Aldara wart treatment cream

Aldara wart cream contains the active ingredient imiquimod, which helps your immune system to destroy the warts.

Using Aldara wart treatment cream

Apply Aldara wart cream 3 times each week. For example, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The cream must be rubbed in and left for 6-10 hours, so using it before bed is suggested. Use for up to 16 weeks at a time.

To apply, wash your hands and the treatment area with mild soap and water. Dry thoroughly. Open a sachet of cream and squeeze some onto your fingertip.

Dab a thin layer of Aldara cream onto the wart area. Rub gently in to the skin until the cream disappears.

Once all warts have been treated, throw away the open sachet and wash your hands – do not keep a sachet to use again. Leave Aldara cream on the warts for 6-10 hours. Do not shower or wash during this time.

Side effects of Aldara wart treatment

There are some side effects associated with using Aldara. These can include skin irritation, rash, soreness, ulceration around the areas where you apply the cream. Rarely, you may experience flu-like symptoms.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

Effectiveness of Aldara wart treatment

Most people find their warts disappear after 12 weeks. However, some people will need to apply the cream for longer. It is unlikely that the warts will reappear after treatment.

For Aldara to be effective it must be used as prescribed.

How Aldara cream works

The active ingredient in Aldara cream (imiquimod) stimulates your body's immune system. This helps your body to destroy both hard and soft warts in the affected area.

Important information about Aldara wart treatment

The virus that causes genital warts can be passed on during sex. Aldara cream may make latex condoms and diaphragms weaker, increasing the risk that they will break. If you still plan to be sexually active while you still have warts, you should apply Aldara cream after sex, not before, and use condoms.

Please inform us of all medical conditions in your questionnaire. In particular, if you are HIV positive or pregnant, as this could affect how suitable Aldara is for you.

Safety: taking other medicines

You should be able to use Aldara cream alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Aldara cream safely.

Alternative treatments

If your genital warts are soft to the touch, we can prescribe you Warticon wart cream (containing podophyllotoxin). This is an effective treatment for soft warts.

Other stronger creams may contain the active ingredient trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These can only be administered by a medical professional as it can cause physical damage and pain if incorrectly applied.

In some cases, having warts physically removed may be appropriate, either through laser surgery, excision, electrosurgery or cryotherapy.