| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken
and Dosage | | Date Added |
  | | | | F M | | | | |
Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading.
|
| 5 | HPV | white sores, swelling, redness, discomfort, dryness, stinging, itchiness | (continued from below) | F | 26 | 3 days
| | 8/5/2005
|
5 | HPV | | | F | 26 | 3 days
| | 8/5/2005
| 2 | HPV | I have only applied the aldara three times and the pain is so bad. I have read lots of other women experienced open sores and were worried about herpes. I went to the doctor today and they are testing me for herpes, I really hope its some sort of chemical burn. Any ideas for the pain and to help the healing of the sores? Has any had the aldara actually lead to an actual outbreak in herpes? | Not using the cream any more, going to take a different method. | F | 20 | 7 days
| | 7/25/2005
| 4 | HPV | Lesions, redness, blisters, BURNING | I took Aldara for about 3 weeks and the side affects were minor. Then I applied a little to much of an application and I have had excruciating burning onmy scrotum. I'm blistering and it hurts like hell. I hope this goes away. It's been 3 days with this pain and it doesn't seem to be letting up. I am quitting the application for a little while. BTY, it is clearing up the warts because my skin is falling off. APPLY STRICTLY PLEASE | M | 23 | 3 weeks
| | 7/20/2005
| 3 | HPV | Gosh, isn't this great... Okay, so just like everyone else, I've been in excruciating pain. Only because I managed to not follow the directions entirely. However, I did find some stuff that helped the irritation. It's called Candula gel, and it's usually found at like Whole Foods markets...places like that. It stings at first, especially if it's an open cut/wound/burn, but then relief is amazing...and it helps with the healing. I recommend the gel, just for that added cooling effect. | As for aldara, I'm not sure how well it's working because I took a break considering I had a burn/blister that gave me the worst pain ever. I think doctors need to emphasize how aldara should be used once you've healed from whatever recent procedure you just had done. I just had the warts burned maybe a week and a half before, and so although healed, that particular area of my skin was a lot thinner...thus the adara not only irritated it but burned me. And then on top of that I had some surgically removed. So be patient, heal up a bit, and then apply aldara...otherwise you're uncomfortable and in pain a lot longer than you need to be. Do look into the candula stuff...it's some sort of herbal home remedy crap, but it works -even for burns/cuts. | F | 23 | 4 days
| | 7/16/2005
Email
| 3 | Molluscum Contagiosum | Open Sores, Scabbing, Chemical Burn, Itching, Lack of sex | Painful scabbing at the base of my shaft, ugly scabs all over the penis. Started getting sores where there was no Molluscum. Let this be a lesson, wear a jimmy hat. Not sure if it is cured or not since the scabs are still there. I am guessing that its not. | M | 28 | 6 weeks
| | 7/12/2005
| 1 | HPV | I was never told by my health care provider about the possible side effects even though I read the leaflet inside the box. My Dr. applies the creme internally to me 2x a week. I have just experienced the worst burning,itching, swelling, soresness. | This creme is extremely irritating to the skin. I am having it applied to my cervix and when the creme starts to come out I burns like crazy. I have decided to take myself off this creme for two weeks or until I heal from the side effects. | F | 35 | 3 weeks
| | 7/10/2005
| 4 | warts | After reading others comments, I now realised that i used too much at once. I packed it on, and that's why i have been in so much pain. It caused open sores, swelling, blisters, bleeding, you name it. i couldn't even walk. Lately i have only put it on mildly and can already notice the diff, i can now walk and everything has gone to mild. I feel like a person again :) | Aldara would have done a much better job for me if it was made more clear to NOT put the cream on thick. To only apply small amounts and make sure you wash it off in the morning. | F | 19 | 5 weeks
| | 7/8/2005
| 2 | HPV/Genital Warts | Burning, Itching, extreme discomfort!!!! Swelling and redness. White spots that look like sores!- Painful painful | I just went to the doctor today because I was having really bad burning and itching as well as swelling. He told me it was a chemical reaction to Aldara and that the side effects should go away in a couple days. I'm not taking this medication until the side effects go away, but I'm not sure I want to take another chance. I can't live like this. I rather cut my vagina off then deal with this pain and discomfort. Wart did seem to get smaller, but I really think there are two more that have formed. Has anyone's side effects gone away within a couple days? I'm desperate for relief! | F | 21 | 7 days
| | 6/28/2005
| 3 | melanoma--pre-cancerous cells | Although applying Aldara to left top arm I have a rash on the bottom part of arm and on the bottom part of right arm. I have only been using for about 2 1/2 weeks. When first applying I do have a 'case' of dizziness and nausea. I seem to be having a lot of headaches, but that could be due to seasonal allergies and sinus problems. Also have problems of fatigue, but again that could be from FM or CFS. I do seem to have a lot of itching also.
