Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma User Reviews (Page 2)

• Unc...
• August 28, 2017

Imiquimod topical "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."

• Ran...
• July 6, 2015

"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

"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."

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

"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."

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

"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."

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

Imiquimod topical "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

"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."

• Kat...
• June 22, 2016

Imiquimod topical "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."

• Nod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2016

"I'm in the UK and on to week 3. I have to apply to a BCC on my chest, but big boils and spots have developed, which are very itchy and weepy, suggesting there were other areas on my chest that need treatment too. I have wanted to stop, as sometimes the itch is so intense and my clothing sticks, but after a positive conversation with a specialist nurse, I am, of course, continuing. I have had the odd flu-like kind of day, and today I am so tired, when I shouldn't be, so I am putting that down to the Aldara cream."

• inc...
• August 20, 2017

Imiquimod topical "Second time on Aldara. The first time I used it on my right temple, nose, and my face. I was covered in red blotches, like scalds, but I don't remember any severe reactions. I can't seem to remember it hurting, and it was worth it. It cleared the persistent and sore BCC on my nose and temple. I now have another BCC on my forehead which has been persistent and shown no sign of healing and has bled at times. My GP/doctor has prescribed a course of Aldara, and this time I have a much worse reaction. One side of my face has come with very red, swollen spots, blistering, and I have flu-like symptoms. But I am sure it will be worth it."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

Imiquimod topical "I treated several areas of my face with Aldara in 2007. My reaction was so severe after 10 days of use that my dermatologist advised me to discontinue the use. I thought I broke my metacarpal, trapezoid, and trapezium. It was swollen and I had such pain I could not even hold a pen. Of course, it had to be my right thumb, and I am right-handed, which is also the hand I applied the cream with. I had an orthopedic friend order an X-ray, which came back as arthritis in those areas. One of the rare side effects, however, I also had fever, chills, malaise, and really ugly inflammation. I have since had to have several lesions surgically removed, involving skin grafts, some removed with the use of liquid nitrogen, and now my dermatologist is recommending I treat them again with Aldara. Not a chance! I will try the Efudex again, however, it did nothing the first time I used it, but that was several years ago, maybe 2000 or earlier."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

"I have had BCC 4 times on top of my nose. One was on top of the nose. I had MOHS, and I had to get a graft from my forehead, which was stitched to the top of my nose and looks terrible. I am so embarrassed to go out. Now, I have a superficial basal cell on the side of the nostril, and my dermatologist gave me Imiquimod cream. The area is getting red, crusty, and scabby. I hope it works as I do not want to have MOH's again. Has anyone ever heard of someone getting basal cell 4 times on the nose?"

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2017

"I have been using this cream for BCC for 3 weeks, with 1 week left. Apply 3 nights a week. I was not sure what to expect. Using it on my face and neck, initially applied over the entire area until the red areas popped out. Now I'm just using it on the inflamed areas. Almost the entire face is covered in red sores. Very painful, burning, and itchy. Also developed cough and fatigue. Staff at the doctor's office said this was normal. I guess if it has a lot of inflammation, it means it is working. I have wanted to stop the treatment but am trying to stick with it as I'm close to the end. I prefer to not have any additional surgeries. I rarely leave the house, this looks like a contagious disease."

• Mc0...
• June 21, 2015

"I'm using this for BCC. My areas were small to begin with. I am on week 6 and was instructed to use it 5 times a week. I've used a very small amount, and I haven't had severe side effects. My lymph nodes have been swollen a few times. I make sure to wash the areas, let them dry, wash my hands, and apply. I have always washed it off 8 hours later. I've also avoided getting in the sun. The areas haven't disappeared yet, and I'm not sure what they should look like at this point."

