Aldara

Aldara is used to treat genital warts, which are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It is a cream containing the active ingredient imiquimod.

Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which isn’t curable but can be managed with the right treatment.

Aldara has been clinically proven as an effective external treatment to reduce genital or pubic warts, and relieve symptoms.

It can also be used to treat other skin conditions such as actinic keratosis, and superficial basal cell carcinoma.

However, your doctor must prescribe Aldara for these conditions.

How effective is Aldara?

A recent study was taken on a group of people with genital warts. Out of the people who were given a treatment containing imiquimod:

51% found that their genital warts disappeared completely

72% of patients saw at least half of their warts disappear

Aldara works by controlling the virus that causes genital warts.

The active ingredient imiquimod helps your immune system defend itself against HPV.

When you apply the cream to an affected area, it helps your immune cells stop the virus from spreading.

This causes healthy skin cells to replace the wart cells, which leads to the warts disappearing.

Aldara is a topical cream, meaning you apply it directly to the warts on your skin.

Genital warts can vary in size and colour. What they look like often depends on the person.

For full information on how to apply Aldara to genital warts, please read the attached patient leaflet.

However, here is a brief set of instructions:

• Aldara should be applied three times a week (for example, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday)
• The treatment works best when it is applied to clean, dry skin
• Apply the cream before bed, and remember to wash it off in the morning with mild soap and water
• Always wash your hands before applying the cream and make sure to only apply a thin layer to the affected area
• Do not apply the cream to broken or irritated skin

What if Aldara cream isn’t working?

You can use Aldara cream for up to 16 weeks. So if you don’t see any improvements in your genital warts straight away, it doesn’t mean that the treatment isn’t working.

Be patient with the treatment, as it usually takes around 8-10 weeks for the warts to clear completely.

If you still have genital warts, or the warts return after treatment, speak to your doctor. You may need to try an alternative treatment such as Condyline or Warticon.

Another active ingredient used to treat genital warts is podophyllotoxin. This is the main ingredient in both Warticon and Condyline.

You can buy Aldara, Warticon, and Condyline online at euroClinix for the treatment of genital warts. The table below shows some of the key differences:

	Aldara	Warticon	Condyline
Active ingredient	Imiquimod	Podophyllotoxin	Podophyllotoxin
How often do I apply it?	3 times per week	Twice a day for 3 days	Twice a day for 3 days
Does it require a prescription?
How do you take it?
Can it treat soft genital warts?
Can it treat hard warts?

As shown in the table, the main differences are the active ingredient and the application.

However, Aldara is the only treatment that is suitable for treating hard warts.

Aldara is only suitable for treating external warts, so make sure you only apply cream on the outside of your body.

If you have internal genital warts (inside the anus or genitals) please consult your doctor for a different treatment.

Do not take Aldara without consulting a doctor if you have:

• a weakened immune system
• warts under the foreskin and you are circumcised
• inflammatory skin conditions

Also, make sure to avoid Aldara if you know you are allergic to its active ingredient imiquimod.

Most people who take Aldara don’t experience any side effects at all.

If you do end up with side effects, they are usually mild and go away by themselves when you stop taking the treatment.

For a full list of potential side effects, please read the patient leaflet. However, here is a list of some common side effects:

• Redness
• Wearing away of the skin (where cream has been applied)
• Skin flaking or swelling
• Hardening under the skin
• Small sores on the skin
• Mild skin reactions (itching or burning)
• Decrease in appetite
• Headaches
• Nausea

If you experience persistent side effects, speak to your doctor about using an alternative treatment.

No, Aldara cream is only available to buy with a prescription. Other wart treatments like Warticon and Condyline are also prescription-only.

Visit your GP or consult an online health provider to get a prescription for Aldara.

You can buy Aldara online here at euroClinix quickly and easily.

Simply fill out an online consultation form to be reviewed by one of our UK doctors. Once approved, your order will be sent out the following day with free next-day delivery.

We will also send out your treatment in discreet packaging.

The manufacturer of this medication may differ from that shown in the image above. If you feel unsure, check that the main ingredient is imiquimod and that it’s been prescribed for the treatment of genital warts.