| | F | 37 | 3 weeks
| | 6/12/2005
Email
| 5 | GW | below | I wanted to let ppl know that I have been using canesten(clotrimazole - commonly used for thrush ) on the blistering/swelling and it is working wonders - it soothes as well as helps to heal more quickly.. my advice is if u are in pain try this.. only a tiny bit at first and wash off straight away if does nothing or makes worse.. but it did absolute wonders for me.. Goodluck! | F | 22 | 2 weeks
| | 6/7/2005
| 5 | GW | excuciating pain going wees, blisters, itching, hard to walk, wakes u up at night | I have been using this for nearly 2 weeks.. the wart is just about gone but the blisters are so painful I am now dying for something to get rid of the side effects.. my vagina is no longer recognisable as a vagina it is so swollen and red.. I also had some discharge, mostly in the mornings. If anyone knows of something to aid in getting rid of these blisters/burns PLEASE help! | F | 22 | 2 weeks
| | 6/5/2005
| 2 | HPV | BURNING , itching, raw skin | i have only been using aldara for about 1 1/2 & it KILLS. i think that the warts may be getting smaller but cant tell because everything is swollen. i cry everytime i pee and am EXTREMLY dehydrated bc i dont want to drink aything because the pain that comes with urinating. the only thing that has made me feel better is taking baths, i have been taking 5 baths the past 2 days but just read that Doctors recommend against bathing? i am in so much pain it is unbearable. i will stop using cream until i heal but then continue until these stubborn little warts are gone!! ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO MAKE THE PAIN GO AWAY?? | F | 17 | 2 weeks
| | 6/3/2005
| 5 | squamous cell | affected area turned bright red and burned all night but that meant it was working. | I applied it to the lesion on the bridge of my nose each night for twelve nights then stopped for three nights and then did it three times a week until the scab fell off. I am now using topicort to relieve inflamation and it appears the cancer is gone! | F | 71 | 5 weeks
| | 5/23/2005
| 3 | Gential Warts | HOLY COW I SURE HOPE THAT IS WORKING!!! ACTUALLY FIRST WEEK IN USING THIS AND LET ME TELL YOU THE PAIN IS UNGODDLY!!! WHEN I GO TO THE BATHROOM FEELS LIKE I HAVE A HUGE CUT AND SOMEONE IS POURING ACHOHOL ON ME. BUT OF COURSE THIS IS THE FIRST WEEK OF THIS, I HAVE READ MANY TESTIMONIES OVER THIS AND I HOPE THAT IT WORKS!!!!! | | M | 30 | 7 days
| | 5/23/2005
| 3 | GENTIAL WARTS | pain, some swelling, reddness,ITCHING!!!
| I started using this about two weeks ago I think that My doctor should of Warned me alittle better than she did. I read all the insrtuctions before use. Ok but let me tell you it should be in BIG BOLD LETTERS the side effects. I haven't seen really any changes and what have you, but I am desperate and willing to try to do anything to get rid of them. Actually have just one,but it is aggervating. The itching is so incredible that u can't stand it and then when u want to go to the bathroom I really dread it. Like I said only two weeks!!!! Hope that it doesn't last too long. Maybe doctors should prescibe a cream to nub it or something!!! | F | 22 | 14 days
| | 5/23/2005
| 5 | HPV/external genital warts | ITCHING! strange bleeding, stings a little when pee touches the areas. Redness, but no swelling. | I started Aldara about a month after I noticed the warts. It has been two weeks and one wart (at bottom of vaginal opening) is completely gone, being replaced by a little | F | 22 | 2 weeks
| | 5/20/2005
| 4 | Pre-Cancerous Cells (Nose) | Heavy peeling on my nose, Extreme fatigue (I'm not 100% sure if it is because of Aldara) | So far so good. I apply Aldara Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings to my nose. I have had some peeling, but I was warned that that would most likely happen. Although it currently is far from attractive I just remember that I am basically getting brand new skin. | F | 18 | 2 months
| | 5/18/2005
Email
| 4 | HPV | burning, itching, raised white bumps, minor flu-like symptoms, tired | Was eager to rid of few gw's I had so used 3 nights in a row because wasn't having symptoms. BIG MISTAKE. Before that, no symptoms, but now, its driving me crazy. Patients need to be informed that it is not a topical cream, that it works with your immune system. But, seems to be working great. | F | 30 | 2 weeks
| | 5/17/2005
| 5 | hpv | a little burning discomfort | my advice on this product is... READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY! It's very strong stuff, but if used properly, it works wonders. Also, when you feel discomfort, leave it alone, no itching or rubbing- resist the urge and do something else. within two and ½ weeks all warts were gone... good luck and you're NOT alone. | F | 22 | 3 weeks
| | 4/26/2005
| 2 | hpv genital warts | lots of pain, burning, itching feeling very sore and raw | Its only from reading this web site i have discovered i have chemical burns. I have been using aldara for 8 days. I decided to use every 2nd night including the weekends in the hope of a quicker clear up. Instead i developed 4 times the amount of warts and stupidly applied 2 nights in a row. Im in quita alot of pain and scream every time i pee. I feel like crying the warts were painless and i could have lived with them, rather than this. Im going to give aldara a break for a while till i heal, then maybe try again using the cream more sparingly, although there has been no positive signs of using this cream yet. this cream definetly can cause chemical burns | F | 28 | 8 days
| | 4/23/2005
| 1 | hpv | this stuff suckssssssss
it does not work
it makes u itch and burn horribale | i used 5 boxes it still did not go away | F | |
| | 4/22/2005
