Imiquimod topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Sdo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 11, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "58-year-old female, fair but I do tan. First basal cell at 27; Mohs surgery x2. Also squamous cells and AKs & SKs frozen every 6 months. Aldara too intense. Been using Zyclara every winter for years. Haven’t been brave enough to do my face but need to. Takes 5-7 days to start seeing effect; usually stop around day 10. It’s like trying to stop a speeding train - continues to intensify for several days after stopping. Oozy, itchy just like everybody says, but it works! Flu-like symptoms because Zyclara stimulates an immune response. NOT topical chemo. I do one area at a time and rotate - back or chest or arms or legs. Stimulated lymph nodes are a normal immune response. If I feel 'flu,' I hold off for 2 days. Believe me, the train keeps running but the symptoms reside. Every other day from there then it’s time to stop. I love that it flares spots I can’t see and heals better than burn/scrape or freeze. It’s a drag, but I’m glad to have the option."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I've been using Aldara for just over 3 weeks now. I had genital and anal warts all over. They were in clusters and stuck together. But just after week 1, I could tell a difference. Now I only have a few left, but you can barely see them. I'm going for a check-up tomorrow, but I think I might need some more just to get rid of the extra marks. However, I would definitely recommend this to anyone with genital warts! It's not a quick fix, but you have to be patient with it. It WILL work, and if you are experiencing pain, blisters, or swelling, it means the cream is working as it's the cells dying to get rid of the wart. So the more pain you're in, the better, as bad as it sounds. I went through pain, blisters, and itching in the first and second week. Not so much now, as they are nearly gone."

• AGG...
• June 2, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am in week 2 of 16! The affected area was believed to be small, but the cream has 'discovered' other affected areas, and now the blisters cover an area of 3cm x 3cm on my forehead. They hurt and look bad, I'm using a headscarf now to go out. Knowing that the alternative is surgery to remove an area that size, I think it's worth it in the end, but the process is not fun at all. I'm also experiencing fatigue and flu-like symptoms since the beginning."

• Unc...
• August 28, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "My basal cell had recurred after surgical removal. Another removal would have resulted in extensive plastic surgery. The Aldara had no visible effect until the second week. By the fifth week, the area looked horrible, and I became concerned. Nevertheless, I continued application, and by week eight, I was looking in the mirror at new, fresh, pink skin. Wonderful! Based upon my experience, I think it is generally correct to believe that if there is one basal cell area, the entire face is damaged, even though it is not visible. Therefore, I would recommend using the cream only on the limited, visible lesion. Otherwise, the area of lesions will be large and scary."

• Luc...
• July 1, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "The cream worked amazingly! My warts cleared away within 2 weeks of using the cream. The skin where the warts were is now smooth and wart-free. However, it was incredibly painful, the cream causes severe skin reactions. For me, I developed sores and blisters on my vagina after the first week. When I peed, it felt like my skin was on fire because it made contact with the blisters. I found I couldn't sit or walk without being in agony. However, I persisted, and by the end of the week, it was clear. Some tips! -Aloe vera is your best friend. Apply it as often as you can because it will help with the blisters and irritated skin. -When peeing, take a glass of cold water and pour it at the same time, or squirt bottled water. This really helps with the burning and stinging. Also, apply aloe vera after peeing. -DON'T apply too much cream or leave it on for more than 10 hours. I think lathering the cream on didn't help the severe reactions I was having."

• Pru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2019

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Female, age 53, after an operation to remove the bad cells, I have been prescribed Aldara cream to use 3 times a week. I actually feel like I’m being tortured, the burning and stinging are unbearable in such a sensitive place. It’s making me feel terrible. I have got to use this for 16 weeks for VIN3, and I am going back to my specialist on Thursday. Anyone have any suggestions for what I can do? x."

• Sun...
• November 14, 2013

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I feel much better after reading the experiences of others, which are so like mine. I'm a 44-year-old Florida native who spent way too many hours in the sun. I had my first basal cell excised at age 26; several more removed through Mohs, and actinic keratosis 'frozen' off since. I tried Carac on my chest last year with little response. Now on day 13 of using Zyclara on my chest and shoulders and -- wow. By day 2, I had spots appear, and the number of red, swollen, itchy lesions has multiplied every day since. I do NOT think I would be brave enough to use Zyclara on my face, given my significant (and unsightly) response. It IS uncomfortable, but hopefully worth it. Fabric-covered cool packs, ibuprofen, and Neutrogena Eczema Essentials cream have helped."

• gre...
• May 27, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am on the last three days of the 2nd two-week application step. I'm using it on my forehead and cheeks, and what a mess. I'm covered in red, itchy, weeping spots and blotches. I have nausea, but that's the price you pay for baking in the sun as a kid. I'm 62. This medicine seems to work, and if you don't mind looking like your face caught fire for a few weeks to maybe save your life, then go for it."

• Ran...
• July 6, 2015

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am using cream for BCC on my nose; I am on week 4 out of 8; mild side effects. It has gotten bigger, which is what I was expecting. I do not want to do Mohs surgery, as that would be too intrusive, and what the plastic surgeon told me they would have to do after would scar my whole face. Sticking with it. 47-year-old male."

• Gra...
• April 10, 2018

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Treating basal cell carcinoma. Seven weeks in, three weeks to go, nine spots being treated with two quite large (3' x 3'). I'm treating about 25 square inches. Three spots did not react at all or very minimally, even though they were biopsied and confirmed BCC. Three of the spots reacted in a big way, causing scabbing, oozing, flaking, big growth of the affected area, burning/severe itching... Side effects. Not sure if it is the amount of surface area or the type of ailment that affects this. Not been able to sleep through the night for seven weeks - just wake up after two or three hours. In some cases, I'm also distracted by the itching/burning, in other cases, I'm just awake, drowsy, and unable to sleep. Had a headache almost the entire treatment, ranging from barely noticeable to distracting but not terrible. 'Flu-like symptoms' almost the entire treatment. I feel achy in my legs/hips and a general feeling of sickness that leaves me unable to think properly or interact normally. Also had some fever/night sweats."

• liv...
• October 26, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I got prescribed Aldara by my local sexual health clinic to treat genital warts. I thought my warts were the end of the world until I used Aldara. After applying the cream twice (as directed, only on the warts and every other night, washing it off in the morning), boy, did I regret my life choices. My entire vagina swelled up the following day, and ulcer-type sores appeared everywhere in that area. I couldn’t move without being in excruciating pain, and I almost passed out every time I peed. I ended up in the hospital on a 7-day course of antibiotics, as well as dihydrocodiene to manage the pain. Stay away from this cream - it should not be prescribed!!! After doing extensive reading online about Aldara, I quickly realized that so many people had been through the same as me. The warts eventually go away on their own, or there are other treatments such as freezing them off. Please, please stay away from this cream."

• War...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2014

For Human Papilloma Virus "I had hundreds of warts all over me. I was advised to use this cream despite the fact that its use on a large scale hadn't been tested. I'll admit that it took lots of packets to complete the whole treatment, but in four months, every single wart was completely gone. There wasn't a single spot left. This cream worked where every other treatment, including surgery, did not."

• Fai...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 18, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Have used imiquimod several times for various basal cell cancers on face and chest. I treat every other day as prescribed. On face, there can be significant pain from local swelling, but the treatments do work. No pain on chest. As an alternative to surgery, which I've had a few times, I'll take the soreness. One sachet can last several treatments. I break off the end of a Q-tip and use the blunt end to apply. The site is small enough so that one packet lasts about four or five applications. I apply and let it absorb/dry in the morning before work. I apply the drug for about four weeks, let the site finish healing, and then go back to the dermatologist."

• Chu...
• May 15, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I really screwed up with this medication. I put too much on and just thought the burning was it working. I had one small anal wart and thought I would 'go hard or go home.' I went hard with the cream, and I had a horrible reaction to it. My skin was so raw I could not walk. If water touched it in the shower, it was a pain unlike any I have felt. Washing it burned, sitting hurt, walking hurt, sneezing hurt, going to the restroom was painful beyond belief, everything made it hurt. Just be very careful and only apply a tiny amount to the affected area. Don't be stupid like me. It does work great, but can be unbearably painful if used wrong. It will heal if you do go overboard, but it takes a week or so of pampering."

• Eri...
• June 15, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "This drug works well at killing warts, but it's best to start with the tiniest amount to check how your body responds to it and then ramp it up if you don't get a strong response. I didn't follow the boilerplate '3 times a week' usage guidance because this was too slow for me. I used it every day and amply, until after about 1 week when the 'blistering' effect started to kick in, then I backed off. The negative reviews from people who got bad reactions are missing the point a little. The whole idea of the drug is to ramp up an immune response in the area you apply it. The red blistering/rash/swelling, etc. is precisely what you want: this is the immune system doing its work."

• Flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I'm in my third week of imiquimod, applying to 5 BCCs on my arms, forehead, and back 5 days a week. At this point, 3 of them are very red and crusty and sort of beginning to scale or slough off, which I think is good. Two of them aren't responding at all -- I'm sort of puzzled about that. The one on the forehead, which had been a pale color, is now bright red; hopefully, it will crust up and slough off soon. The side effects are awful the first few days after beginning the 5-day course of treatment -- really terrible joint and muscle aches and headaches. I almost wanted to stop treatment, but remembered how many surgeries I would have to have and so decided to 'tough it out' as I've already had approx. 20 skin cancers removed surgically."

