to get rid of these sores email me, my doctor just like the rest of your doctors has told me i may have herpes but i was tested a month ago and after reading everyone else's post I believe it is the acid/allergy reaction | M | 23 | 1 weeks 3X W | 7/14/2010 | 1 | aks on face | burning, itching, scabby, dizziness,extreme tiredness,nausea,severe headaches,lower back pain,sore throat, chest tightness,burning eyes | I went to a Skin Cancer Clinic for a few aks on my right cheek and was told of this cream that would only affect the aks and any others that were hidden. I was never told of any side effects and on the first application(over most of my face)I felt very nauseous,bad headache and dizziness that I had to come home from work. The nauseous has continued and the headaches became severe. Again more time off work and saw dr last week who said it was working well. Started on week 3 and it was then after having terrible lower back and hip pain,severe headache and nausea and feeling very ill that I decided to look on the internet...my symptoms were explained!I already have 2 autoimmune diseases and took myself to my gp today.she says I have a toxic reaction and I had already decided not to use it. I am so glad I stopped but I am worried about the reaction I already am experiencing. Aldara is a dangerous treatment and Ill never use it again. Do the symptoms subside? | F | 58 | 2 weeks 250 mg 3X W | 6/28/2010 | 4 | BCC | Barely noticable (about the size of a pencil point) BCCC on the side of my nose. Prescribed to use cream every night for 8 weeks. Day 1-4: Some redness and drying, Days 4-10: development of open sore that caused me to call Derm, he stated it was working and press on. Days 10-14: Sore has turned into a nickel to quarter sized thick scab. Days 14-21: no real change, saw derm he said it was working so well to just go to 5 days on and 2 off. Days 21-39: Scab is gone and only dry skin left and it is getting better. I am still using the cream 5-2 schedule. Other than some itching, absolutely no side effects. I use just enough cream to cover a dime size area around the BCC at bedtime, wash it off in the morning, let it dry and keep Aquaphor on it throughout the day until a couple of hours before applying the cream at bedtime. | I am sorry to read so many people have had bad side effects, I am thankful I have had none. This certainly beat the alternative, which was surgery on my nose. I' ll know for sure how well it worked in about three months after finishing treatment next month. | M | 55 | 34 days 1X D | 6/24/2010 | 1 | Genital Warts | Fatigue, swollen glands, weakness, sore muscles, back pain, loss of appetite, stomach pain. | I've only been using Aldara for about ten days, 3 times a week, but my skin has become so raw and sore it's hard to go to the bathroom or even sit still. Recently I've just been taking a bath with epson salt to dry the area out and draw the infection out, and a lot of puss has came out. It's terrible. I've never had a medicine make me feel so weak. My warts are already gone though, I'm not sure if I should even continue with the pain i'm in. But it literally only took 3 applies for them to go away. My best advice is to really be anal when applying the medicine, cause if it even touches skin where there aren't warts, it burns it away. Unfortunately I had no knowledge of this and stupidly wiped it all over the first apply. Now I'm just using a q-tip and Vaseline. | F | 20 | 3X W | 6/20/2010 | 5 | Gential Warts | Slight itching | This product is amazing. I had about 20 tiny warts around the rectum and by the third day of treatment ALL of them were gone. I have not had any negative side affects aside from some slight itching, but it was completely bearable. I'm continuing treatment until my month is up which is a total of 12 days of applying Aldara. | F | 22 | 4 days 5% 3X W | 6/19/2010 | 4 | Genital Warts | Burning, blistering resembling genital herpes, intense pain while urinating, lower back pain,crying from the pain, unable to work, difficulty sitting, general desire to curl into a ball in my bed and cry. | Guys, this stuff burns and causes blisters but it works. I have had two bouts and have had to use this mess of a cream but it works. Apply it three nights in a row then have a two week break. Do the same thing again 2 more times. It gives you time to heal. Otherwise you just can't function. Have salt baths and apply vaseline. | F | 20 | 3 weeks 1X D | 5/27/2010 | 3 | bsc | Treating a small bcc on side of my nose that has been burned off, followed by a 6 wk course, 5x per week, of aldara. 1st week site became red, weeped a bit of clear liquid 2 days, then became hard. Only negative reaction was itching at time. Second week much less inflamation. | So far so good. Little negative reaction. Will update at 3 and 6 weeks. | M | 63 | 7 days 1X D | 5/25/2010 | 5 | GW | I was diagnosed with Genital Warts on the 14th of April, my Dr. was pretty certain it was Genital Warts but she cut off a piece of it and burned of the rest and sent in the one piece for a biopsy, sure enough about a week later the results were in and it was Genital Warts. At about that time, the 2 warts grew back and I was horrified. Being that I am 34 and have had only 2 sexual partners before I just could not believe that I could have GW. Anyway, about a week or 2 after is when I started using Aldara, I was afraid to try it after all the horror stories I read here but I had to get rid of these Warts. So.. about 2 weeks ago I stared and the first day I used it, the only side effect I felt was fatigue and i was just crancky like I was PMSing.. the second and third time I used it I did not feel anything, the 4th time I woke up with really bad lower back pain but nothing a couple of Advil's couln't take care of. I did have a bit scabbing down there in an area where Aldara was not even u | F | 34 | 1 months 5 3X W | 5/19/2010 | 1 | condylome cervix | Well after reading this horror story I don't think I'll even start !!! What's more my Dr has prescribed it INTERNALLY....I have to put the cream on the end of a tampax and press it on to my cervix... Did it for the first time for half an hour this afternoon, only used half the sachet. Mild headache and a stiff neck this evening... Far too scared to try again.....just have to live with the consequences and I'm going to change my gynecologist | F | 54 | 2X W | 5/8/2010 | 1 | pain during intercourse | extreme pain on labia. swelling, sores, rawness, can't even touch, excruciating pain to use the restroom. had to go to the er for pain meds, do not use this on vagina at all! | F | 24 | 2 days 1X D | 5/7/2010 | 3 | hpv genital | itching...itching....itching!!!! | Have any guys had sucess using this cream to get rid of genital warts on the penis? Like the cawliflower warts? | M | 33 | 2 weeks 3X W | 5/6/2010 | 1 | Genetal Warts | SEVERE blistering that resembles genital herpes, excruciating pain, flu like symptoms, bleeding, sore back, swollen glands, mouth ulcers, constant crying through pure depression at the mess of my vagina, could not pee as it was SOOOOOOO sore so I ended up peeing in a bath or bowl of water! Blistering, itching, swelling. | My Doctor has now said that if you put vasaline round the areas where there were no warts it will stop the skin burning, I am not on antibiotics due to an infection in the wounds and have been described hydrocortizone cream to help with the inflamation. Would I reccomend this cream, well I found 1 wart about 2mm in size if that, it has grown and I am in PAIN with the burning the cream has caused, I dont think I