| 3 | HPV | After 2 doses of Aldara, I initially experienced itching followed by swelling, redness and sores which are fairly painful. I've had to stop using the cream and am waiting for the side effects to subside a bit before continuing. I'm hoping this won't happen every time I continue using it - what a terrible cycle! Oh, and the warts (which were small anyway) do seem to be getting smaller. | Use as little of the cream as possible, and try to not get it on ANY areas other than right on the warts - this can be very difficult as the cream can rub easily on to other areas, especially when you sleep. I think this is what caused most of my side effects. Good luck to everyone. | F | 21 | 1 weeks
| | 4/14/2005
| 3 | HPV - Genital Warts | Redness, Swelling, Open sores, Itching, & Flaking | I am having horrible side affects! Terrible redness and swelling, open sores that extremely hurt, and the worst side effect has to be the terrible itching and when I itch...it seems to flake!...It's extremely disgusting!!!! | F | 20 | 2 weeks
| | 4/11/2005
| 4 | molluscum contageosum | Most of the side effects were self inflicted as well as a case of I wish the doctor would have given a little more information on how strong this medication is. I applied too heavily on Molluscum bumps…and in areas I thought might have been Molluscum but wasn’t sure I applied thinner layers. Warning! Only apply thin layers! Even where I just applied the thin layers there is peeling and raw skin. The areas I applied thick layers, I have sores almost an inch in diameter! Whew should have followed directions on that one! The Good news there is no sign of Molluscum…the bad news is the irritation you have to go through to get rid of it, but I did find Relief! A good friend suggested applying a diaper rash ointment that has Zink Oxide on the raw areas and I felt like a new woman right away! I am able to walk again without being in agony. I only applied the diaper rash medicine after the Molluscum bumps had peeled away. I would talk to your doctor to make sure its safe before you use this method of relief. | | F | 29 | 3 weeks
| | 4/6/2005
| 4 | HPV | ITCHING, flu-like symptoms- headache and weakness. Itching is annoying and severe, will wake you up at night. Much like a yeast infection. Some slight stabbing pain- occasional- nothing I could not handle. | been taking for 2 weeks, and notice a difference. I had a crop of many large warts, loc: perenium, that all popped up within a week. With use of Aldara, warts have drastically disapated. Never noticed any of the warts | F | | 2 weeks
| | 4/4/2005
| 5 | HPV | I have some leftover Aldara boxes, expiration 09/06, if anyone needs it please e-mail me at janetflowerdame@yahoo.com | | F | |
| | 3/23/2005
Email
| 1 | HPV | itching, burning, open sores, PAIN! I couldn't walk, go to the bathroom, sit, stand-- without SEVERE pain. | I only applied this ONE TIME -- very SMALL amount in a very SMALL area -- it effected 4x the area applied -- pain has lasted 6+ days since application. WILL NOT USE AGAIN! | F | 26 | 1 days
| | 3/20/2005
| 1 | Genital Warts | Flu like symptons. Back pain, lower pain in back, muscle aches, at first had red inflammed skin on the area around the perianal warts, I've re-applied after waiting over two weeks and it appears as though I have warts on my tongue! Has this happened to anyone else? | | F | 36 | 2 weeks
| | 3/7/2005
| 3 | Warts | No side effects except for red, itchy, blistery rash on testicles which I thought was herpes, so I worried about that for week until I realized that it was just a side effect. | I think if you are a male, don't waste your time with this stuff. If you read through all the testimonials here, almost all of the success stories are from woman, I couldn't find any from men, I think it's because of the difference in the skin in the genital regions of the two sexes. | M | 34 | 25 days
| | 2/27/2005
| 1 | hpv genital wart on urethra | burning, itching, raised red skin on labia, irritation | This is a nightmare. You find out you gets warts, you're already unhappy with the situation. Then you try to treat it, and you get red lesions that resemble herpes in appearance and symptoms. I have a lot of confidence after reading the comments, but I am still worried. If I have warts, I could have herpes too. These symptoms appeared after I started to use the Aldara though. And it hurts on the urethra area too, where there's no bumps or lesions, so I think maybe it's just the Aldara. I mean this is hopefully a chemical burn. I used it two days in a row, so it might have been too much. But I've discontinued it for a day already, and it looks a little worse but feels better. Thank God for this website. I would have gone off the deep end had I not read these other comments. | F | 20 | 4 days
| | 2/27/2005
| 1 | hpv/genital warts | terrible pain! open sores that resemble herpes, redness, EXTREMELY SEVERE burning, hurts to move, take a shower, use the bathroom, etc | well used it once and now almost 2 weeks later still in unbearable pain. doctor gave me some lidocaine to numb area but does not help all the way. i would not recommend this for anyone who has sensitive skin. i have never been in so much pain. my doctor had to test me for herpes which after reading all this I doubt i have it. this medicine sux and i wish i would have gotten the tca treatment to begin with | F | 20 | 1 times
| | 2/26/2005
| 5 | herpes | none | | M | 41 |
| | 2/25/2005
| 5 | HPV | My side effects were minimal...a little itching and a few tender red areas. Nothing that would make me stop the treatment because I'd rather itch a little considering the alternative! | Just be careful where you put the cream...Ladies, and gentleman for that matter...the skin is tender anyways, so don't put it anywhere where it shouldn't be! Ouch! | F | 23 | 3 days
| | 2/23/2005
