Aldara Cream, the brand name for imiquimod, is a topical prescription medication indicated to treat specific skin conditions that include actinic keratoses; genital and anal warts; or superficial basal cell carcinoma--a type of skin cancer. This medication works by activating the body's immune system, which can help clear infection from the body. Before using Aldara Cream to treat skin cancer, patients should discuss the side effects of this medication with a doctor.
Application Site or Skin Reaction
Skin cancer patients can develop skin reactions at the site of Aldara Cream application as a side effect of treatment. In clinical trials for this medication, the U.S Food and Drug Administration reports that more than 30 percent of skin cancer patients experienced skin reactions after using Aldara Cream. These application site reactions can include redness, burning, itching or bleeding, report health officials at MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Affected patients may also notice that the skin at the application site stings or swells after applying Aldara Cream. Severe skin-related side effects, including blister or ulcer formation, skin atrophy, scabbing or drainage, can also occur. Any type of significant skin reaction that occurs following the use of this medication should be discussed as soon as possible with a medical professional.
Flu-like Symptoms
While receiving treatment with Aldara Cream, patients can develop flu-like symptoms. These flu-like side effects can include fatigue, muscle weakness or pain, fever or chills, explains MedlinePlus. Certain patients can also experience headache or sore throat during treatment. Patients who experience flu-like side effects while using this topical medication should contact a doctor as soon as possible as these symptoms can indicate a severe reaction to Aldara Cream.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of Aldara Cream treatment in certain patients, reports Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. Frequent bowel movement urges can become uncomfortable and may occur in conjunction with stomach bloating, pain or cramping. With continued use of Aldara Cream, diarrhea side effects typically subside. Patients who experience recurrent or chronic diarrhea side effects should seek additional medical care as this side effect is also a sign of infection.
