Aldara (cream 5%) is considered to be an immune response modifier. The main active ingredient of this drug is imiquimod, which has a stimulating effect on the body and activates the production of interferon. The latter, in turn, is produced by the body to counteract various skin diseases and viruses. Today we will take a closer look at Aldara cream. Reviews, price, indications, instructions for use will be described in the article.
Issue form
The product is produced in the form of a cream for external use. The color of the composition can vary from white to light yellow. The drug is produced in multilayer heat-sealed bags of 250 mg. The contents of one sachet is sufficient for application to the affected area of the skin with an area of 20 cm². Reuse of the opened package is not allowed.
Composition of the drug
In addition to the active ingredient, the cream contains such excipients as cetyl alcohol, isostearic acid, stearyl alcohol, white paraffin (purified), polysorbate, sorbitan stearate, benzyl alcohol, xanthan gum, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, water cleaned.
Pharmacokinetics
After a single application of the creamLess than 0.9% of imiquimod is absorbed through human skin. A small amount of the drug that has entered the systemic circulation is excreted without delay from the body through the intestines and kidneys in a ratio of approximately 1:3. After repeated or single external use of the cream, the concentration of the drug in the blood serum did not reach a level that could be quantified (>5 ng/ml).
Indications for use
Aldara cream is used for various skin diseases. Reviews of doctors and patients testify to the high effectiveness of the drug for such phenomena as:
- basalioma;
- actinic keratosis;
- external perianal and genital warts.
To date, the most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma or basalioma. Such a disease manifests itself in small ulcerated nodules, slightly rising above the surface of the skin.
Symptoms of actinic keratosis are dense areas covered with scales, they are localized on the skin of the face and head. As a rule, the main reason for the development of keratosis is a long stay of a person in direct sunlight. Often this disease is called "solar keratosis".
External perianal and genital warts are small growths that look like warts, which are localized near the anus and on the skin of the genital organs.
Aldara (cream) is for use exclusivelyadult patients.
Contraindications for use
Medication "Aldara" is a remedy. Therefore, it should not be used in case of individual intolerance to the main active substance or any of the additional components of the drug. It is also contraindicated to use Aldara cream, the reviews of experts confirm this, intravaginally and for the treatment of urethral and intranasal warts.
When prescribing this remedy, the specialist must take into account the presence or absence of the following conditions:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive.
- Pregnancy or conception planning period.
- Breastfeeding.
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Using other medications.
Aldara cream instruction
The use of this remedy during pregnancy is possible only under strict indications and only if the expected benefit to the woman significantly outweighs the possible risk to the unborn child.
If there is a need to use the medication during breastfeeding, lactation must be stopped.
Since there is no data on the effect of Aldara on the children's body, the use of the cream for children under 18 is contraindicated.
Aldara cream: instructions for use
This drug is a highly effective tool that is used to treat several types of pathologies. The attending physician in each case developsan individual scheme for using the medication and gives recommendations on how long to use the cream and how to apply it to the affected areas of the skin.
As a rule, the product is applied to the skin before going to bed. To achieve the most positive result, the composition should be on the skin for 6-10 hours.
Treatment of basalioma
For the treatment of basalioma, the following treatment regimen is followed: for 5 days, Aldara (cream) is applied to the affected areas and around them at a distance of 1 cm. The duration of the treatment course is 6 weeks. Depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor may adjust the indicated terms.
Therapy for actinic keratosis
How to use Aldara cream for actinic keratosis? The instruction to the medication contains the following information: the agent is applied to the skin 1 time per day, twice a week. Between the days of applying the cream, it is recommended to take a break of 3-4 days. The maximum therapeutic effect is achieved after 16 weeks of using the medication.
Elimination of genital and perianal warts
In this case, the drug is used as follows: the cream is applied to the affected area of the skin 1 time per day, three times a week. The duration of one therapeutic course is 16 weeks. It is extremely important not to stop treatment. And until the warts completely disappear, apply Aldara cream. Patient feedback indicates that the growths usually disappear after 8-10 weeks.