| 5 | HPV | Yeah, I posted the post below this one...I have been taking it for 3 weeks not 3 days! OOPS! Sorry y'all... | = ) | F | 23 | 3 weeks
| | 2/23/2005
| 1 | genital warts | PAIN! PAIN! PAIN! | WOW! I applied Aldara ONE TIME which was 5 days ago and my reaction gets worse every day. I dread going to the bathroom, sitting down, taking a shower, it hurts so bad. I don't even wanna see what it looks like down there. I don't understand after on applying it once that it could be so bad and getting worse every day. I obviously haven't applied it after that cuz I'm still in pain. I might just get the acid! | F | 19 | 1 days
| | 2/20/2005
| 1 | Genital Warts | Burning, Bleeding, Itching, Erosion, Chaffing, Redness, Dryness, TOO MANY TO COUNT | Don't take this....I was on it for 6 months and it was absolute hell...My gyno recommended I try Condylox Gel 0.5% and this stuff is EXCELLENT! After one week of application, 85% of my warts were gone! It does not burn or itch; it does not make you bleed or dry! Please try it if you are fed up with trying Aldara. There is another way to deal with genital warts: Condylox Gel 0.5%. You will feel so much better! | F | 22 | 6 months
| | 2/13/2005
| 1 | skin cancer on forehead | flu-like symptoms, lower back ache, severe fatigue, severe headaches, dizzy, weakness, ER visits, eventual hospitalization for two weeks, lost 20-lbs., developed four permanent autoimmune diseases which I still have four years later, still under doctors care five years later. | I would strongly invite everyone interested in using Aldara for any reason to visit my website www.aldara1.com and learn what 3M knows about this drug but fails to disclose. You will read sworn depositions testimony from top 3M officials, learn of others who are suffering with Aldara induced serious medical conditions and learn of other facts 3M is aware of but refuses to disclose. For instance that Aldara | M | 56 | 24 days
| | 2/9/2005
Email
| 1 | HPV | THIS IS THE WORST PAIN IN MY LIFE!! PEEING IS SO PAINFUL, I FALL ON MY FLOOR CRYING AFTER I PEE, RAN A FEVER OF 102, HURTS TO STAND, SIT, AND EVEN LAY. HAVE BEEN IN BED FOR 5 DAYS STRAIGHT. LOTS OF BLISTERING AND BURNING!!!! | I went to my doctor after being in pain a few days after starting the aldara and he told me he thinks I have herpes, so i am waiting for my results, but i believe that it is from the aldara cream. i felt it was before and now after reading this website i am sure that i dont have herpes. the aldara cream sucks. this is the most pain i have ever felt in my life. peeing is almost impossible while on this medicine | F | 19 | 4 days
| | 2/8/2005
| 3 | genital warts | extremely painful open sore, weeping, smelly. Painful to sit, stand, walk, bend...you name it...However, my doctor then gave me an antibotic cream and just one application made a massive difference in just an hour. You could nearly see the sore healing. | Stop using it if it starts to burn or you get a sore..and quickly get hold of an antibiotic cream (NOT a steriod one, which will only inflame the wound) | M | 39 | 1 weeks
| | 2/1/2005
| 5 | Actinic keratosis | itching, redness,all the side effects listed in the literature. My face looks really strange. You are going to look noticeably different for sometime. | You must follow the instructions in the patient information exactly. Do not leave this product on longer than indicated for your condition. If the redness and itching is more than you can take, skip an application and give your skin more time to recover before the next application. Most of all be patient, this medicine takes time to work. Use a good quality non soap cleanser to wash your skin. Keep your hands clean, and don't pick at the scabs which are going to form. Get used to looking funny for awhile. Rememeber the cure is much better than getting skin cancer. | M | 52 | 5 times
| | 1/30/2005
Email
| 1 | genital warts | it removed two of the warts, but the third one it turned into a large, open, weeping, crusted sore that was extremely painful for about nearly two weeks. Had to stop using the cream obviously. Walking, sitting, standing, sleeping and even wearing underwear was very uncomfortable. | the reaction seems to be different for everyone...However, my suggestion would be that if you start to develop an open sore, then STOP..because further applications will make it much worse. | M | 39 | 2 weeks
| | 1/30/2005
| 5 | | | | | |
| | 1/27/2005
| 5 | HPV | THE TRUTH ABOUT ALDARA FROM A VERY WELL INFORMED | Its very easy for your doctor to prescribe the drug to you, but little do they know about the | M | 36 | 4 weeks
| | 1/27/2005
Email
| 5 | hpv | THE TRUTH ABOUT ALDARA FROM A VERY WELL INFORMED | Its very easy for your doctor to prescribe the drug to you, but little do they know about the | M | 36 | 4 weeks
| | 1/27/2005
Email
| 3 | Genital Warts | I was given Aldara 4 years ago when I first found out I had Gential warts and it worked great zero side effects and I got rid of the warts in about 1 month. Well this time I was not so lucky. I started using it again about a couple of weeks ago and now I have these terrible blisters that bleed and burn really bad. I was so sacred that I had herpes, but since I have read a lot of your stories I now realize that it is just a horrible side effect of the med. Last night I did not go to sleep until 4am because I was in soo much pain. I was crying and everything I was about to go to the ER.I put some aloe on it after applying ice all night and it finally subsided. I was real red and very swollen down there. I have never felt so much pain in my 25 years of life. I really thought I was going to die. Eventhough it was painful I am glad that it is not herpes. I still have the one little wart but it looks like it is getting smaller. I still have 2 weeks to go but I am taking a break until the lesions heal. | | F | 25 | 2 weeks
| | 1/24/2005
