HOW DOES ALDARA WORK? External genital and perianal warts are caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus. These wart-like growths are often times referred to as condyloma acuminata. While Aldara cream itself has not been demonstrated to have any of its own antiviral activity, it is an immune response modifier that stimulates the body's own immune response system and helps the body fight this virus. It may do this via the induction of cytokines like alpha-interferon. Alpha-interferon is a complex compound normally produced by the human body that does have potent antiviral activity. HOW EFFECTIVE IS ALDARA? In a large clinical trial 50% of patients had complete clearing of their warts. The mean time to complete wart clearing was 10 weeks. HOW QUICKLY DOES ALDARA WORK? Aldara cream can effectively clear genital warts as quickly as 4 weeks, although the average time to healing is 10 weeks and may take as long as 16 weeks. Results vary from person to person. HOW DO I USE ALDARA CREAM:
WHEN SHOULD I USE ALDARA CREAM? Typically, dosing is once a day, 3 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Apply Aldara medicine at bedtime, after bathing, so you do not wash off the cream. Treatment with Aldara cream should continue until the warts are completely gone, or up to 16 weeks. CAN I HAVE SEX WHILE USING ALDARA CREAM? Sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. If you decide to have sexual relations, apply Aldara medicine after - not before - sexual activity. If you have already applied the cream, it should be washed off before sexual activity. In addition, Aldara cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms; therefore the cream should not be left on during sexual activity. The effect of Aldara cream on the transmission of genital warts is unknown. SIDE EFFECTS: Aldara cream doesn't destroy healthy skin. Most people who use Aldara cream don't complain of pain. One of the most common side effects is redness. This may be a sign that your immune system is working. Other common side effects are peeling of the skin, itching, flaking, and swelling around the warts. IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Because Aldara cream doesn't cure
Human Papilloma Virus, the cause of genital and perianal warts, new warts
may form during treatment. Aldara creams may weaken condoms and
diaphragms, so sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the
skin. How Aldara cream affects the spread of
genital warts to a partner is not known. A woman who is or becomes pregnant while
using Aldara cream should notify her health care provider
immediately. Do not use Aldara creams to treat internal
(inside the vagina or anus) warts. Skin color changes to the application site
have also been reported. Do not cover warts with bandages or other closed dressings. Avoid using overly large amounts of
cream. A thin layer that completely covers each wart is enough.
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