would reccomend it and if you do use it use loads of vasaline where you dont want your skin to blister to the point mine did. | F | 28 | 3X W | 5/6/2010 | 1 | GW | Swinging temperature, limb and joint pains, large red weeping sores where no cream was applied, foul smell | I have never felt so ill..... I can't work, can't walk, can't wee. I'm a trained nurse and my GWs appeared a year ago after major surgery despite always practising safe sex. They disgust me and affect my ability to enjoy sex. My GUM clinic tried cryo and Warticon but they kept coming back so offered Aldara. The symptoms I have are supposed to only happen to 4% of users. I will not continue this treatment. I want to curl up and die | F | 56 | 6 days 5% / 250mg 3X W | 5/2/2010 | 3 | Genital Warts | Headache, Nausea, Fatigue, Dizziness, Irregular Heartbeat, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Chest Congestion, Increased Mucus Production, Unclear Thinking, Weak Muscles and Difficulty Coordinating Motor Movements. | Only applied the drug twice (every other day). Not sure if I applied too much due to the fact that I have several warts in the genital/perianal region. 1 satchet has lasted for three applications. Left on skin for 6-8 hours and washed off in the morning as prescribed. Warts on the softer tissue of the labia seem to be clearing up. Warts on the tough outer regions of the vulva still present. Not sure I will continue my use because the side effects are making it difficult to conduct my every day life. I am a small person and my immune system is not very strong. I imagine these factors must be playing a role in my reaction. That being said, the last time I felt this bad on a medication was while I was taking Propulsid. I listened to my body and stopped taking the drug. It has since been removed from the general U.S. market. | F | 29 | 5 days 3X W | 4/24/2010 | 4 | GW | None, I did not have any side effect aside from a little itching the day after using. | Had many small warts (15) and a few bigger ones. First went to have them froze and started Aldara a week later. The combination of treatments has worked really well for me. One important thing to note is that freezing the warts do not help you get rid of the virus. It is simply to make them disappear. Aldara is the one building up your immune system and making sure they don't come back. After the second week, a few more appeared, which I was told, is normal. It is just your immune system reacting to the treatment. However, now after a month of using the cream 3 times a week and and two freezing treatments, I only have 4 small ones left! I wouldn't recommend it to everyone as the side effects, I hear, can be terrible. But if you can bear the pain, it is the best treatment. | F | 25 | 1 months 3X W | 4/22/2010 | 1 | HPV | swelling, burning, excruciating pain during urination, sloughy lesions | I used this cream on my small genital warts. I used the cream for a week ( 3 x applications). Monday, Wednesday, Friday. On Sunday my labia began to swell and itch and when urinating the pain was excruciating. I have not slept for 5 days due to the pain. I cannot walk. I have been to see a gynae and my GP, both fobbed me off with Herpes, which is absolute rubbish as I have been with my other half two years! I am a Paramedic and I knew it was a typical allergic reaction to this awful medication. Don't let your Dr fob you off with Herpes, as my swab came back clear. The sores developed from the aldara cream are similar in appearance to herpes. I have just dosed myself up on strong painkillers so I can sleep until the swelling subsides. It has been 5 days now and still no difference. | F | 22 | 1 weeks 3X W | 4/14/2010 | 3 | genital wart | HORRIBLE! i have never written on any website about my experience with a medication, but Aldera warranted it. i am so angry with my gynecologist for prescribing this to me. i had one SINGLE TINY bump on my labia, and from using this, have SO MUCH PAIN, MORE WARTS, CANNOT PEE WITHOUT IT BURNING, A HORRIBLE COLD THAT HAS LASTED 9 DAYS, and complete embarassment at how disgusting my vagina looks. | if you can, please get your genital wart frozen off, before every trying this nightmare! | F | 26 | 12 days na 2X D | 4/10/2010 | 4 | Anal Genital Warts | Slight burning, soreness, slight fatigue. | I have been using it for a couple of weeks now and am actually surprised I have not had the horrible side effects I have seen posted. The warts are almost completely gone within the 2 weeks I have been using it and will be calling my Dr. today to see how long I should continue to use it after they are fully gone. I have noticed the day after treatment I feel a little tired for some reason and I am only slightly sore in the application area with only slight burning sensation around the 7-8 hour period which is when it should be removed. I will say though... reading all the negative reviews of it had me very scared to use it since I have had many bad drug reactions in the past. I have been very thankful for this drug and would say to anyone, just try it! | M | 38 | 2 weeks 5% 3X W | 4/9/2010 | 4 | Genital Warts | You MUST be careful that you don't apply too much of Aldara. I did just that the first week and felt the consequences of flu like symptoms, which only lasted one evening. | Since then I've been applying just enough to cover the warts and slowly but surely the warts are vanishing. After reading TONS of testimonials just like this one from other patients, including my experience with Aldara, the most important things to do is be consistent with application 3x/week, NOT applying too much of it, and patience. I've dealt with GW for 4 years now and after seeing the results after just 3 weeks, I think Aldara will be what I've been looking for to finally eliminate my GW. | M | 30 | 3 weeks 5% 3X W | 4/8/2010 | 3 | Genital warts | I just began taking aldara TODAY. I have tried another liquid application before and it caused lesions and extreme pain. It took atleast 5 days for the lesions to heal (with the help of neosporin) I hope not to repeat the same incident. | I have what seems to be molluscum contagiosum at the base of my shaft. about 8-10 bumps. I am going to do the treatment once per night, mon-wed-fri and see how the results turn out. I will make sure to note ANY and all relevant side-effects! | M | 23 | 1 days ??? 3X W | 4/7/2010 | 1 | genital warts/hpv | After using the cream twice my vagina began to get extremely itchy. I continued using it and now my vagina has weeping, inflamed sores all over it. Urinating stings so badly. Until I read this I was convinced (despite very recent testing) that I must have herpes. The pain is incredibly bad. | This product should be banned. It feels like my vagina and anus is on fire. | F | 40 | 8 days 4X W | 4/7/2010 | 1 | actinic keratosis | I experienced redness and a little scabbing while using Aldara on my nose once a day before bedtime Mon/Wed/Fri. Two weeks after completing the Aldara treatment, my dermatologist injected Restylane into the same area on my nose. I got flu-like symptoms almost immediately and then over the next few days my nose had redness, swelling, green-colored oozing, blistering, scabbing ... all the Aldara side effects you could possibly get (really ugly) ... but I didn't get those side effects until the Restylane was injected. That was the middle of January and my nose is still red and has a few hard blisters on it. Obviously, there was an interaction between the Aldara that was still in my skin and the injected Restylane. | Think twice before you use Aldara ... I