| 5 | medium size gw's | I had a little larger than average size warts, and my doc prescribed Aldara. I used it 3x a week, and tried to keep it on for 10 hrs at a time. My warts cleared in 3 weeks!!! The only side effects I experienced were redness of skin, and a tinsy bit of flaking. {Pretty surprising in comparison to the comments I read on this site!!} Also, I should mention my doc said that I shouldn't bath during this time either...so I just showered - that seems to clear the rash that I had developing too :) Who would've thought? | I was so surprised at how quickly they cleared.(during that time I also started exercising, and eating healthy - those probably were contributing factors too) I would definately recommend using Aldara to anyone with external gw's. For real, it works good...and isn't as scary to use as it seems. | F | 21 | 3 weeks
| | 1/23/2005
| 4 | hpv | redness, swelling and a lot of itching - the itching actually wakes you up at night - as a result the skin breaks down a bit and there are tiny red spots now were I used the cream | only use what you need - do NOT feel the need to use the entire packet at night and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS to the letter. The cream has worked really well for me - warts gone after the 3rd week. The itching and redness started after the second week, but my doctor has decided to take me off the cream for two weeks. Its a small price to pay for getting rid of the warts | F | 23 | 4 weeks
| | 1/18/2005
| 3 | HPV | I am only into taking this 1 1/2 weeks now and I am so itchy I feel like I am going to crawl out of my skin!! I hope its working...sounds like everyone has the same effects. You can soak with Domeboros....its over the counter and relieves some discomfort. | | F | 36 | 2 weeks
| | 1/17/2005
| 2 | | | | | |
| | 1/10/2005
| 3 | Genital Warts | Itching, sores | I had my 2 tiny genital warts removed but b/c I am extremely type-A personality I wanted extra reassurance....well now I just had a panic attack thinking I had Herpes! After reading all of your responses, I now realize I have the same side affects as everyone else. Small skin burns, and major itching. I wish I had read this before and could have saved myself the over reaction. | F | 25 | 4 weeks
| | 1/9/2005
| 3 | External Genital Warts | I just wanted to add to my experience that i had previously written. I got my test results back and the Herpes culture came back NEGATIVE, just like i knew it would. The cuts i received were from use of the ALDARA, by accidentally getting it on areas around my Vagina where it shouldn't have been. | I'm glad I found this website, although Aldara does help with the treatment of warts as in my case, it still has some side effects that can really hurt. | F | 28 | 3 months
| | 1/3/2005
| 3 | External Genital Warts | When I began this medicine i had some redness and slight burning. I accidently got some of the medicine on another part of my vagina and a cut formed. I went to my GYN, she said it could be Herpes, so they took a swab to test it. I won't get results until next week, but after reading others comments, i'm sure it's from the Aldara, i've been tested before for Herpes and it always came back NEGATIVE, so i'm sure this cut is from the Aldara. | My warts are shrinking, but some of them are still there, i have a month left to take this medicine so maybe by then they will all be gone. After i wash the Aldara off in the morning i put tea tree salve on there to help with the burning after the day goes by and i wash that off, my skin feels fine with NO BURNING. | F | 27 | 3 months
| | 12/22/2004
| 4 | Genital Warts | redness, open sores, swelling, peeling of skin, discharge, | I have herpes and was recently diagnosed with hpv as well. *shrugs* life goes on. Aldara was prescribed to me, within the first week... things got pretty bad, the side effects are potant with this medication, but at the same time, the medication is VERY effective. Aldara also has a reacurrence rate lower than ny other med. i had what i thought was a herpes o.b, but thatnks to the website, i may stand corrected. I believe one should try this med, it will clear ur warts (the smaller onse especially), and will benifite you for years to come. | F | 18 | 3 weeks
| | 12/21/2004
| 3 | hpv | Occasional lesions - stay off for a couple of days and they'll go away. | All you people complaining about horrible side effects - did you read the package insert before using the medicine? Did you use it | M | 42 | 3 months
| | 12/16/2004
| 4 | HPV | itching, dry skin, redness | The cream worked very quickly. I had a small flat wart and after using the cream 3 times a week for 2 and a half weeks it has disapeared. I also had it burned too, so i belive this helped. The itching SUCKS but its worth it... they say aldara really stimulates memory cells to aid in fighting you from getting them back again. I hope it works! I wouldn't say the side effects are painful, its like having a bug bite down there. I can deal, cause i know its worth it. OH and... sex is still great!!I think the cream has aided in stimulation or something...lol (not using cream while having intercourse though) | F | 21 | 3.5 weeks
| | 12/9/2004
| 4 | basal cell/skin damage | first applied it 3x/week, which caused too much redness & scaling, reduced it to once a week, a month off, then 12 more doses | seemed to have helped clear up & smooth my skin, mainly on forehead, & temples
I will try it next for my nose & cheek areas... | M | 52 | 3 months
| | 11/30/2004
| 3 | Genital Warts | I have used this medication before and it was successful. This is my third outbreak in as many years. However, my reaction this round was quite severe. I am experiencing blistering and what looks to me like Herpes. I have never had symptoms like this before, so I went to get tested just to be sure.
