Imiquimod topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Max...
• January 23, 2014

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I used Zyclara for 2 months, applying it for a week and then taking a week off. I have to say, it does work. I had many pre-cancer spots on my forehead, face, and shoulders that stayed there for years, despite annual freezing treatments. Zyclara cleared up these spots, and they seem to be gone permanently. As for side effects, it was a terrible experience, but only for the first couple of weeks. Basically, the first week of treatment was Hell, the second week was Heck, and the third and fourth weeks were Gosh and Golly. So, only the first week of treatment was painful. For that first week of treatment, it was like being hit with both a body-aching flu and a sleeping sickness at the same time."

• Vor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am using Aldara on 6 sites and would not recommend any more than that. It is about my 4th use of the drug, and apart from slight flu-like symptoms when I first started, I have suffered no general side effects. I am quite active and still feel energetic enough to run, cycle, and play tennis, as well as do DIY! However, the lesions are something else. To give reassurance to anyone using it for the first time, the reaction on the skin can be quite alarming, BUT is perfectly normal and shows it is working. Do read the leaflet. My neck and behind my ears have reacted severely, with heavy scabbing, some weeping, and painful at night. It is a chore applying and washing off, but do persevere. It will all heal within a week of stopping."

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2015

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "9/10 rating simply because, like all treatments currently available, it gets rid of the symptom (warts), not the illness (HPV). I had a bout of genital warts, all spaced all over my genital area (clitoris included). After having read about the treatment, I was so scared that I did not use it for the first 2 weeks, but for me, liquid nitrogen was way too painful. Remember, everybody reacts differently; don't be discouraged. I am very sensitive to pain and have gone through this with no burning sensations, absolutely no side effects aside from expected sensitivity, and by the first week of use, I noticed a considerable difference. Dosage: 3 times/week on alternating days, e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday for 6-10 hours at night (I left it on for 8-10)."

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2014

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Two weeks ago, I thought my life was over with the diagnosis. My doctor let me know I am not alone, and over 70% of people have human papillomavirus, it's just a matter of whose body can fight off the warts developing or not. I have been using Aldara for two weeks and have only minor side effects like slight itching, which I'm not sure if it's just my brain thinking it's bad or if it was. Apply only to the spots that need it. I almost think those who complain of unreal side effects slathered this on without reading directions. The only other side effect, which was odd, was the first night I applied it, my heart rate was 100 beats per minute, which was strange. Lesions have shrunk in size tenfold. I'm just super pleased. I feel bad for those who cannot afford Aldara."

• Suz...
• January 19, 2021

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I was diagnosed with VIN3 last year. The cells were becoming cancerous. I have now done 2 Aldara courses of 6 weeks each, and all the VIN3 has totally gone, and there are no dodgy cells at all. I applied it 3 times a week at night and left it on for 10 hours. By week 4, I started to get a bit sore on my vulva, but nothing major, and it was bearable. Come week 6, no sores, nothing at all, but only part of the VIN3 had been resolved, so the hospital told me to carry on with another 6-week cycle. It certainly wasn't as bad as I expected, and I wanted to do a review, so if anyone is like I was and terrified, please do try it, though. Everyone reacts differently, and you might have no reaction or only mild, like me. The main issue for me was a continued upset stomach. My hair also snapped a lot and has become dry, but the hospital said it's how I have reacted. It is a form of chemo, so it's strong stuff. It's also fantastic as it saved me from having all my bits mutilated!"

• Dav...
• April 20, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was diagnosed with a serious case of anal warts (HPV), and when I say serious, it was really severe! My local GUM clinic, first of all, gave me Daktarin cream to try and loosen the warts first, but this really didn't do much. I then used the Aldara 5% cream, and it was truly magical! Hurt like hell, almost to the point where I had trouble sleeping with the burning sensation, but after 2 weeks, the warts were significantly reduced, and the burning had subsided. It does look like I have a few scars due to how many warts there were, but all in all, it's a lot better! 1 year later, and I'm still as smooth as I was before the diagnosis!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2013

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am on week 5. I first used it on my arms with no result, so I decided to do my forehead. A few spots came out. Now I'm doing my chest area... major sun damage! I'm not going to lie, it itches and burns. If all these spots are pre-cancer cells, then it's definitely worth a few weeks of pain and discomfort! I just told my co-workers what I was doing, so I didn't feel the need to 'cover up.' It actually feels better not to have clothes rub on it. I take Advil for the pain. If only I could go back in time and tell myself to get out of the tanning beds, it's not worth it!"

• Ord...
• December 11, 2019

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Got HPV. I did quarterly STD checks and nothing came up. I am half circumcised. It all started with a small white head kind of thing on the internal foreskin, and my doctor initially said it could be a protruded sebaceous gland. So, didn’t pay much attention. After 2 months, that became a small cluster about 5 mm in length. That's when my doctor said it's a penile wart. I was devastated and got into a very low mood for days, almost thinking about this growth all the time. I was prescribed this drug. After five applications, the skin got super sore, and blisters appeared with pus. The doctor said that means the cream is working. I had to stop for a week or so because of the scary reaction it had. In addition, even though the warts subsided, they grew back. I started applying the second round, and the same reaction occurred after the third application. Took a break again, but this time the warts magically disappeared. Such a great feeling now!!!!"

