Imiquimod

1 medicine

Imiquimod is a topical immune-response cream for genital warts, actinic keratosis, and superficial skin cancer; it commonly causes strong local skin reactions, which are expected but can require a treatment break.

Aldara

Imiquimod

5%

Aldara is a skin care medication containing Imiquimod, available as 5% sachets.

from $10.13 / sachet View

Key facts

  • Imiquimod is a topical cream that stimulates your immune system to attack abnormal skin cells; it's used for genital warts, actinic keratosis, and superficial basal cell carcinoma.
  • Applied a few times a week, not daily, left on for several hours as directed, then washed off with mild soap and water.
  • Strong local skin reactions, redness, swelling, oozing, and erosion, are common and expected; they can be severe enough to need a break in treatment.
  • Avoid sun exposure to the treated area during and shortly after treatment.

What imiquimod treats

Imiquimod treats external genital and perianal warts caused by HPV, actinic keratosis (rough, sun-damaged patches, usually on the face or scalp), and superficial basal cell carcinoma on the trunk, neck, or limbs. It is not used for internal warts, invasive skin cancer, or moles.

How imiquimod works

Imiquimod activates toll-like receptor 7 on immune cells in the skin, triggering the release of cytokines such as interferon. These signals draw immune cells to the area, where they recognize and destroy virus-infected or abnormal cells while sparing most surrounding healthy tissue.

Before you take it

  • Do not apply to open wounds, sunburned skin, or areas outside the lesion your prescriber identified.
  • Do not use inside the vagina, cervix, urethra, or anus.
  • Tell your prescriber if you have an autoimmune condition or take immune-suppressing medicines, since these can change how well it works.
  • Avoid sexual contact while the cream is on the skin; it can weaken condoms and diaphragms and irritate a partner's skin.

Side effects

Common effects include redness, itching, burning, and swelling at the site, and sometimes flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, or a mild fever.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Severe blistering or ulceration spreading beyond the treated area.
  • Signs of infection: increasing pain, pus, or spreading redness.
  • Hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Safety essentials

  • A strong local skin reaction is part of how imiquimod works, but contact your prescriber if it becomes severe, spreads beyond the treated lesion, or looks infected.
  • Wash your hands before and after applying, and let the area dry fully before covering it or dressing.
  • Follow the exact schedule and treatment breaks your prescriber sets; don't extend the treatment area or duration on your own.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.