After reading some of these testimonials, I feel a bit better, but if this is a common side-effect of the medication, it needs to be made more public - even my doctor had never heard of it. | | F | 25 | 2 weeks
| | 11/27/2004
| 1 | Genital Warts | Severe itching and burning | I dont know if it is working but the side effects are brutal | F | 22 | 3 times
| | 11/21/2004
| 2 | actinic keratosis | flu like symptoms, increasing headaches, dizziness, extremely swollen lymphnodes | I had very bad side effects when taking Aldara which got worse and worse. I finally had to stop the treatment. Side effects keep lingering on. 4 weeks after stopping the treatment my lymphnodes are still swollen and hurting. I'm taking antibotics now to get rid of the side effects. | F | 38 | 4 weeks
| | 11/17/2004
| 1 | HPV | For over a year and half I have been suffering from severe itching and redness on my vulva. The pain and anguish is pretty bad. Sex is horrible. No doctor ever knows what to do or even believes that there is a problem. I would way rather have a few warts that don't hurt then this suffering. :( | The redness and itchiness has gone on for so long, does anyone know if there is any relief to this chemical burn?? I was prescribed a steriod cream but it never cures it, just masks the pain for a bit. Please write to me if you have similar problems, I want to sue these guys or at least get enough people together to make some doctors pay attention and get us some help. | F | 23 | 3 weeks
| | 11/12/2004
Email
| 1 | Genital Warts | minor itching, burning...side effects not very bad | I used it religiously for weeks and weeks and it did absolutely nothing. [However, it works incredibly well on my wife and she also has minimal side effects] | M | 32 | 8 weeks
| | 10/21/2004
| 2 | HPV | Horrible burning and itching, especially with erection, much soreness. Almost unbearable pain when washing genital area. | Used this about a year and a half ago. Now, my genital area is patched with different skin color because of loss of pigmentation. I don't make love in bright light again. | M | 31 | 3 months
| | 10/19/2004
Email
| 3 | gential warts | My reaction to this medication is severe. I'm experiencing major blistering, swelling, and pain. It tremendously hurts to even walk or urinate. BEWARE! | | F | | 1 months
| | 10/16/2004
| 4 | HPV - Warts | For first few weeks, there was nothing. Then I experienced a burning patch and redness on the vulvar area. It went away but I made the mistake of getting a bikini wax. Don't do it! Ended up ripping off some skin and causing me discomfort for 4-5 days. It's been a week since I've used it and another red, sore area has developped. Not sure if it's after affects from the cream or herpes! After reading other testimonials I feel slightly relieved that most of the time it's just been a skin reaction but am getting tested anyway. Warts cleared within 4 weeks but be prepared for the side affects resembling herpes...it does your head in! Wish me luck on the results!! | | F | 28 | 4 days
| | 10/15/2004
| 2 | HPV | Possible sore on scrotum, irritation, redness, and flaking. | I don't think this is a good medication for it. The warts decreased a little bit...but still there. | M | | 3 weeks
| | 10/15/2004
| 5 | AK and Basal cell Carcinoma | My forehead and scalp became very red around the lesions some scabbed.
Didn't hurt at all compared to anther drug I was on for the same condition. | My Dermatologist prescribed Aldara for my sun damaged skin. Very happy with the cosmetic result. I am 66 years old and alot of the flaking I had wit my forehead is now soft and smooth.