• win...
• December 24, 2014

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Was instructed to use imiquimod only three times a week for basal cell on my nose. Wait until sores appeared and then resolved. Use for three months. There were no negative side effects, and it worked well. I am using cream again on another spot on my face, and I believe the cancer has disappeared. Will see the doctor in two weeks."

• Be ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 6, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I never leave reviews, but I wanted to for anyone else in my spot and wants sound advice. I had about 10-12 small warts above my penis (pubic hair area) and 3 on the shaft. For the 'larger' warts on the shaft, I received liquid nitrogen treatment, which did not work well - one returned after a month, and it had no impact on the other two. I was also prescribed Aldara to be used 5x weekly (M-F). Let me be clear - FOR THE FIRST 6 WEEKS, IT DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I was let down but continued to apply it diligently. Finally, on week 7, things started getting red and inflamed. This lasted for 2-3 weeks, at which point things began healing and now look FLAWLESS. Highly recommended, but BE PATIENT."

• ros...
• February 4, 2009

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Applying it once a day every day for five days is easier than I at first thought. Luckily, the sites are on my shoulder blade area so I can reach them. Had they been in the middle or lower down, I would not be able to apply the cream. After a few days, the skin turned to sore welts which crusted. It is uncomfortable sleeping sometimes too. Last week (after two full weeks of treatment), I had to miss a day's application because the sores were too painful. I still have many more weeks to continue, and I really want to stop, but I shall persist."

• Anonymous
• August 15, 2012

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Using this for basal cell carcinoma treatment. Used it for a couple of small areas initially with little problems. Have been using it on a larger spot now and have developed quite significant flu-like symptoms. Have tried to push through them, but they're getting worse to the point of needing to stop the cream. Extremely fatigued and achy, which is just not me. I work out an hour plus several days a week and am only able to struggle through maybe a half workout. It also caused a lot of redness and sores at the site of use, but I can manage that. The good news is it does seem to work on the basal cells."

• Hto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I had a very large cluster of anal warts. I went to two colon-rectal specialists. The first one was a male and insisted that the infection and removal of warts could only be treated via surgery, which would have costs close to $10,000. So I got a second opinion from a female colon-rectal specialist, who also felt that surgery was the best option. That being said, she allowed me to try Aldara first. Let me just say that Aldara is a miracle drug! After 8 weeks of treatment and monitoring with my doctor, 100% of the warts were gone. Even my doctor was floored that Aldara was able to treat even the worst cases of anal warts. She would have had me undergo surgery the next day if it weren't for Aldara. It's been a year with no recurrence."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Aldara usage for BCC gave me severe side effects, hospitalization, systemic penetration to my body. Nearly died. DO NOT use this drug. I was forever changed at a young age. There are so many better alternatives."

• Lis...
• April 13, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "I had a small dot on my chest and a penny-sized one on my side. The dermatology consultant told me to use Aldara on the two areas but only once daily for five days, then a two-day break. Leave on for 8 hours, then wash off. She then said she would see me in 4 months. I was a bit surprised she didn't want to see me during treatment but thought the Aldara must be good at doing its job. How wrong could I be? Within one week of using it, the rest of my chest erupted into large red sores with lots of little red spots all over it. I didn't know if this was normal, as nothing much was discussed at the appointment. I continued to use the cream, but every day was more and more horrific. The sores were blistering, bleeding, and oozing fluid, not to mention red raw and itchy. By the end of the second week, I could not tolerate any more, so I stopped using it and tried to contact the dermatology department, which wasn't interested unless I had another referral from my doctor."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2014

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I first used this on my nose and cheek. I had a pretty strong reaction, which caused my eye to swell a little. I checked with the PA and decided to continue the medicine despite the discomfort. Next, I used it on my forehead and chest. I did not have a reaction on the forehead, but had a strong reaction on my chest. By that, I mean there were lots of red bumps which hurt and were itchy. I will stick with it though. It beats having more surgeries to remove the cancer."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2022

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I used Aldara for 4 weeks seven months ago, and I'm very happy to report that the warts have NOT returned! The package only had enough for 4 weeks, and I was worried it wouldn't be enough, but they disappeared completely. The skin was red and very itchy during that time, but nothing unbearable at all. It's important that you only spread the cream directly on the warts. I was absolutely shocked when I discovered I had HPV, I thought my life was over. Or at least my sex life. When I went to see a proper gynecologist, however, they made it very clear that HPV is NOT permanent, and they don't usually even test under 25-year-olds because the result is usually positive, and about 90% of women get it at some point. Your body will attack the virus naturally and defeat it. If you're reading this, just hang in there, I know it feels absolutely horrible, but it turns out I was way more stressed about it than needed. And remember, it WILL get better, it's not forever!! You will get through it for sure."