definitely will not use it again. | F | 66 | 6 weeks 5% 1X D | 3/30/2010 | 4 | Actinic Keratosis | Initially instructed to treat forehead and temples Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 4 weeks. Stopped per doctor after 3 weeks because I was having chills and uneasiness (could not get comfortable) duing the last 2 treatments. Initial effects were red splotches on treated area which turned into open sores. Within 2 weeks of end of treatments, facial skin looked great (will get doctor's opinion in a week) | I had had blue light and lesser topical treatments but his one "took the cake". Although the treated area looked terrible for 4 weeks it looks extremely good now. I will probably treat the remainder of my face later this year. I am impressed with the product and will use it instead of the blue light treatments. | M | 54 | 3 weeks 1X O | 3/29/2010 | 2 | gw | bad belly cramps, head aches, sore to walk or use toilet, feeling sick plus more | i think they need to be more careful about who they are handing this drug out to. first two times i used nothing then 3rd time wow woke up in so much pain and have been in so much pain since!!! i was given this treatment by my local sexual health clinic after catching warts off my cheating ex boyfriend and was not aware how bad and painfull this treatment was going to make me feel. i used it on the friday the day after i had it and was told to apply in the night on a monday wednesday and friday didnt feel anything works hadnt changed done so again on the monday still nothing then again on the friday by saturday in so much pain felt like crying had to crutch 2 wee but still hurt then in a cold bath just to wee as the stinging was unbarable. cant bend down to pick something up have to get on my knees. didnt think this cream was going to work as it only comes in a tiny pack of 5mls. i cant belive how such a tiny ammount can cause so much pain. i have learnt my lesson to never sleep with any bloke with out a comdom no matter how much them. to anyone going to use this cream i would take any other before using this. | F | 22 | 1 weeks 5ml 3X W | 3/29/2010 | 5 | Flat Warts | No side effects. | I had a cluster of flat warts on my thigh, around my knee, on my thumb, and behind the back of knees. It looked terrible and I would have done anything to make them go away. I even tried the duck tape technique. I went to my dermatologist and he prescribed Aldara. I used it for a few months and my flat warts disappeared. I followed the directions and had no side effects. Worked wonders for me. | F | 21 | 4 months 3X W | 3/26/2010 | 3 | genital warts | Vaginal sores, painful urination, flu-like symptoms, muscle ache, abdominal aches, mouth and tounge sores, headache | Other symptoms went away. The new one is mouth and tounge sores. Does anyone have the same experience? Did it go away. My genital warts are decreasing and some are so stubborn. I don't know how long should I take this cream. I heard it causes your immune system to fire up. Some patients had crohn's disease symptoms. I need some feedback. | F | 33 | 5 weeks 5 percent 3X W | 3/26/2010 | 2 | Genital warts | I developed sores on my vaginal area after applying too much cream. I waited for a week before it completely healed. I also had fever, muscle aches, headaches, flu-like symptoms. Those things go away. My problem now is that I developed a lot of sores inside my mouth. I heard that the medication can attack you immune system. Does it cause Chrohn's disease? Does anyone have the same side effects like me? I am worried. | F | 33 | 3 weeks 0.5% 3X W | 3/23/2010 | 2 | Anal Warts | I experience at first mild tingling on the anal area and as i continue applying it for four days with intervals that is one day, i experience abdominal pain, back pain, myalgia, occassional headache and flu like like symptoms. | is this a side effect that should make me freak out? what will i do??? help. | M | 25 | 2 weeks 250 1X D | 3/19/2010 | 1 | HPV GW | Started with irritation, then turned into blisters on inside of vagina, along with tremendous swelling and burning. I called my doctors office crying as I thought something was REALLY REALLY wrong! | My doctors office was nice enough to work me in the same day and the doctor stated it could be a couple of things...a SEVERE allergic reaction to Aldera or it could be Herpes. I have not had intercourse in about 2 1/2 months and have never had a problem related to Herpes. I am waiting on my test results from the doctor. I do feel so much better after reading the reviews on this site as now I feel confident this was just an allergic reaction and not HERPES! I would not recommend this cream to anyone and it should be taken off the market. The doctor took me out of work for the entire week...that is how bad the reaction was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | F | 33 | .25G 3X W | 3/15/2010 | 4 | HPV/GW | Pain, Redness, Some swelling, Soars around the site, Itching, Burning when urinating, Soar to touch. | I think the symptoms that everyone is explaining is exactly what is supossed to be going on. I was first diagnosed with HPVGW and given the AlDara cream to diminish the warts and it was successful, however, I do think that most of you are using this incorrectly, which is causing you to have the very painful and blistering side effects. If you see the wart is shrinking then you need to ease up on the amount of cream you are using. This cream is like an acid and will eat away at your skin causing you to develop an open soar and yes it can look similar to herpes but don't be alarmed. The bottle says to use 3X's at week at nighttime, rub into the affected area but try not to touch un-infected areas. Rub directly onto the wart and no where else is what my doctor had explained to me. You don't have to use it until you develop a soar, I believe with experience in using this for a year and half now, if you just keep applying it until the wart disappears, then you might only need one or two more applications. The best thing for you to do is not itch the area, it will just cause you to be soar, try rubbing vaseline or some type of petroleum jelly on the area to keep form rubbing other areas as well. This is the best advice I can give and it seems to work for me. I have only had a max of maybe 4 warts in 2 years and they all have been diminished my the cream. | F | 23 | 1 years 30 MG 3X W | 3/13/2010 | 1 | GW | I used this drug only three times. The morning after the third use, I woke up with blisters. Went to the Doctor and she told me I had herpes and tested me. I was shocked.I searched the net for days, comparing my symptoms to those of herpes and they were the same. My Doctor called me an hour ago and I am NEGATIVE. It is a chemical burn. If you are blistering, dont freak out and think you have herpes too. I will never use this crap ever again! | F | 36 | 3 days 3X W | 3/12/2010 | 2 | GW | Itching, burning, chemical burn, redness, irritation, swelling, bad skin reaction, throbbing, inflammation. | Dr gave little instruction, used entire packet each time every other day, didn't wash off until shower next morning. Had terrible chemical burn/reaction on and inside vagina. Felt like had been set on fire. Missed two days of work lying in bed with no panties and legs spread. Dr gave me lidocaine for pain, used ice packs, sprayed vagina with handheld showerhead on cold/room temp water, and took pain relievers and it just took the edge off. Only got sleep because of sleeping pills. Luckily no sores and urination felt good to get air to the area. Sitting at work all