Featuresapplications
Before using the cream, wash your hands and affected areas of skin well with mild soap and dry them thoroughly. Gently squeeze a small amount of the medicinal composition onto your finger. Spread the cream in a thin layer over the affected area and gently rub until completely absorbed.
During the action of the cream (about 6-10 hours), you should refuse to take a bath, shower, exclude any contact with water. After the specified time, the place of application of the cream must be washed with water and mild soap.
According to the instructions, dressings should not be used at the site of application of the medication. In case of urgent need, it is permissible to use a cotton gauze bandage.
During the period of treatment with Aldara (cream), it is recommended to exclude sexual intercourse, or immediately before intimacy, the product must be washed off. It should be borne in mind that this medication is able to reduce the wear resistance of the condom and diaphragm, therefore, such contraceptives should not be used during the treatment period. You should consult with your doctor about choosing an alternative method of contraception.
This drug should not be used until the skin has healed from other surgical or medical treatments.
You can not use the agent in question on areas of skin with open wounds or ulcers until they are completely healed.
During the period of treatment with Aldara cream, it is recommended to exclude or minimize the effect of sunlight, asrisk of sunburn.
Imichimod does not have a direct cytotoxic and antiviral effect, therefore, after the treatment, new condylomas of the perianal and genital areas may occur.
Side effect
Almost all medications have side effects, and Aldara is no exception. Side effects of the drug in question are manifested by the following symptoms:
- Skin reactions: very often - pain and itching at the site of use of the cream; often - erythema, infection, erosion, edema, peeling; infrequently - dermatitis, pruritus, folliculitis, eczema, urticaria, erythematous rash; rarely - expression, induration, vesicle formation, hyperpigmentation, local hypopigmentation.
- Peripheral and central nervous system: often - dizziness, headaches; infrequently - depression, irritability, insomnia, paresthesia, tinnitus, drowsiness.
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Digestive system: often - nausea; rarely - pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, damage to the rectum, pain in the anus.
Aldara cream reviews of doctors - Reproductive system: rarely - bacterial and fungal infection, vulvitis, vaginitis, herpes simplex, pain during intercourse, pain in the vagina, penis.
- Hematopoietic system: in very rare cases - a decrease in hemoglobin levels, absolute neutropenia, thrombocytopenia,leukopenia.
- Respiratory system: rarely - rhinitis, pharyngitis.
- Musculoskeletal system: rarely - arthralgia, pain in the lumbar region.
- General ailments: often - myalgia, infection, fever, fatigue, flu-like symptoms; rarely - lymphadenopathy, increased sweating.
If local side effects occur, the cream should be washed off with soap and water. Treatment with this drug can be resumed after the skin reaction has stopped.
Many of the above symptoms are mild and disappear after treatment is completed. However, you should still report side effects to your doctor.
Drugs of similar action
Does the medicine "Aldara" (cream) have analogues? This tool can replace drugs such as:
- Similar in composition and indications for use: Keravort.
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Different in composition, similar in indications for use: Acivir, Agerp, Atsik, Acyclovir Belupo, Acyclovir-Farmak, Acyclovir-Vishfa, Acyclovir-Pharmex, Virolex, Acyclostad, Zovirax, Gerpevir, Epigen-Intim, Priora, Vratizolin, Gerpferon.
aldara cream price
Medication "Aldara" (cream): price
The cost of this drug depends on various factors: the pricing policy of the pharmacy, transportation costs, etc. The drug "Aldara" (cream) can be bought in Moscow in almost every pharmacy. HoweverToday, a fairly large number of counterfeit products can be found on the pharmaceutical market. You should be alerted by the low cost of Aldara (cream). The price of the drug is in the range of 4200-4500 rubles for a package of 250 mg.
Remember: self-medication can be hazardous to your he alth. Only after consultation with a specialist, you can use the drug "Aldara" (cream). Analogues of the drug are also used strictly according to the doctor's indications. We hope you find the information in this article useful. Stay he althy!
