Aldara (imiquimod) is a medication used to treat skin cancer and skin growths such as actinic keratosis. Drugs.com says that Aldara can also treat genital and perianal (around your anus) warts. Typically, you will apply Aldara two times a week for 16 weeks to treat actinic keratosis. Aldara is available as a topical medication. You will apply Aldara five times a week for 6 weeks to treat skin cancer, says the National Library of Medicine. You will apply this medication two times a week for 16 weeks to treat actinic keratosis.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Aldara can cause back pain, diarrhea and a headache. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and hypokalemia (low potassium level). Aldara can also cause redness, tenderness, burning, flaking and scabbing at the skin application site. In some cases, this medication can promote the development of small sores. Inform your physician if Aldara causes these effects.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that frequent Aldara applications can lead to skin weeping and erosion. Consult your physician should you experience these side effects.
This medication can also cause photosensitivity and flu-like symptoms. Photosensitivity is a condition in which your skin is extremely sensitive to sunlight. You can easily develop sunburns and blisters. Avoid the sun or wear sunblock daily to protect yourself from the sun's ultraviolet light.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Aldara if you are hypersensitive to imiquimod. A hypersensitivity response includes such potential fatal symptoms as trouble breathing and closing up of your throat. Drugs.com indicates that you should not use Aldara if you are immunocompromised (have a weak immune system) or suffer from human papilloma virus, skin cancer or an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. Aldara may interact with these drugs and cause the aforementioned side effects.
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