day is complete misery. Three weeks after stopping I am still burning, which is further irritated by the bacterial infection I got, which has now turned into yeast infection because of antibiotics. First and only other wart was 20 years ago - froze it off and was all over in a week. I'm not sure if I would recommend this, even though I'm sure it was because it was not used correctly. | F | 38 | 3 weeks 1X O | 3/10/2010 | 1 | BCC | Redness, oozing, scabbing at the application site, which I was prepared for. Lung congestion, burning sensation in mouth and nose, muscle and joint pain, which I was NOT prepared for. | I was aware that "flu-like symptoms" is one of the possible side effects listed by the manufacturer, although supposedly uncommon. I thought this was probably due to the hypochondriacs in the clinical trials complaining about every little ache and pain they thought they felt during the trials. Wrong. The lung congestion and muscle and joint pain I've experienced are intense and very real. I've stopped using Aldara, and I only hope that no serious or long term damage to my body or immune system has been done. I would advise anyone who has been given this drug to consider other treatment options. Of course only after I had such a bad reaction to it did I start researching it on the internet. Hard to believe that a tiny amount of cream on your skin can do such damage to your entire body. | M | 40 | 20 days 1X D | 3/6/2010 | 3 | melanoma | so far, not bad. I'm beginning to get some pimple like sores around the incision site, a lot of redness, minor swelling, but it's only been 11 days. I have some joint pain, but I don't know if that's because I'm getting older or if it's the drug. I don't see that many people with Melanoma are using this drug, but my Derm is having some pretty good results. | Since 1998 I've had 2 moh's surgeries and 2 wide excisions on my right cheek to remove a malignant melanoma, in addition to 3 major reconstruction surgeries. This cancer is very aggressive and I'm running out of skin. My last surgery was the day before Thanksgiving and the reconstruction was the first week in Dec. When my Derm suggested this, I jumped at it. I'd do just about anything to get rid of these cancer cells. My plastic surgeon is fabulous and has done a terrific job. Even though I'm 61 years old, I don't really want to be a freak. | F | 61 | 12 days 1X D | 3/2/2010 | 2 | GW | itching, burning, sores, painful urination | I used Aldara on Monday and was far too liberal with the cream. Since nothing happened, I used it with the same liberation on Wednesday and woke up at 4am with a burning sensation that wouldn't quit. Now I have these painful sores that make pissing incredible painful. I've stopped the medication at least until my skin heals. BE CAREFUL using this drug. Does anyone know how to relieve the pain of the sores? Or how to make them heal faster? I CAN'T DO ANYTHING!! | F | 19 | 1 weeks 5% 3X W | 2/27/2010 | 1 | Genital warts | Reddnes, swelling, itching , burning, stinging during urination, trouble walking and sitting due to pain, woke me up at night the pain is so bad, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, oozing | My doctor prescribed me aldara last week for gw and the only thing she told me about it was to use it 3 times a week. She did not disclose any side effects or further instructions so I did not think much about it. When I picked up my percription from the pharmacy the packet were in a bottle with only the same "use 3 times a week" instructions and nothing further printed on or inserted in the bottle. I used it the first time last Monday and started to get a slight cold but did not connect the two. The same on Wednesday and Friday. By Saturday night the area was red and itchy and when I woke up Sunday I could barely walk due to the pain and swelling. I stayed home today and used neosporin and ice as some other comments said. How long does it take to go down? | F | 18 | 1 weeks 3X W | 2/22/2010 | 4 | vulvar cancer | burning sensation, severe itching (however, I had had similar symptoms before using Aldara) | Based on some users' comments, I was afraid to use this medication at first. But my GYN told me that if using it was very painful,she would have me apply it less often: she said that severe symptoms should not be a problem if used mindfully. Over the space of 3 months, I could plainly see the discolored areas turning to healthy tissue. Don't be afraid! | F | 62 | 3 months 2X W | 2/19/2010 | 1 | Genital Warts | Burning, Itching, sores, herpes like symptoms | I think i put way too much on and when i started experiencing side-effects I thought the warts were spreading so i put even more on! Big MIstake! I have about 12 packets left if anyone who has used this with good results wants to buy it. elysiumproducts@yahoo.com | F | 31 | 7 days 3X W | 2/18/2010 | 4 | 4 year HPV genital itch w/ lesion | Open sore (after misuse), red spots in proximity to application site, slight muscle ache, tender proximate lymph, tiredness | Use this medicine carefully. After leaving on for a 20 hour period an open sore appeared; otherwise, no extreme consequence. The medicine certainly stimulates an immune response. From my research is the best option for curing persistent HPV as long as complete viral integration has not occurred. Will let my guy heal and continue if itch returns | M | 31 | 4 weeks 5mg 3X W | 2/13/2010 | 5 | gw | itching and mild burning | I've been using this cream for 3 months, after cyro didn't help. i started with 25 small warts and now I have none. I'm going to use the cream the full 16 weeks but i wanted to tell everyone that the side effects are painful but i found that if you only apply a small amount( 1 packet lasted 2 weeks) and washed it off after 6 or 7 hours the side effects aren't as bad. After my second treatment I had ulcers and was so swollen I couldn't urinate. I waited til it healed and tried the cream again and so far so good! But i would like to know if it really works in clearing them for good? I can't do this again! | F | 28 | 3 months 3X W | 2/11/2010 | 4 | BCC | Itchy, flaky redness in area being treated. Mild headache day after use. Prescribed to use 3 times a week. | I've read many of the posts on this site and it seems to me folks aren't reading the directions and using the product correctly. You should only use if you have a strong immune system to begin with. You only need a very small amount and throw away any unused portion. (yes, it's expensive but that's what the directions say.) Wash off after 8 hours. DO NOT cover with airtight bandages. I like the fact that Aldara will bring out additional areas that weren't visible prior to use. So those can be treated at same time. This is my second time using product. | F | 43 | 4 weeks | 2/2/2010 | 1 | bcc's | Autoimmune pancreatitis,Polymyalgia rheumatica. Addisons disease, Fibromyalgia,Bilateral Greater trochanter Bursitis. | Update from 9/9/08. a few new diagnosis. i am still trying to live with the damage that has been done to me after using Aldara cream twice.It has been 9 years now and my health is deteriating. I am disabled and spend my life either in hospital or at the Doctors. I have Ivi fluids to help me to maintain hydration at least twice a week. Have just had a stroke and septiceamia. I am only 49 years old. my life has been completely overtaken by the autoimmune diseases that i have been left with since using Aldara cream in 2001. Please consider the effects this drug may have on you and your family. We have lost everything in the last 9 years..it is not worth