• R J...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "I had a BCC on my ear, and had it treated with radiotherapy. It came back. I then had it cut out with a skin graft. It came back. I then treated it with Aldara, but for not as long as recommended, and that worked for about 6 months, but it returned about a year ago. The Dr. indicated that the next step was surgery to remove part of my ear. I gave it another good dose for the full recommended term with Aldara, and it's been clear since then. I believe I should have used Aldara from the start, and avoided radiotherapy and an operation, plus a lot of cost. I've had no side effects, and have used it on other BCC with no problems."

• Its...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Been using Aldara for almost 4 months, started in early January. Had only 4 warts total under foreskin near the penis head (uncircumcised). 2 went away within the first 2 weeks, but 2 stubborn small ones stayed for an extra 3 weeks. Never had any weird symptoms or side effects. Was feeling happy again finally, but then 2 weeks after I stopped treatment, they all came back. I was devastated. This time they took about 6-7 weeks to disappear. Again, no side effects. Didn’t get my hopes up this time, been checking every day multiple times and now they are back again :( but this time I caught them when they were very tiny dots, so 2 have disappeared after just 2 applications. Hoping the other 2 go away in the next couple of days as well. This has really ruined my life... I see stories of people getting rid of them forever, so I’m still hopeful. Praying this to be the last time I have to use Aldara and they don’t come back ever again."

• Cha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 16, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I have used this medicine to treat presumed basal cell carcinoma, as well as other areas of skin that appear to be sun-damaged, and am absolutely thrilled with the result. Yes, during treatment, the area of skin being treated can look bad, but it has been worth it. I just finished a treatment on my forehead and left ear, and now have perfect new, smooth skin after the scabs fell off. I usually undergo a 4-week regime with 5 days on and 2 days off. I've experienced weepy treatment areas and sometimes a slight tingling sensation around affected areas, but nothing worse. This drug has truly saved me a lot of money and pain, as I used to have to go through cut and stitch treatments."

• Anonymous
• February 1, 2015

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed Aldara for internal GW. When I finally found a doctor to acknowledge that they existed internally, they were bad. They almost looked like fingers. I say this to make the point that I had a serious case of them. I was put on Aldara for three times a week until 16 weeks. This was the most painful experience I have ever had in my life. I cried in pain for the first several weeks. The itching was almost unbearable in and of itself. I also got very severe ulcers around the treatment site. I found it helpful to take an allergy pill for the itching and melatonin to help me sleep with the pain. All that being said, after 16 weeks, my GW problem was 90 percent gone. I was given another month's worth for the last remaining few."

• Rra...
• June 17, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I'm starting my second week of six weeks for a spot on my chest. I thought it was an allergic reaction after the first night I took it. My entire chest is covered in red, swollen, now crusty welts that are painful. The doctor said those are all cancerous cells he couldn't see with the naked eye, and it's good that it's bringing them out. Honestly, I don't know if I can make it six weeks. The pain is bad, I'm nauseous all day, I have achy muscles, and feel tired. I have a high pain tolerance, so for me to be so bothered is unusual. I know it's working too well. I'll try and stick it out, what's my alternative? I also have to wear shirts that cover up to my neck, it's so bad."

• Gan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Day four of using Aldara on my genital area. I have over 20 genital warts (GW) scattered all over my vagina and a few in the entrance of my vagina (size of a pinky fingernail). I've used Aldara every day, and this is my fourth day. I started getting side effects on the third day (burning, itching, white vaginal discharge, and painful urination). I have a pretty good pain threshold, hence why I’m using it every day. I noticed today that one GW is getting smaller, which was the biggest one on my left labia entrance. I hope this works and will keep you updated."

• Mot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "I started using the Aldara cream on the 29th of June after being diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma on my nose. It’s now been 5 weeks of use, and the area is sore, red, crusty, and oozing, which is exactly what should be happening. I still have another week of use, but so far my doctor has been happy with my progress and said that the worse the area of the cancer cells looks after use, the better."

• Neo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I just finished my 2nd 6-week course of imiquimod for BCC on my scalp. I had had 2 Mohs surgeries, and the cancer kept coming back in nearby areas. After seeing multiple doctors, someone suggested imiquimod as an alternative to major surgery or Erivedge. It seems to be working, but it takes time when you finish for the skin to fully heal, and a scan or biopsy will need to be done to determine true results. I did not have any severe adverse effects, as others have mentioned. I used the cream on a 1” x 2” area and had red sores that itched, but otherwise tolerable. My hair did not fall out, which was good news. I have superficial as well as nodular BCC. If you can tolerate this cream, it is well worth a try before going the surgery route. It took months for any doctor to suggest it to me. Most people have good reactions to this cream if you read the studies that are online. Good luck."