Aldara
(imiquimod)
Treats genital and anal warts, skin with long-term sun damage, and certain skin cancers.
Our bottom line
Works well for many skin conditions but it can cause irritation if you're not careful.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (imiquimod)
Upsides
- First choice treatment for genital and anal warts.
- Is a good option if you prefer treating warts privately at home rather than getting in-office procedures.
- Is a safe option in people who have had organ transplants.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Aldara, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Because you will have to wash off Aldara (imiquimod) after a certain amount of time, you will need to keep track of time and be careful not to leave Aldara (imiquimod) on too long or not long enough.
- Aldara (imiquimod) doesn't work as fast as lasers or surgery for warts.
- Is not a first choice for superficial basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
- It can be very irritating to normal skin.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Aldara, on one page
Download Fact SheetIt's not exactly clear how Aldara (imiquimod) works but it activates the immune system to fight off cancer, warts and skin damage.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (imiquimod)
Used for
- Actinic keratosis
- Genital and anal warts
- Superficial basal cell carcinoma
Dosage forms
- Cream
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$18.94Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$26.00
- Get free coupon
$27.72 - AlbertsonsGet free coupon$28.58
What to expect when you take Aldara (imiquimod) for Skin conditions
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Itching
- Burning
- Redness
- Flaking
- Headache
- Sinus infection
Side effect rates for Aldara (imiquimod)
- Application site reaction33%33%14%14%
- Itching20%20%8%8%
- Upper respiratory tract infection15%15%12%12%
- Sinus infection7%7%6%6%
- Burning6%6%2%2%
- Headache5%5%3%3%
- Skin cancer4%4%2%2%
- Diarrhea3%3%1%1%
- Bleeding3%3%
- Stinging3%3%1%1%
- Pain3%3%1%1%
- Eczema2%2%1%1%
- Hardening of the skin2%2%1%1%
- Tenderness2%2%1%1%
- Irritation2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Aldara.
People taking Aldara felt side effect more
People taking Aldara felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Aldara (imiquimod)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Severe irritation of the skin can occur after a few applications of Aldara (imiquimod). If you experience swelling, bleeding, blistering, or other skin irritation let your doctor know right away. You may have to stop using Aldara (imiquimod) until your skin heals.