My cancer on my nose is gone and I have no scar. I got redness for about 5 weeks and then it went away and I look fine now. Thank you for this cancer cure. | M | 66 | 6 weeks
| | 9/24/2004
| 4 | HPV/GW | redness and open sore, itching, seems like I have had small itchy bumps all over my body but this could be bug bites. | the Warts are going away, the smaller ones are all iradicted, the larger ones are just now starting to dissolve. I had about 3 bigger size approx .002cm flat warts and 4 smaller flat warts altogether. the smaller ones like I said are all gone the 3 bigger ones are turning red. | M | 30 | 5 times
| | 9/20/2004
| 2 | Genital Warts | Chemical burn, swelling, burning | The documentation that come with Aldara does not tell you that you are only supposed to put it on the part of the very narrow part of the skin that has warts. I mistakenly put it all over the surrounding area and got burn all over it. | M | 27 | 2 months
| | 9/10/2004
| 4 | Genital Warts | Itching, small open sores, redness, little swelling. | I've been using aldara for almost 2 1/2 weeks. My warts are about 99% gone. the side effects are not too bad for me. It burned a few times when i urinated. i don't recomend having sex while your on the medication wait til you stop using it, it will make you skin worse and more irritated. as for my sores not sure if it is herpes or not. it was well-worth it for me to go through a little pain to make this stuff go away. for those of you who have irritation and itching, use desetin cream. My gynocologist recomended it to me and it helped out a lot. You can find it in the baby isle. good luck to all of you who have this disease i wish the best for all of you!! | F | 20 | 2 weeks
| | 9/1/2004
| 3 | moluscum contagiosum | MC warts are on my theigh. One wart has disappeared since starting on drug, I think aldara might be responsible for it since this virus has an ave lifetime of 6 months, but i guess i got some of the medication on my testicals because I have severe redness and burning on them. It's the worst pain I've ever experienced. I don't know if this drug is working, but I do know: Don't get any of it on places you don't need it, especially more sensitive areas. Walking makes me want to cry like a schoolgirl. | | M | 26 | 3 weeks
| | 9/1/2004
| 1 | Genital warts | Extreme redness, trouble urinating w/o pain, the warts grew actually larger in size and more have formed, burning, itchy, and white vaginal discharge. | I would NOT recommend taking this medication! I was warned by this site and by others that this drug can really have some bad side effects. I decided to give it a try being that since I'm on medicaid it was only $2 big mistake! | F | 21 | 5 days
| | 8/22/2004
Email
| 1 | hpv | sick (cold/flu like), intense pain, swelling, open sores (which doctor mis-diagnosed as herpes), bleeding, chemical burn. | | F | 30 | 13 days
| | 8/20/2004
| 3 | | | | | |
| | 8/17/2004
| 3 | skin pre cancer | possible muscle soreness and low energy although these side effects could be caused by lipitor I'm taking also. | | M | 51 | 30 days
| | 8/5/2004
| 1 | genital warts | Redness, iritation on scrotum; one open sore also on scrotum | I noticed the side effects after about 2 weeks. Nothing on my penis, but scrotum became Very irritated, including one open, extremely painful sore. In, fact, a regular Dr. diagnosed it as Herpes! Tests later revealed that not to be true, but it was a miserable few days. After 3 weeks I was forced to stop the Aldara due to the pain and irritation. My understanding is the drug affects different people differently, I'd suggest trying it but be aware of, and on the lookout for, some of these very unpleasant side effects. | M | 36 | 3 weeks
| | 7/25/2004
| 2 | basal cell carcinoma | itching, burning, spreading of infection, extreme redness and black scabs all over. I am throwing in the towel on this. Wish someone had told me about the side effects. | | F | 56 | 21 days
| | 7/23/2004
| 2 | basal cell carcinoma | itching, burning, spreading of infection, extreme redness and black scabs all over. I am throwing in the towel on this. Wish someone had told me about the side effects. | | F | 56 | 21 days
| | 7/23/2004
| 3 | HPV , molluscum. | Open Sores (very shallow, technical term is erosion, and is supposedly a side effect for 33% of patients.) | First: If you don't have health insurance, a free clinic that does cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) is probably your best bet. This stuff is WAY MORE EXPENSIVE than the results are worth, so far anyway. I have full drug coverage so the espense isn't an issue for me; if that's the case for you as well, read on.
I caught my HPV soon after it became detectable at all - I had probably less than 0.2 cm² of warts when I went in. Cryotherapy was effective (but itchy when healing) and after 3 weeks of weekly cryotherapy I was still getting new warts. Thus, I requested a perscription for Aldara, hoping to head off any new ones and keep the one I had tiny. I am still willing to go in in 4 weeks and have them burn off anything that's still around; then, hopefully, another 4 weeks of Aldara to ensure nothings coming back, and we'll be done. That's my plan, anyway.
Bad:
* Itchy: Number one comment is that it's very itchy. (and 60% of people say so.) It's about as bad as a yeast infection, if you've ever had one of those; or, as bad as healing cryotherapy burns. =) That said, you do get the weekends to recover, and it's only really bad in the mornings when you wake up.
* lesions: I have a shallow, bleeding lesion where there wasn't one before. I expect I might get more. If you get these IT MOST LIKELY IS NOT HERPES. It doesn't hurt but (sensing a theme, here) it does REALLY itch.
* More cost: when I go into the doctor, as someone else said, I'll likely end up getting tested for herpes because of the lesions. And if you are not on a full health plan, that could suck. On the uphand, most likely not herpes.
* Not a miracle cure: In trials it cleared 70% of women after 16 weeks... so 30% of people took $800 (in canadian drug dollars, no less - it's way cheaper up here I bet) worth and still needed other therapies in addition.