it. | F | 49 | 2 days | 1/28/2010 | 1 | 3 ak's; 1 basal | Pain, burning, itching, crusting, blisters, bleeding, pus, a 5" reaction site from a dime-sized application (right forearm.) Looked extremely ugly. Totally unprepared - did not match pictures of 'normal'. No matter how much I complained the NP said 'it's normal.' She had me applying twice/day. Extremely depressed as much from cream as how I was treated at doctor's office as a 'complainer.' | This is awful stuff. I won't return to that doctor ever again. Two weeks after stopping my arm is red/blue/scabbed/ugly for huge section. I got into a new dermatologist on urgent basis who stopped it immediately. Thank god it was an arm I could cover w/sleeves and not my face! | F | 51 | 5 days | 1/23/2010 | 3 | BCC | Extreme burning & itching around site, some stabbing and burning. Diahrea comes anytime I eat, mood swings, lack of energy or interest. Site went from the size of a pin head to 3 inches by 4 inches in size. | I covered the site with gauze pads and tape, used bandaids when I could but the adhesive burned my skin too. After using for a month, my derm gave me some Biafine. That took the burning and itching away instantly although I need to use it more than the prescriped use. I bought some Aquaphore - that helps lots. Keeps the air from getting to it. The BCC is on my colarbone and everything rubs from seatbelt to clothes. Very uncomfortable, over the course of 3 months, it is starting to look better but is still very sensitive. Not sure the sensitivity will ever go away. New stabbing sensations have shown up. | F | 51 | 3 months | 1/18/2010 | 1 | Basal Cell Cancers on face | I only used it two days on my forehead. On the third day I woke up with diarrhea, abdominal cramping, red burning cheeks, slight fever, acid stomach and throat. I felt ill for 3 days and couldn't eat. The next few days I still have an acid stomach and am burping all the time and feel weak. | After doing all the research online I wished so much that I NEVER used it for even a minute. How can doctors recommend this when there are so many adverse reactions? | F | 57 | 2 days | 1/12/2010 | 4 | HPV | Nothing I couldn't handle | Aldara IS going to give you open sores... but when it does stop using it and switch to neosporin or triple antibiotic. Then when your skin is healed if you have another wart try it again. But you need to know that YES it is going to burn, itch, give you open skin, and HURT a lot. I'd rather hurt then let this virus take over my vag. And it is EXPENSIVE even with insurance. | F | 24 | 2 months | 1/10/2010 | 3 | BCC on forehead | Initial dose was daily use resulting in severe reaction with oozing sores, thick scabs, bleeding, swelling. Derm had me discontinue for 2 weeks during which I cleaned with hydrogen peroxide follwed by neosporin. Resumed treatment 5-days on 2-days off; reaction was still too severe; reduced treatment to every other day during the week and not on weekends. I have two weeks left to complete the 90-day cycle and will do so since I have invested the time and effort. In the last few weeks I've experienced lower back pain and at times severe throbbing in my legs -- calves and ham strings. I can hardly wait until I can stop. I am concerned about permanent scarring and will try using the aloe vera gel as another reviewer recommends. I understand you have to wait 12 weeks post treatment to really evaluate the effect. Will adjust rating after that time. | Right side of forehead was most severe initially and now it appears to be healing and looks much better. The left side of forehead is now experiencing a severe reaction -- hope it will also clear up in the next two weeks. Not sure I would use again without longer discussion with dermatologist. | F | 57 | 90 days | 1/4/2010 | 1 | Planters Wart | It just didn't work. | the foot doctor I went to prescribed this medicine for a Planters Wart I have on the bottom of my foot. His dosage was for me to apply it twice a day (once in the morning and once at night as I go to bed). I tried it for a month and there was no change in my condition. I would not recommend this drug to anyone for a Planters Wart. | M | 66 | 31 days | 1/4/2010 | 3 | GW | sores, itching | I posted on here on 12/09 stating that i had sores and would let them heal before staring up again....well, i decided NOT to continue treatment as i was scared about the lasting effects Aldera would have on my body. I had read a bunch of testimonials about people using Apple Cider Vinegar to get rid of warts and i decided to try that. They all say NOT to use it to treat GW, but i tried it anyways, and it totally worked! i used Aldera for 7 weeks and saw no change, but with the ACV they were ALL GONE in less than a week. No pain, no sores, no lasting effects. I'm not a Dr. but hey, they look gone to me, and it's really only cosmetic down there anyways. | F | 23 | 7 weeks | 1/3/2010 | 1 | Itching, fatigue, backache, hip feeling sore on left side, runny nose, and insomnia. | I am so glad I researched Aldara. My dr. prescribed it to me for BCC in 3 places (the forehead and 2 on the back area). Sense I have been taking Aldara I have not felt normal. The sores are really itchy and red. My back aches all the time and my stomach makes a gurgling sound all the time and I have been extremely fatigue. Christmas was a week ago and I could hardly wake up to see my kids open their presents and as soon as they did I went back to bed. I could hardly stay awake while traveling short distances to family. I thought it would pass but after not being able to sleep and all the other symptoms I decided to google Aldara. I have had other BCC and the Dr. would always cut it out or lazer it out. I want to know why Aldara is a better method? I would rather go through the cutting and stiches than feel like I do. I am going to disscontinue it for a few days until I can talk to a few other doctors. | F | 36 | 6 weeks | 1/2/2010 | 1 | Minor skin lesions | Flu-like symptoms. Shooting pain up the back of my head. Pain across my shoulders and in my right forearm. Twinges of pain in my chest. Pain in the pelvic area and down both legs. Hemorrhage in my right eye. | My dermatologist prescribed Aldara twice - in March 2009 and October 2009. Each course of treatment consisted of 12 applications, for which there were 12 sachets of the drug. I was to apply Aldara (mainly to my forehead) for five days, take two days off, apply it for another five days, take two days off, and then apply it for two days. I didn't have bcc; just a few minor lesions. My dermatologist said the Aldara would clear these up and reduce the risk of bcc developing in the future. There was no warning of possible side effects, except that I would look "a bit of a mess" for a while. And I have to say that, the first time I used Aldara, I suffered no side effects that I remember (apart from the local effects on the skin). But five days after I started using it in October, I came down with flu-like symptoms. At first, I thought I did have a touch of flu - and continued to apply the cream. But after six days of pain, for which I took codeine, paracetamol and aspirin at night, I suspected the Aldara was to blame, and did a Google search for "Aldara+side effects". I read some of the testimonies I found on the first page of Google results, which were enough to persuade me not to use the three remaining sachets of the drug. The pain continued for about five more days, but affected a smaller and smaller area until it was eventually confined to my lower legs and ankles. I then suffered a hemorrhage in my right