• AAS...
• January 30, 2018

Imiquimod topical "Easy to apply. The medication journal makes it easy to track usage and clearly defines “break days.” This is week four. Skin is red and irritated, however very bearable and annoying rather than painful. Other side effects are pretty hard to tolerate. Fatigue is beyond belief and at times debilitating, yet unable to sleep. Nausea all the time. Headache at times. Perception seems to be a little distorted. Difficult to tell how much the light-headed feeling is coming from fatigue. Joints ache. A little weight gain. I’m irritable due to unbearable fatigue. Dreams at night are emotionally overwhelming and vivid. The effect of alcohol is extremely magnified. I call these my little bottles of hell. That’s how they make me feel. That said, it seems to be working, and I’m very interested in seeing the results. Given a choice at this stage, excision would be my preference. That might change by the time I finish treatment. However, it would take a lot to endure this again."

• Bc1...
• April 30, 2017

"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...."

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

Imiquimod topical "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."

• Mic...
• April 25, 2017

"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."

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

Imiquimod topical "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."

• Phi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2020

"Had flu-like symptoms after five days of using imiquimod! Thought it was the end of me, lost weight, sick, and diarrhea, and hemorrhaged blood by the liter, doubled up in pain. Didn’t eat for over a week! Very, very ill. Had several cameras inserted to see the problem in the intestines. They said that they thought my immune system had destroyed my internal lining of my intestine."

• PJ6...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2024

"I was instructed to use this cream on my chest 3X a week for 4 weeks. I applied the first dose before bed. The next morning, I woke up extremely nauseous and ultimately vomited. I don’t drink alcohol, by the way. After using it as directed for three weeks, I was tired and nauseous the whole time. By the second week, I felt like I had the flu. I had severe joint pain throughout my body. The nausea continued and was so bad I could hardly eat! I was not informed about these side effects. It took me three weeks of suffering before googling it. My chest has scabs and swelling. I think it did the job, but the side effects are terrible."

• CAR...
• August 1, 2015

"On this cream to treat 5 BCCs on my chin and one on my forehead, I have had various BCCs removed in the past, and my doctor is now querying Gorlin's syndrome. I had no real option but to try this, as I didn't want a large skin graft. I have just finished week 3 of six. Small pimples came up around the chin area, then it dried out, and bits of skin flaked off, currently at slightly red spots. I have had a couple of really rough days, tiredness, and headache, but not all the time. Have stayed out of the sun and only had the cream on for 8 hours before washing off. Here's hoping it removes most of them. Will update with the end result."

• Gma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2017

"On week 5 of 6 with application 5 times per week. Coverage area runs from cheek to cheek and the entire nose. The area did burn initially, but that has stopped. Dizziness and flu-like symptoms persisted. My face looks terrible, but my MD did say it would get worse before getting better. The area is severely scabbed, crusted, red, irritated, and looks like a giant-size deep scab. The size of the area is increasing, and that is a huge concern. Today my eyelids are swollen, and bags of fluid appeared under the eyes. After 5 of 6 weeks of treatment, I had to discontinue use. Will see what my options are next week at my MD appointment. Sad to have gotten this far with seemingly little benefit."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

"I've previously undergone Efudex all over my face, Mohs surgery for right eye canthus BCC, laser treatment all over my face, radiation for invasive BCC below my left nostril, and had Aldara all over my chest. Now, instead of going for Mohs to get rid of a cluster of nose tip BCC and also left top eyelid BCC, I am doing Aldara. Apart from my nose and eye, I am also self-treating right top lip precancerous cells. I am 3 weeks in. I haven't been able to continue on my eyelid, as it overreacted and looks like a boxer's eye, but I hope to get back to it. Yes, I look like a monster from the deep. With a bit of makeup, I look like a bad ice addict! But I love this drug! It's knocking off those cancer cells for a lot less than what the Porsche drivers charge, and I'm not going to end up disfigured."

• MON...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2017

Imiquimod topical "I recently used it and posted my comments, which are favorable, but I thought you might be interested in what can only be termed a side effect. My fingernails are really growing fast, for some reason, my little fingernails usually split, and my thumbnails usually split at the base, but there has been no sign of splitting, and they are growing really well - I have even cut them, something I have never done in my life at 72 years old."