Doctors prescribe the generically named drug imiquimod, sold in the United States with the brand name Aldara, for several conditions. You may use it for rectal and genital warts, for actinic keratoses---a scalp and facial skin condition---or for superficial basal cell carcinoma, a type of cancer on the skin. Aldara functions by making your body more resistant to wart-causing viruses when you apply it to your skin. It is administered as a cream.
Blisters and Skin Sores
You may get a variety of common serious side effects when you use Aldara. For example, you may get raised, fluid-filled sores on your skin called blisters, the Mayo Clinic reports. These may burst and cause sores that are open and runny. You also may experience scabbing, scaling and severe redness on your skin. Another serious common skin side effect is a rash that makes you itch. Itching also may occur with or without a rash on your genital area. All of these types of problems require consultation with your physician as soon as possible.
Pain
You may experience generalized pains and aches throughout your body. Pain also may occur in the area of your face that surrounds your eyes or the area of your cheekbones. Tenderness also may occur there. These are serious common side effects of the medicine, too, so explain the problems to your doctor. Common non-serious pain side effects that should be temporary---meaning they should only last a few days---include pain in your back and headaches, Drugs.com states. Talk with your doctor about these types of pain if they continue.
Breathing Problems
Aldara can cause problems for your respiratory system that are serious and require medical attention. For example, you may find it difficult to breathe and you may be short of breath. You also may experience nasal congestion as well as tightness in your chest. When you exhale, you may hear a sound like a high whistling called wheezing. Tell your physician about any of these serious common side effects as soon as possible.
Voice Loss and Flu Symptoms
If you lose your voice as a side effect of Aldara, it can be quite disconcerting and worrisome. This serious side effect of the drug is common and serious, so tell your doctor. Other side effects that may not at first appear connected to taking the medication may make you think you have the flu. You may, for example, get the chills, feel congestion in your ears, experience soreness in your throat and have a runny nose. You also may sneeze. Again, tell your physician about flu-like symptoms.
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