eye, which left half of it badly bloodshot for more | M | 69 | 2 weeks | 12/25/2009 | 5 | GW | Between week 2 and week 3, the head of my penis became red in some parts (kind of a rash) but I experienced no pain. | Thank you Aldara ... in just 3 weeks of use, all my GW got completely cleared (I had two good dozens of them). First 2 days or so nothing happened, then between day 3 and the middle of the second week all my GW started to turn red. Afterwards, the GW started to be destroyed (the larger ones over three to four days) so that I was completely cleared by the beginning of the third week. At the end of the third week, I stopped the treatment. The head of my penis was then starting to turn red in some parts because the drug is really powerful (use *very* little of it and *never forget to wash it off*; please, please, read this again out loud: VERY LITTLE OF IT: this is *extremely powerful*). Good luck in this ordeal, it has proven extremely helpful for me ! | M | 26 | 3 weeks | 12/23/2009 | 2 | Gw | Burning, itching and sores | Can somebody help me??? What will help the sores heel???? | F | 18 | 6 days | 12/23/2009 | 5 | GW anal | Just came back from my follow up appointment a month to the day after using Aldara. I'm completly in the clear. Ofcourse it's only natural to finish the rest of the cream, but now I just have to use it 2 times per week for a month, then once a week till it's all gone. I never had any major side effects until recently. But it was mostly just itching, almost like being bitten by a fire ant. And I did experience mild body aches the day after applying the cream. I would like to thank the people on here that I contacted, and answered my questions. Good Luck to anyone else trying this cream. | M | 33 | 1 months | 12/15/2009 | 3 | GW | itching, sores | I have maybe 10-15 very small GW from my labia to my perineum. I noticed the warts about 4 months ago and started taking Aldara 7 weeks ago. I've used it just like the package and my Dr. said; one day on, one day off, except that I thought it wasn't working so I didn't wash it off. I just about DIED when i noticed 3 sores on my labia. i thought I had herpes, too. After i read this I sat in a warm bath and got it all off. BTW, those who can't pee because of the pain: try peeing in a warm shower. inconvenient, but it helps a lot. Mine never hurt that bad. just stung a little. I'm going to let them heal, then start up again. Has anyone else tried apple cider vinegar??? | F | 23 | 7 days | 12/9/2009 | 2 | genital warts | open sores, burning while urinating, redness, extremely tender labias | I first used Aldara about a year ago, everything was normal and it worked fine. My warts flared up again, so I began a taking it again (a current prescription). About 3 days later my labia and area between my vagina and anus flammed up with extremely painful sores. I thought I had herpes until I called my gyno and she explained it was a bad reation. I definetely used too much of this stuff. Please be careful and apply it correctly. Im still suffering with the herpes like sores and its been a week, this is exteremly uncomfortable. | F | 24 | 3 days | 12/6/2009 | 1 | genital warts | SEVERE SKIN RASH ON MY SCROTUM AND PENIS.. WARTS REMAIN INTACT, NEW WARTS APPEARED.. THE SKIN ON MY PENIS IS FLAKING AWAY LIKE IT WAS DEAD... LEVING BEHIND IT RED, BLOODY AND ULTRASENSITIVE SKIN-- THE WARTS THAT WERE SMALL, SKIN COLORED AND BARELY NOTICABLE ARE NOW BRIGHT RED HUGE AND DISGUSTING LOOKING IT FEELS LIKE MY PENIS AND SCROTUM IS ON FIRE....DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT THERE HAS TO BE ANOTHER WAY | M | 24 | 7 days | 12/6/2009 | 3 | moluscum | ughh i have moluscum on my groin area, i have frozen some of them off but they keep reappearing so my doc prescribed aldara. i have been using it for about 3-4 weeks and its been slooooowlly working. i have notced a few them to be scabbing (i think). However 2 BIG side-effects: 1. the moluscum have began to reallly really itch but you cant scratch them because it would spread more, so wtf?! 2. i think the aldara got on my scrotum somehow because I am in deep deep pain. My scrotum has become extremely irritated and it BURNSS. I cant sleep without pain, I cant walk withou pain, wtf! Cursed the bitch that gave me moluscum! | M | 23 | 3 weeks | 12/5/2009 | 4 | hpv | Minor itching, some burning, some erosion/sores. | Talked to my doctor about the burning and sores, and he has me doing 2-3 weeks on, taking a week off and starting up again. You shouldn't put the medication on any open sores, so if you've got them, STOP, wait til they clear, and start the Aldara back up. I've used Aldara for three outbreaks over the past 6 years and it's worked for me every time. | F | 26 | 3 times | 11/30/2009 | 5 | GW anal | mild itiching after 2 weeks | I posted on here on Nov.12, right before I was to start using the drug and was horrifed about some of the side effects I read about. I feel compelled to now report my result from using Aldara on Anal Warts. First of all, no matter who gave it to you, how or where you have warts. Stop treating yourself like a victim. I assume most people have educated themselves on the transmission of HPV and the chance of having warts. My boyfriend and I got all the facts and although he has not shown any signs of having HPV, more then likely he has it. I am still waiting for my follow up appointement from my doctor to be sure, but after 2 weeks of using Aldara, with 2 day breaks inbetween, there are no more visible signs of warts. Again, waiting for a doc to confirm this. Everyone reacts differently to medication, but I almost backed out from trying the drug after reading other peoples side effects. You need to try this for yourself! I had mild irritation on the non affected areas of my bum. No loss of sleep, no spreading etc. The hardest part was trying to turn around trying to see exactly where to put it. I really hope if you are feeling down about this that my post cheers you up. I also stronly suggest you call your local anonymous STI hotline and get the facts from a medical professional. | M | 33 | 2 weeks | 11/29/2009 | 4 | HPV/GW | Itching ranging from mild to moderate the day after I apply. The second day afterwards, I feel fine! The itching is no worse then the itching I experience when I have an outbreak of warts (I've never had pain with them like some people, only INTENSE itching). Also I follow the directions exactly: apply at bedtime only to affected areas; rub in completely; wash off in the morning; apply 3x/week. With some of the side effects listed on this site, it seems like people may have been using too much of the creme, or using it too often. Also, my doctor said that if I have additional irritation, to hold off on the next dose until the skin irritation clears (so use it less than 3x per week). Always follow MD recommendations! | I've had TCA treatments, and liquid nitrogen treatments with varying sucess. The warts would clear (but not completely) but would come back within a short time (and were actually WORSE after the liqid nitrogen). So far, after three treatments with Aldara, there has been a significant decrease in the number and thickness of the warts. Here's hoping this does the trick.... | F | 33 | 7 days | 11/29/2009 | 4 | HPV/GW | Slight itching, keeps me really fatigued. | Well, I am glad I was put on this medicene before reading all the comments on this site. I just applied the 3rd packet, so this is my first week being on Aldara and I am already seeing results. Yeah it is itchy but you know I would rather a little itching at