Buy Generic Aldara Online
|
|
Generic Aldara 5mg
Package | Price | Per Sachet | Shipping | Order | |
5mg x 3 sachets | $54.69 | $18.23 | Add to Cart | ||
5mg x 6 sachets | $104.46 | $17.41 | Add to Cart | ||
5mg x 9 sachets | $148.16 | $16.46 | Add to Cart |
Generic Aldara Information
Introduction
Aldara is a topical formulation that contains the immunomodulatory compound imiquimod. It is classified in the anti‑viral and anti‑cancer therapeutic groups because it activates the body’s innate immune response to eradicate virus‑induced skin lesions and certain superficial skin cancers. In the United Kingdom, Aldara is prescribed for several dermatological conditions where conventional therapies are insufficient or unsuitable. The medication is marketed by 3M Health Care and is available in 5 % cream strength for adult use.
What is Aldara?
Aldara is a prescription‑only cream whose sole active ingredient is imiquimod, a synthetic nucleic‑acid‑analogue. The product was developed by 3M (formerly Medac) and received marketing authorisation in the EU in 1999. It is supplied as a single‑use tube containing 180 mg of 5 % (w/w) imiquimod cream. The formulation also includes inert excipients such as polyethylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polysorbate 80 and purified water, which aid in drug stability and skin penetration.
Aldara is indicated for adult patients (≥ 18 years) and is not recommended for routine use in children, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers unless specifically advised by a specialist.
How Aldara Works
Imiquimod belongs to the class of Toll‑like receptor (TLR) agonists, primarily stimulating TLR‑7 and, to a lesser extent, TLR‑8 on dendritic cells and macrophages. Binding to these receptors triggers a cascade that results in the production of interferon‑α, tumour‑necrosis factor‑α, interleukins‑6 and ‑12, and other cytokines. The induced cytokine milieu creates a localized, cell‑mediated immune response that:
- Promotes apoptosis of virus‑infected keratinocytes and atypical epidermal cells.
- Enhances the recruitment of cytotoxic T‑lymphocytes and natural‑killer cells to the treated site.
- Inhibits angiogenesis required for the growth of superficial skin malignancies.
The drug acts locally; systemic absorption is minimal, with plasma concentrations usually below .1 ng/mL after standard dosing. Therapeutic effects commonly appear after 2‑4 weeks of continuous application, although the full clinical response may take several treatment cycles.
Conditions Treated with Aldara
- External genital and perianal warts (condylomata acuminata). Human papillomavirus (HPV)‑induced lesions are resistant to many ablative techniques; imiquimod’s antiviral immune activation clears lesions in up to 70 % of patients after three weekly cycles.
- Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). For low‑risk sBCCs ≤ 2 cm, a 5‑week regimen of Aldara applied five days per week achieves histological clearance rates comparable to surgical excision.
- Actinic keratosis (AK). As a field‑therapy for actinic damage‑induced precancers, imiquimod reduces AK counts and prevents progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
- Mild to moderate cutaneous melanoma in situ (CIS). In selected lesions where surgery would cause significant functional or cosmetic impairment, Aldara has demonstrated complete histologic response in controlled studies.
In the UK, the prevalence of genital warts is estimated at 1–2 % of the adult population, and actinic keratoses affect up to 20 % of individuals over 60 years, underscoring the public‑health relevance of a non‑surgical option.
Who is Aldara For?
- Adults with HPV‑related genital or perianal warts who prefer a non‑invasive approach or who have contraindications to cryotherapy.
- Patients diagnosed with low‑risk superficial basal cell carcinoma where surgery would be cosmetically undesirable (e.g., facial lesions).
- Individuals with extensive actinic keratosis requiring field treatment rather than spot excision.
- Select cases of melanoma in situ where lesion size, location, or patient comorbidities make surgical margins difficult to achieve.
Aldara is not appropriate for individuals with known hypersensitivity to imiquimod or any cream excipients, for patients with severely immunocompromised states (e.g., post‑organ transplant, active chemotherapy), or for lesions that have already progressed to invasive carcinoma.
Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions
Common
- Local skin erythema, itching, and burning sensation (usually peaking after 24–48 h).
- Crusting or scaling at the application site.
- Mild pain or tenderness during treatment.
Rare
- Contact dermatitis due to excipient allergy (e.g., to polyethylene glycol).
- Transient flu‑like symptoms (fever, malaise) in about 1 % of patients, reflecting systemic cytokine release.
Serious
- Severe ulceration or necrosis of the treated area, especially with excessive application.
- Autoimmune flare‑ups (e.g., exacerbation of lupus or psoriasis) reported in isolated case series.
- Systemic immunologic reactions such as hypersensitivity syndrome (very rare).
Drug–drug interactions
Imiquimod is metabolised locally; systemic interactions are uncommon. Caution is advised when applying Aldara concurrently with other topically immunosuppressive agents (e.g., topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus) as they may blunt efficacy. Systemic immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine) could theoretically reduce the drug’s immune‑stimulating effect, though clinical data are limited.
Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose
- Standard dosing: Apply a thin film of Aldara 5 % cream to the cleansed, dry lesion once daily, five days per week (e.g., Monday–Friday). Typical treatment courses range from 2 weeks (for genital warts) to 6 weeks (for sBCC).
- Missed dose: If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as remembered, provided the next scheduled dose is at least 8 hours away. Do not double‑dose to compensate for the missed application.
- Overdose: Excessive application (> 5 days a week or multiple applications per day) increases the risk of severe local inflammation. If an overdose is suspected, wash the area gently with mild soap and water, discontinue use, and seek medical advice promptly.
- Precautions: Avoid use on broken skin, mucous membranes, or open wounds. Alcohol, smoking, or excessive sun exposure may exacerbate local irritation; patients should limit sun exposure and use protective clothing during treatment.
Buying Aldara from Our Online Pharmacy
Aldara can be obtained safely through our online pharmacy in the UK. We source the medication from licensed international suppliers who meet European Medicines Agency (EMA) quality standards. Key benefits of purchasing through us include:
- Affordable pricing – our generic product is offered at a cost close to the manufacturer’s wholesale price, providing a budget‑friendly alternative to branded versions.
- Verified quality – each batch is verified for potency, purity and correct packaging before dispatch.
- Discreet, reliable delivery – orders are packaged in unmarked envelopes and shipped via express courier (delivery within 7 days) or standard airmail (approximately 3 weeks), with tracking available for all parcels.
- Privacy‑focused service – as a pharmacy broker, we coordinate with overseas licensed pharmacies while maintaining strict confidentiality of patient data and purchase details.
Our service is designed for patients who encounter limited access to Aldara through local pharmacies, or who seek a cost‑effective generic solution without compromising safety or regulatory compliance.
FAQ
-
Is Aldara suitable for use on the face?
Yes, Aldara can be applied to facial lesions such as superficial basal cell carcinoma, provided the skin is intact and the patient follows the prescribed dosing schedule. Because the facial skin is thinner, clinicians often recommend shorter treatment cycles to reduce irritation. -
Can Aldara be stored in a refrigerator?
No, refrigeration is unnecessary and may alter the cream’s consistency. Aldara should be stored at controlled room temperature (15–30 °C), away from direct sunlight and moisture. -
What does the packaging of Aldara look like when ordered online?
The medication is supplied in a white, single‑use tube marked “Imiquimod 5 % Cream, 180 mg.” The tube is placed inside a sealed, tamper‑evident pouch that includes a patient information leaflet in English. -
Are there any restrictions on importing Aldara for personal use in the UK?
Personal import of prescription‑only medicines is permitted under the UK’s “personal importation” rules, provided the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply and the product is sourced from a licensed overseas pharmacy. Importers must retain a copy of the prescription and declare the medication at customs if required. -
Does Aldara contain any allergens that could affect people with sensitive skin?
Inactive ingredients include polyethylene glycol and polysorbate 80, both of which can cause contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals. Patients with a history of reactions to these excipients should discuss alternative treatments with their clinician. -
How does imiquimod compare with podophyllotoxin for genital warts?
Imiquimod (Aldara) stimulates an immune response, while podophyllotoxin works as a cytotoxic agent that destroys wart tissue. Clinical trials have shown similar clearance rates, but imiquimod often results in less pain and allows for self‑administration over a longer period, whereas podophyllotoxin is typically applied in shorter courses. -
What was the original development pathway for imiquimod?
Imiquimod was first discovered in the 198s by 3M scientists searching for compounds that could activate immune cells. Early pre‑clinical studies demonstrated potent antiviral activity against HPV, leading to accelerated clinical development for genital wart therapy. -
Is there a risk of false‑positive drug testing while using Aldara?
Imiquimod is not listed on standard workplace drug screens, and its systemic concentrations are negligible. Therefore, usage of Aldara does not interfere with routine urine or hair drug testing. -
Can Aldara be used concurrently with sunscreen?
Yes, applying a broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on surrounding non‑treated skin is recommended to protect against UV‑induced irritation. Sunscreen should not be applied directly onto the treated area while the cream is still present. -
Do regional formulations of imiquimod differ between the EU and the US?
The active concentration (5 %) is consistent across both markets, but excipient ratios may vary slightly to meet local regulatory specifications. These differences do not impact therapeutic efficacy but may affect the cream’s texture.
Glossary
- Toll‑like receptor (TLR)
- A protein on immune cells that recognises microbial components and triggers innate immune activation. Imiquimod specifically targets TLR‑7/8 to start the antiviral response.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- The most common form of skin cancer, arising from basal cells in the epidermis. “Superficial” BCC describes a thin, spread‑out subtype suitable for topical therapy.
- Cytokine
- Small signalling proteins released by immune cells that regulate inflammation, cell growth and antiviral activity. Imiquimod induces cytokines such as interferon‑α and tumour‑necrosis factor‑α.
- Field therapy
- Treatment applied to a whole area of skin (e.g., a sun‑damaged forearm) rather than targeting individual lesions, useful for conditions like actinic keratosis.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information provided about Aldara is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Aldara for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.