• Dav...
• January 17, 2013

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "Was involved in a clinical trial for Aldara 3.75% three years ago. Documented 51 actinic keratosis lesions on face and forehead. Two treatments, six weeks in between. Severe reaction occurred on the first round, including flu-like symptoms. Also had less reaction on the second treatment. Follow-up exam found no actinic keratosis sites. One year follow-up documented no recurrence! I'm a fan! This is a miracle cure!"

• mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "I used this on a persistent basal cell carcinoma, in the center of my forehead, which never healed and bled at times. On application, nothing happened much for a week, but then my face erupted right across my forehead, large red blotches that turned to blisters. I used it for three weeks instead of six weeks as recommended. I went to my doctor, who said to stop using it. The scabs soon cleared, and after a short while, my skin was clear and back to normal. Was it worth it? Most definitely, no carcinoma. In the UK, it's a prescription drug and only available through a doctor, and paid for by our NHS, so I don't know the cost."

• Lis...
• March 11, 2018

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "After my first 3 weeks, and follow-up, the doctor has me on the second lot of 3 weeks (5 days on, 2 off). My BCC has a large raised scab and is red/raw. But, thankfully, it's on top of my head, so it isn't noticeable. The main side effects for me have been 'tasting' the cream inside my mouth (yuk). I've also experienced fatigue and sort of a 'blue' feeling. Since the scab is very raised, I try to avoid brushing my hair much. I've cleaned the wound area with cotton, peroxide, and alcohol. No stinging or pain. I attribute that to the fact the scab looks and feels like a helmet. But I'm happy my immune system is working well with the cream. And I will take this process over a bald spot at the top of my head. I take comfort in that I am taking part in the process of my healing. I now wear hats religiously in the sun. If something on your head feels like a pimple and doesn't go away, see your dermatologist ASAP. I feel very thankful that this spot was a BCC and not a melanoma. Good luck on your healing journey."

• Fre...
• September 12, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "Long story short. Imiquimod is the best thing that ever happened to me! It got rid of my unsightly, nasty genital warts and boosts my immune system to fight them always. I felt strange my first use, my heart beats fast, head hurts, areas of my genitals swelled up and caused warts on other areas. When that happens, your viral load is HIGH! Now I look down there, and my confidence is back, all thanks to this special drug. I wish some people would stop downing it. Without imiquimod, there would be no help for my condition."

• Kat...
• June 22, 2016

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Itchy, sore to touch, don't sleep well the nights it's applied. This is my second treat for BCC, the first with Aldara got infected and subsequently scarred. All BCC were on the chest area. The first is completely gone. The second, I'm 3 weeks through a 4-week treatment. Can't wait to be finished, although end results are acceptable for the pain and irritation that you go through."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Condylomata Acuminata "This works well. It takes time, but if you follow the instructions precisely, the warts get smaller and smaller until they're gone. No scar, no freezing or drying, no acid. The warts just shrink until they're gone. Fewer side effects than Condylox. It does not affect healthy skin like Condylox does."

• Its...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed Zyclara about 3 weeks ago, instructed to put it on once daily for 8 weeks. Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. This cream is meant to take action and get rid of your unwanted skin virus symptoms, so yes, there will be tingles, maybe some burning, and definitely some soreness, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. A little goes a long way, and for me, it takes a couple of days to show results, but the key is it does! I take 'heal days' if needed and take care of myself by eating right and taking multivitamins. I went to weekly freezing prior, which eventually worked but came back, but so far with the cream, no returns! One more stubborn one to go! Don't be scared to try it, and don't give up. Your life is not over :)"

• ecs...
• June 24, 2013

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am 64 and have a lot of what my Dr. describes as pre-cancerous areas. I have just completed my 2nd two-regime, the first having been done a couple of years earlier. I did my head and the left side of my face about halfway down my cheek - only wanted to look half horrible. I took more than two weeks between the 1st and 2nd cycle both times to give the areas more time to heal. Don't know the significance of this delay. I got the eruptions to the point that I called my Dr. who said there was no problem and showed photos I took during the treatment when I next visited my Dr. - all normal. I did feel fluey, sore all over, and verging on sick to my stomach, a 200 mg IBU solved the problem - it's a real miracle for me."

• 1st...
• May 29, 2010

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I have used Zyclara for 10 days. I have all of the side effects except for the lymphadenopathy. The side effects began on the 8th day of usage. I am taking myself off the drug for at least two days and will stay on the schedule of 2 weeks of medication, 2 weeks off, and 2 weeks back on. I was warned by my doctor that I might need a rest from the medication, and I was thinking it was because of the sores it creates, but it is that and everything else."