I think so far, using Aldara as a booster after clearing anything visible with liquiod nitrogen is working pretty well. There are very few new visible (really, | F | 22 | 14 days
| | 7/22/2004
| 2 | genital warts | I was thrilled to come across another therapy for my recuring genital warts problem. Unfortunately, my doctor did not explain to me the potential dangers of over-using Aldara and as a result, I experienced burns on my penis which were quite painful. I urge newer users of this medication to error on the side of caution when first using this medication! | | M | 33 | 5 days
| | 7/12/2004
| 3 | Genital Warts | Intense itching, burning, swelling, redness, cuts, dry skin | This cream gets rid of warts, but the pain that goes with the application of it will put you in pain. I have used it 3 times a week for 2 months and my vagina is red and raw. The warts have gone almost 100% away, but I can't urinate without burning. Sitting and moving hurts as my underwear rubs against the soreness. I am bleeding a little too from being dry and the clothing rubbing on my vagina. The itching is almost unbearable. It is impossible not to itch. | F | 22 | 2 months
| | 7/4/2004
| 5 | genital warts | some swelling, redness, itching, some pimples on upper thighs | I am writing here because I know how much this forum had helped me a few weeks ago when I was trying to make an informed decision regarding the drug. I was so scared and alone at the time, especially after reading the attached information. However, Aldara worked for me and did so a lot faster than I was told it would. After 4 times, more than half the warts have gone. Yes there is some discomfort and side effects connected with this drug, however they are all a small price to pay for eventual relief. | F | 18 | 4 times
| | 7/1/2004
| 1 | genital warts | this was the worst thing to ever happen to me so far in my 24 years. i thought getting hpv was bad. well, when i went back for my check up to see how i was responding to the aldara, i told the doctor i was really sore and i didn't think i could get my next tca done. he told me it was because i had HERPES!!! i told him that couldn't be right. anyway he prescribed me meds and creams for herpes. meanwhile i got worse. my vaginal lips swelled four times larger!! i couldn't sit or walk, and i cried in pain when i peed. i did that last application on monday was in severe pain buy thursday now it's monday and it still hurts a little, but soooo much better. i wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. after research on the net i found out this type of reaction is extremely rare. i found out today i was negative for herpes. it was a horrible, horrible chemical burn from the aldara. thanks for nothing aldara!! | | F | 24 | 1 weeks
| | 6/14/2004
| 3 | perianal warts | Very sick for a brief period of time, not sure if there was a connection to the Aldara or if it was just a virus... | Warts seem to be reacting to the medication. Expensive but potentially well worth the investment. No unusual pain or discomfort. | M | 32 | 3 weeks
| | 6/10/2004
| 1 | HPV | itching, burning | I have been using this medicine 3 times a week now for 5 weeks with no changes at all. It's very expensive and I'm not sure if I'm going to see any results. | F | 24 | 5 weeks
| | 5/11/2004
| 1 | Hand Warts | none | Didn't work for warts--did it for over 12 weeks on my hands as directed by dermatologist. Expensive and pointless. | F | 31 | 4 months
| | 5/4/2004
| 4 | HPV/genital warts | Mild itching and a bit of redness and puffiness, but nothing terrible | I've heard from a lot of people that this drug has horrible side effects, but so far I'm doing fine with the medication. It seems to be making the warts a lot smaller - actually they are pretty much gone at this point, so I don't really have any complaints at this point. | F | 22 | 2 weeks
| | 4/30/2004
| 3 | HPV | Horrible burning and itching, especially with erection, much soreness. Almost unbearable pain when washing genital area. Some very fluid discharge | Apart from all these concerns, warts seems to be getting smaller. Although Im not sure i can keep taking it because of side effects. Would rather get them burned off with liquid nitrogen | M | 21 | 1 weeks
| | 4/30/2004
| 2 | hpv | rash on scrotum, open sores on penis. itching, burning and loss of self worth. | have only just started it so cant judge the final results but i'm definately uncomfortable. | M | 31 | 3 weeks
| | 4/21/2004
| 1 | hpv | Burning, swelling, open sores on genital area | This was about the most horrible pain I have ever experienced. This is NOT worth it. I was unable to pass urine, or walk, or sit, without crying and screaming in pain for days. I would never willingly take this medication again. | F | 26 | 1 weeks
| | 4/6/2004
| 5 | For basal cell skin cancer | Sore muscles, general weakness, sore back, easier to pull a muscle or to strain my back, pain when doing my normal exercises, a few pimples on my body. | Aldara seems very effective for removing the basal cell skin cancer. I used it first about 3 years ago and judging visually there has been no reappearance. I have done 7 more cancers since then and all seem to be 100% clear. | M | 47 | 6 weeks
| | 4/5/2004
| 3 | hpv | fluish and fever. my penis is chaffed and itches. seem to be working not getting the burning that others get i just feel weak. | | M | 29 | 21 days
| | 1/31/2004
| 2 | Kondolymes/worths down there | Agonizing pain. Almost impossible to passe urine. Pain pain pain!!! But worths seems to disappear. | Doctors should be ordrered by the manufacturer to warn and give better information related to how you should react to the side effects and when to throw in the towel. The pain is the worst I ever felt. I wish I had broken my leg or both in stead. | F | 21 | 2 weeks
| | 9/20/2003
| 1 | HPV | Horrible burning, itching, swelling and open sores on the vulva. Flu like symptoms. Ran a temperature of 104 for 2 days. | when I was prescribed this medication it was not explained that you are to keep the medicine on for up to 10 hours and then the area is to be thoroughly cleansed after those ten hours. | F | 28 | 2 weeks
| | 10/1/2002
|