night rather than a lifetime of "holy crap what is on your crotch!". Grow up people. BTW. Make sure you are in a monogamous relationship, hopefully this will not happy to you. :) | F | 19 | 3 days | 11/27/2009 | 1 | actinic keratosis | Applied to chest area--entire chest broke out in red blisters that oozed, itched, burned, and after 8 weeks of using Aldara is still not showing any signs of improvement. Also, each day after using the drug, experience anxiety, low-grade fever, chills, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms--pretty much incapacitated on the day after using twice each week. Does anyone out there have any insight as to when I will see improvement? Will I have to go the entire 12 weeks and finish the last dose before I start to heal? I feel like I'm scared for life--this is sooooo bad! | Was not even aware of actinic keratosis until physician's assistant brought to my attention and prescribed Aldara. Did not warn me of side effects. I'd rather take my chances with the actinic keratosis than use this drug again. Has been prescribed for 12 weeks--am into 9th week now. Will continue to the end, but would never do this again. | F | 63 | 8 weeks | 11/24/2009 | 5 | HPV Anal Warts | Slight itching/burning | I had several anal warts that are now all gone thanks to Aldara! I used the medication for two months. I had no side effects for the first month, but as the warts disappeared I did get some itching. I think the itching was due to using the same amount of Aldara when the warts disappeared. I think it made healthy skin itch. So, I cut down on the amount applied and the itching went away. I highly recommend this drug. | M | 33 | 60 days | 11/23/2009 | 1 | actinic keratoses | Two days after applying to forehead started experiencing body aches, fatigue, chest pain and severe acid reflux (day and night). After second application (4 days later)constant headache. After researching this product on the internet, I have decided to discontinue. It is not worth it!! I have not slept for three nights due to acid reflux. | I'm so disappointed in my doctor. I trusted her opinion that there were minimal side effects from using this drug. I'm only relieved that I realised before making any more applications. | F | 41 | 5 days | 11/15/2009 | 1 | GW | None Yet | Ok people I am freaking out, just came back from my Doc with a prescritption for Aldara. He told me to try it for a month. I've read some comments and horror stories on here and honestly I could vomit! Is there anyone who hasn't had these horrible side affects? Mt Doc also mentioned it could be burnt or frozen off? Has anyone tried this type of treatment? I would rather have a week of agonising paing then months and months and months of this! | M | 33 | | 11/12/2009 | 3 | Don't Even Know...bumps on scrotum | Dryness, then Redness, Sores with puss. Tender scrotum | So I've have these bumps on my scrotum. NOT GW (One Doctor said Molescum not sure they look like hair bumps). Early 2008, I got them frozen off, and they went away for a bit, but not 100%. When they came back, I wanted to get them frozen off. However, Doctor recommended NO INSISTED on Aldara. I've been using it for a little over 2 weeks now, and 2 days ago is when I noticed first my entire scrotum was dry and felt very sensitive. So that night I decided to slobber it with some moisturizing lotion, and sleep on it. The next morning, I was actually woken up at 4am. I was in pain. There were blisters, and sores. Scrotum's been red ever since, very sensitive, puss. It's been getting worse. Any touch to the scrotum hurts...EVERY STEP I TAKE IS AGONY... Have been trying not wearing underwear, but that's also no help. The worse is where the scrotum touches the thighs. I feel every hair poking. Don't know whether it was even worth it... don't even have GW. I've been consumed only by the pain. I'm on my knees legs spread apart writing this right now, and can still feel the stinging/burning sensation. I hope it's working.....MISERY loves company, so it's been sort of comforting and helpful reading all your comments, and I'll certainly minimize on the usage in the area. Don't know if the freeze would have been better (I kept asking for it, but doctor said no...I think he was trying to punish me.)... anyone has any feedback or tips on how to ease the pain... or how log this pa | M | 23 | 2 weeks | 11/11/2009 | 2 | gw | very bad flu like symtoms,EVERYTHING | I started using aldara last monday, it was fine until friday at the end of that week, i start having flu like symptoms went to ER, they treated me for H1N1. OMG No I have Blisters Cant Urninate without crying. And To Top it All off I Started my menstral Cycle. To make things even worse, i cant sit for a long period of time cant stand very long Just want My Burning to go away. Which my GW Are completley gone. If U have Any Suggestions Pls email | F | 25 | 3 days | 11/10/2009 | 2 | BCC | Prescribed to use M-W-F, one packet on face at bedtime. The morning after first application--Fainted plus a seizure! (no history of seizures or fainting) Other symptoms--Lethargic, depressed, dizzy, nausea, insomnia, clammy, can't put thoughts together... | IS THIS NORMAL??? Family and friends are saying I need to STOP immediately! I will suffer through if the pre-cancer is removed. HELP me please...I have talked to my family doctor and the ER Physician--oddly, neither has an opinion. | F | 48 | 10 days | 11/10/2009 | 1 | HPV/GW | Took for only 3 days.. in a row. By day two I developed mildly sore red bumps (rash-like) on the inside of both sides of my outer labias by the next day they looked redder, felt more sore to the touch and possibly open wounds. The next day they turned into tiny bubble-like bumps with a white pus in the middle and they're mildly itchy. The area may be a little swollen as well. The wart I had was VERY tiny, looks like it's going away already. I have no other symptoms since I stopped using the cream but I only used it 3x. Is this normal? I do not have herpes but I'm worried if I get checked my OB/GYN is going to automatically assume I do. | I do not recommend this cream as I'm sure my symptoms are side effects. They're undesirable, uncomfortable and more embarrassing than the almost microscopic wart I had. Just get them frozen off. | F | 23 | 3 days | 11/9/2009 | 3 | basal cell carcinoma | Extreme blisters on chest from lots of sun damage, itching, depressed, sore throat, tired | Thought I was the only one that is really depressed (this is not normal for me at all!). Not kidding-cried a little last night, just very blue and having headaches, also mild to moderate aches all over. Hope this works, I am crazy about my Derm. and trust him, but this was way more than I realized. Will keep posting. | F | 42 | 18 days | 10/27/2009 | 1 | genital warts | cough, headache, body aches, chills, herpes-like lesions, swelling on site, burning upon urination | aldara is a horrible drug. it has been classified as a carcinogen. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE. my warts went away after one week but now i am in so much pain i cannot even walk. | F | 20 | 7 days | 10/24/2009 | 5 | External Genital Warts | Redness, tingling/burning feeling, minimal swelling of skin tissue | I was very pleased with the results using Aldara. The treatment was a little bit uncomfortable, but all warts were gone in 3 weeks time. I followed the directions exactly and did not have any problems with Aldara. | F | 27 | 3 weeks | 10/22/2009 | 4 | basal cell carcinoma | Dizzy, sensitive to light, sinus pressure, large scabs, depression, anxiety, diarrhea, food aversions, tinnitus, nausea | Use sparingly, wash off after 8 hours. Use Aloe Vera Gel on scabs after treatment to heal quickly. Site looks great after finishing treatment. | F | 41 | 6 weeks | 10/21/2009 | 1 | gw | fatigue, depression,nausea, cold like symptoms and the most painful swollen sores....nearly collapsed thinkin it was herpes | thankyou so much all u guys writing about the side effects of this cream....was lookin at living with herpes sites since discovering my vagina is red swollen and has big ulceration and pussy blister on it......then i read this site and i ticked all the boxes i have had a constant sickness feelin for a week (been usin cream for 2 1/2 weeks) burning, soreness, tired all the time, hot sweats headaches which i never suffer from and now the most frightenin lookin sores.....still goin to my gum clinic tomorrow but at least now i know she cant fob me off with herpes...yes my warts r almost gone but the pain and worrying it has caused is terrible!!! my vagina is constantly throbbing!!!! im throwing mine away!!!!!! think ive been using to much of the stuff but my god if it makes me feel this crap a tiny little sachet.....sick feelin is unbearable....recently been tested for everything came back clear now suddenly after usin this cream ive got herpes like sores....aint had sex for 3 months 90 percent sure its cos of the cream thanks to you guys | F | 24 | 18 days | 10/20/2009 | 5 | Genital Wart | I had several GW's back in 2005 and had some them froze off and then used Aldara, with minimal side affects, for the others. I only experienced redness with the GW was located. Two weeks ago, I had another one and thought "oh no". Anyway, i gave it a week and then called my dermatologist and asked for a script of Aldara. I received it on Wednesday, applied it every night and the GW was gone by Sunday with no side affects. I can say enough good things about Aldara. | M | 43 | 4 days | 9/28/2009 | 3 | BCC | At the beginning of treatment, slight headaches, after a week, no more headache, no other problems. | I was told to apply with a q-tip, take the cotton off first, use just the end of the stick. I applied just enough to cover the spot on the end of my nose. A very small amount. Seemed to go very well, I had no redness, bleeding, discomfort, scab, nothing. I really thought that between the biopsy and cauterization, the cancer was gone. After 3 weeks, went back to Doc., she thought it was gone as well. Wrong. It is back, so I'll be going back to the dermotologist shortly. I used Aldara for 3 weeks the first time, we'll try it again, I'm sure. | F | 53 | 3 weeks | 9/27/2009 | 1 | GW | Very very sore around anal area, cant go the toilet, cant walk cant sit cant sleep. Iv got sores and what looks like blisters and the pain is worse than child birth. Itching and stinging pain and im swollen | I am nearly on my 4th week of using and Its done nothing apart from cause me a great deal of pain, I have spent most of the day crying my eyes out from the pain and discomfort. None of the warts have gone away. Im so red down below and feel like and look like I have got loads of blisters. It feels like someone has burnt my skin off | F | 21 | 21 days | 9/26/2009 | 3 | HPV | I had pretty much all the side effects. Severe burning, redness, swelling, irritation, flaking, blisters, as well as headache and flu like symptoms. The head of my penis swelled to twice its normal size, and the pain is so excruciating that I'm having trouble walking. The worst pain I've ever experienced (and I've experienced a lot). | Honestly, do not use aldara. There are other treatments out there that are far more safe. It's very easy to misuse aldara, and if you do you'll be paying for it for days. The side effects are worse then what theyre supposed to be treating. | M | 21 | 2 days | 9/23/2009 | 3 | genital warts | Pain | The Aldara is working, which is great, however as I applied it to the areas where my legs meet my scrotum, some must have rubbed onto my balls and YOWZA this hurts. I've been using A&D ointment to relieve the burn and that definitely helps, but my balls are seriously sensitive right now. | M | 25 | 2 weeks | 9/21/2009 | 1 | genital warts | extremely bad cold (sore throat, runny nose, dry/flemmy cough), painful open sores, painful to urinate | I was prescribed Aldara for genital warts, the idiot that I am I applied it to a wart right at the entrance of my vagina, bad idea people, always follow instructions and never self medicate, right now I am on pain killers because I developed extremely painful open sores which to my horror my doctor said might be herpes, however since doing my own research I have concluded that it is a super bad reaction to this medication, on top of that I got a really bad cold which is another side effect of the drug, I am in hell right now, my doctor said if it's herpes it would take 7-10 days to heal vs. 2-4 days if it's a chemical burn from Aldara, so far the healing is on its way so I don't think it's herpes. Be very careful with this medication, do not blob it on and always ask a doctor if your going to apply it to a new area of your genital area because it might not be meant to be applied there, generally I found going to the doctor to burn the warts off more effective with that freezing stuff I don't know what they call it but once a week for 3-4 treatments has worked for me in the past, I would not recommond this product as I find it way too harsh on my skin even when I used it properly and it's expensive too, made me itchy and takes a long time to start working, not worth the time, money or pain | F | 24 | | 9/6/2009 | 4 | Genital Warts | intense itching, redness, open sores, mild nausea and diarrhea | Used properly (really rub it in people, don't just glop it on) it does clear up the warts. I noticed it cleared up the soft warts near my vagina within a few applications, and the harder warts in the general groin region took a few weeks. I continued applying it after they disappeared because I did not want them to come back, and ended up with several extremely painful open sores. I also have had constant mild nausea and periodic diarreah, but nothing really intolerable. I am about to take a break and see if the warts come back. | F | 23 | 4 months | 8/29/2009 | 2 | GW | Pain, couldn't sit, couldn't (well, I could but it hurt to) pee. DOCTOR THOUGHT I HAD HERPES. ENDED UP JUST BEING A REACTION TO THE ALDARA. ALWAYS FOLLOW UP AND DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. DRS DON'T CARE ENOUGH ABOUT YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL TO REALLY LOOK INTO YOUR CASE. | Don't let your doctor dismiss your reaction as herpes, especially if you've never had an outbreak before and haven't engaged in any risky behavior. | F | 21 | 1 months | 8/22/2009 | 1 | BCC | Severe irritation, including swelling and bleeding at site. Aldara triggered a systemic autoimmunce reaction - psoriasis, joint pain, sores inside nose. | I've read some of the comments, and you should know that Aldara is NOT SUPPOSED TO BE USED ON YOUR FACE OR HEAD. It's also NOT SUPPOSED TO BE USED ON OPEN SORES! If you are experiencing an open sore from the use of Aldara then you must stop using it immediately. I'm an RN and my husband is an MD. After my experience with this drug, and after reading of other people's experiences, we don't advise it's use. It's just not worth the risks. Please be aware that Aldara is not supposed to be used on the face or head, or on open sores. | F | 38 | 60 days | 8/20/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |