Imiquimod topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• non...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2016

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "Actinic keratosis lesions on forearms only... but a nasty case at any rate. Dermatologist put me on a regimen of Aldara cream and salicylic acid. The experience during the 4 months of Aldara treatment was not particularly pleasant: worst of all being that it made the keratosis lesions much worse in terms of acute redness and inflammation and quite distressing vanity-wise. There were some headaches, some fatigue, but that only lasted 2 weeks or so. After that, no side effects worth bothering about. But I must admit I almost stopped using it during the period of unsightliness. But I didn't. And I am very glad I didn't! The dermatologist took me off the Aldara regimen after 4 months and told me to just keep on using the salicylic acid. Now, after 5 months, the keratosis lesions are completely gone, leaving quite smooth new skin. The area is still a little pinkish compared to normal skin color, but the doctor said that that will disappear once the healing time has done its work. Overall success, I would say. For myself, Aldara was a godsend."

• Est...
• February 13, 2016

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am on day 11 of a 14-day cycle, and the first week I experienced flu-like symptoms, i.e., achy muscles, fatigue, and headaches. My only side effect now is a slight headache. I am using Zyclara on my face (temples, forehead, and cheek), and my face is looking pretty ugly right now. It looks like an awful outbreak of acne and is very raw. I have more than a few scabs and a lot of redness where I have been applying the cream. It is very itchy and tender, and to be honest, while I am still in the middle of all of this, I have questioned whether I would do it again. I guess it would be better to answer that in a couple of weeks. I have wanted to stop using it, but it is like swimming halfway across a lake. I think I will be happy in a couple of weeks."

• max...
• March 15, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I'm fighting HPV for a year and a half now. Aldara works, but it takes a long time. Be patient, it might burn you sometimes. Make sure the area is clean and dry. Avoid using tea tree oil or ACV while on Aldara therapy."

• XXX...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "In the first week of using this cream, I felt no difference, although now I’m in my second week (I apply Mon, Wed, Fri for 16 weeks), and I’ve got a sore throat and sneezing, also, down there burns and itches like anything! I’ve noticed swelling around the surrounding area of the wart (I only have one), but I have noticed it’s decreasing in size slowly but surely! To reduce the itchiness, take two showers per day (no scented shower gels) to keep them clean. Also, if you can, don’t wear underwear as the friction can make it more painful. For the pain while urinating, take a cup or jug and rinse off with cool water! Although the pain is unbearable sometimes, try and stick it out. :)"

• Ano...
• March 13, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I had about 13 small warts around my anus and the opening to the vagina. I was prescribed Aldara (Imiquimod) and told it would fight the virus from within and was better than freezing them off. My doctor had said that it could possibly take up to three months to work. Well, only two applications in and they're almost gone! I cannot believe they are disappearing so quickly. I had read many horror stories about the side effects, itching, sores, etc. My own experience is that, yes, it does get very itchy (I resisted the urge to scratch), but that itch lasted for approx. an hour and then dies down. I had no burning sensation, but I guess it depends on the individual. Overall, I am thrilled with the product. The expense was worth it."

• Lan...
• July 5, 2019

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I developed genital warts (GW) on my vulva going in my vajay-jay. I was prescribed Aldara, using it (Mon, Wed, and Fri) for 16 weeks at bedtime. I noticed change on my seventh application. The end of that third week, 95 percent of my warts were gone. And the rest were gone in my 4th week. I am now free from GW, but my doc says I must continue to apply Aldara until 16 weeks. I don't have any side effects, only headaches in the first three weeks of using Aldara. My doc also told me to apply Vaseline on the skin that isn't affected around the warts before applying Aldara cream on the warts. I found this cream amazing, and I am happy. The only thing is that the cream is bloody expensive."

• Eff...
• September 3, 2014

For Human Papilloma Virus "I had warts a few years back and used the cream. They recently reappeared, but I'm using the cream again. It was very effective the first time around. I didn't have to use it for that long before seeing improvements! Hoping for a similar experience this time around."

• Bc1...
• April 30, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am finishing week 2 of 4, treating BCC on my chest and shoulders. My chest is bright red with large scabs that cover the majority of my chest. It constantly burns and itches. As of the completion of the first week, I started experiencing headaches, chills, body aches, the occasional nausea, and dizziness. Anti-inflammatory and hot baths help ease the aches. Honestly, if it were not such a large area, I would prefer the doc to cut and stitch like he has done many times before. I am going to try to stick out these last two weeks...."

• A G...
• November 10, 2015

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Contracted GW and went to a dermatologist who diagnosed them after one had misdiagnosed them before. Had them burned (electrocuted off) and frozen. Had to return two weeks later as many more small ones had grown, same treatment again. I was then prescribed Aldara for a month, morning and night for 5-day stints (Mon-Fri). I kept up with this the first week, but the second week I started just doing nights as twice a day seems excessive after reading everyone else's prescriptions. Things look much clearer, but I got a blister which healed significantly after taking a break for a few days. This stuff takes a few days to kick in, but expect to be pretty red and your scrotum to be sore if you're a guy. I'll repost in a couple of weeks when I'm done with my treatment."

• Jad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "About 6 months ago, I noticed some tiny warts, about 13, on the base of my penis, so I had them checked by a dermatologist. He told me they look like Bowenoid Papulosis and warts. He recommended Aldara and told me to put a thin layer on them for 4 weeks, 3 times a week. Absolutely nothing happened during this period. When I saw him again, he gave me another 8 weeks (2 packets). I am on my 8th week now, and no change, except I think they may be getting slightly bigger. I have not had sex with my partner for the last 6 months, and due to this problem, I am getting more and more depressed. I am losing hope with this medication and am not sure where to turn to. I would be much obliged for any advice given."

• Ano...
• June 30, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "To all of you using this drug for your warts, I want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your love life DOES continue... And you should not be worried. Ninety percent of all cases clear up for good within two years, and for those that don't, Aldara is a powerful medication to finish it off (not a cure!). I had that lasted for three years until finally a doctor prescribed me Aldara on December 11, 2011. For the first eight weeks, nothing happened (as is common for male treatment), but my doctor seemed to be disheartened by the lack of progress and opted to have them frozen off. A week later, I finished the remaining four weeks of treatment. The affected area was red and painless. My doctor finally told me... 'You're cured.'"

• all...
• June 27, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "Three weeks ago, after seeing my doctor about some weird 'bumps' on my vagina, I got the devastating news that I have HPV. In tears walking out with my prescription for Aldara, I was in too much shock to recall what my doctor or pharmacist said about applying this very pricey cream. I came across this site, and the more I read, the more scared I was to use it. I'm sorry for those that had severe side effects, but I think it is important to note how effective and great this medication is and how it can work well if used properly! I only applied it to the warts, used Vaseline around on the healthy parts, and took Benadryl with it at bedtime. In the morning, I was sore, swollen, and sensitive, however, it was tolerable. Three weeks after using it, the warts appear gone!"

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am in complete agreement with 'Old Ruth.' Nothing happened for about 10 days, but when it did, wow! Instead of having one lesion only, it turned out that I had them all over my nose. It became swollen, then stretched, then 'crusty,' and then the whole mess disappeared and has not returned, 5 years now. The biggest drawback is the price! It was on half-prescription when I began, but very shortly thereafter it was taken off prescription (I live in Spain) and reverted to 84 euros. I wouldn't mind, except with the little sachets, you don't seem to be getting much for your money. More recently, I have had a similar lesion on my temple. I have been using Diclofenac partly because it seems to have a good reputation, and partly because it is MUCH cheaper. The jury is still out, but it seems to be having more or less the same effect as the Aldara."

• KQQ...
• July 1, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Best medication ever if used correctly! Have HPV and had about 6 small warts around the vagina/inner labia for almost two years. I was embarrassed to address the issue, but after this experience, wish I would've spoken up sooner. The key is using a TINY amount. I applied to the tip of each wart with a Q-tip every other night. Keep OFF your healthy skin - all these negative reviews are from people applying it liberally. This isn't like Neosporin, people. Read the warning that comes with the medication. My warts cleared up one/two at a time and in no more than two weeks. The discomfort was minimal. Slight tenderness mostly. It has been almost 3 years, and they haven't reappeared. I have a few common warts on my hand, so I'm trying it there, too."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Gay male, 29 years old, anal warts, imiquimod 5% worked great for me. I recently discovered some anal warts. I talked to my PCP, and we decided to give the imiquimod 5% cream a try after freezing didn't work well. I applied the cream 3 times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) before bed. Within a week, I noticed a huge improvement in the size of the warts. After two weeks, the warts were completely cleared up (one had been quite large initially). I didn't experience any of the major side effects. It's difficult to contain the cream to just the wart when applying and rubbing it in. I did notice some light itchiness the first week, and I did wake up groggy and stuffy. I made sure to take lots of vitamins, which seemed to help. Both outbreaks were huge blows to my self-confidence, and finding an easy at-home treatment that worked for me was a huge relief."

• Smu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2019

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Black female aged between 24 and 28. Used Aldara for about 1 month, 3 times a week - Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and washed it off after 10 hours. The wart was on my perineum area. The first week on this medication made the wart increase in size, bummer. However, by the end of the second week, the wart had drastically reduced in size. For the first two weeks, I used a whole sachet for each application (realized later this was some sort of overdosage) and might explain the on-and-off sore throat I experienced during this time. Reduced my dose for the last two weeks - one sachet for 3 applications. In total, I ended up using 8 sachets from the recommended 12. Keeping the rest in case of any re-occurrence. Strangely enough, I only experienced burning and irritation in the last two weeks when I was using a more reduced dosage. There's also minor discoloration where the wart was."

• K94...
• February 6, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I started trying with home remedies to get rid of warts (ACV) but saw no results. When I was prescribed imiquimod, I was not very diligent about applications but saw some small results. However, I refilled my prescription and began to follow the 3-day-a-week regimen, and after 3 weeks, even the largest warts have subsided. There was some intense irritation (reason for the 9 out of 10), but as long as it is only applied where needed and washed well, the results are great!"

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Aldara works wonders. I used it as prescribed, and within 2 weeks, most of the really large lesions were gone! The only downside to Aldara is the side effects. The itching, swelling, and redness around the affected area were almost unbearable! I’m on my 5th week of treatment, and honestly, I can’t wait for this to be over."

• Hap...
• December 2, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was diagnosed with anal HPV last month. This week will be my 5th week on this cream, and since last week, I noticed my GW are gone! I didn't have serious pain, but there was some redness, itching, and mild pain, but that's how you know it's working. The goal was 'irritation,' my doctor said. I used it 5 times a week before bedtime for 3 weeks, then when it got irritated, I went to 3 times a week. I used the entire packet at each application and rubbed the cream into the wart and surrounding skin. I did get itching about 4 hours after application. In the mornings, I washed it off. I'm happy this medicine worked for me. Don't be afraid to try it."

• Ano...
• November 2, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Okay, if you're here before you have applied the medication, good job!! The worst mistake I've ever made was not reading reviews before I applied this medication. The first couple of days, I had agonizing pain because of the severe burns I had all over my vagina... and that is because I spread it all over. Be very careful when applying this medication. Just put a little amount on the tip of a Q-tip and apply it on the wart only. If you do experience burning or itching, use Neosporin, aloe, or any other numbing/pain-relieving cream!!! Also, apply the cream before you use the application, and that will help you too. Other than that, this cream does work, it takes time, but it works. Don't lose hope!!!!"

• Car...
• August 9, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I will give this medicine a higher rating perhaps when I finish the treatment. At this point (day 5 in the first round), I have muscle pain, lethargy, and a dull headache. I feel like I have a mild virus. I have eruptions - red, itchy bumps - but that doesn't bother me as it means the medicine is working, and that's exactly what I want. It will be worth it to be rid of precancerous cells on my forehead and hands. But there are some side effects, and they seem to vary from person to person. For me, they are manageable."

• Mic...
• April 25, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Had a BCC on my leg and used the cream successfully for 6 weeks. Cancer is gone. Starting it again for one above my mouth and was instructed to spread the cream across the entire area between the nose and mouth. 6-7 spots lit up with sores, including one on the lower lip. But the real problem for me is that I got the side effect of a cough deep in my lungs. On antibiotics for that, which isn't working because I guess it's not a bacterial infection. I completed 3 of the 6 weeks and am going to stop to get rid of the cough before it develops into pneumonia."

• 40s...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2016

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I had 3 HPV near my V opening, went to see my gyne. Had it checked, and she gave me a box of Aldara, Probas Omega 3 AEE, Protexin Protect Multi Prebiotic. The doc explained treating HPV (skin tags, warts) must be done both ways, from inside and outside due to low immune/antibody system inside us. Aldara is for skin application, 3x a week (Mon, Wed, Fri). Apply while lying down or sitting - allow it to absorb for a while before sleep at night. 1 sachet per week. As for the Omega 3 & Protect, 2x a day. On top of that, double up my normal 1000mg Vit C and Multi V. All these for 30 days. After 2 weeks, it's completely gone. Balance of Aldara, will keep if any for future."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "My second week. Basal cell carcinoma on right forehead and cheek. Blistering all over my cheek and around my mouth. Dry, crusty patch on the right side of my nose. Feel tired, but I am sleeping. The area of reaction is bigger than I expected, but nothing on my forehead yet. I had one excision above my eyebrow, which took ages to heal, so am happy to use the cream. In Italy, it cost 84 euros."

• Oli...
• November 16, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "This cream, Aldara, works! Two weeks in, using it three times a week with rest days in between, and they have all gone! I experienced a lot of itching and a slight bit of soreness and stinging when going to the toilet, but honestly, it wasn’t bad at all. I used Vagisil in the daytime once I washed the cream off, and that was my saving grace. I didn’t feel anything or notice a change until using the cream a fourth or fifth time, so just be patient. Just because you’re not in excruciating pain, like people say, doesn’t mean it’s not working! I guess I was very lucky in that sense."