Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus User Reviews (Page 3)

• Lan...
• July 5, 2019

Imiquimod topical "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

"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."

• A G...
• November 10, 2015

Imiquimod topical "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 "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

"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

"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!"

• KQQ...
• July 1, 2016

"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

"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 "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

"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 "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

"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

"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!!!!"

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

Imiquimod topical "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."

• Oli...
• November 16, 2020

Imiquimod topical "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."

• Gir...
• January 11, 2017

"I've been using it for about 2 weeks now. I have warts right by the vaginal entry and surrounding lips. The first week, I didn't really feel much difference, but now I am in so much pain from the burning! Going to the toilet and sitting down without screaming in pain are my biggest challenges. Rightly or wrongly, I've read others' stories, as well as a dermatologist article, who all infer burning means it's working (for those that don't know, it is a chemical burn cream, that's how it gets rid of the warts). I haven't stopped using it as the warts are going, but if anyone can offer ways to relieve the pain and confirm I'm still going to have a fully functioning vagina at the end of this (laugh, you have to with these things!), I'd be super grateful!"

• Men...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2015

"This right here is magic. I saw results in the 3rd week, warts got a lot smaller, didn't experience any burning, just some mild itching. During the first week of imiquimod, the warts seemed bigger than they were before, but this is probably just routine as the warts eventually reduce in size since the beginning of the second week. At the end of the 3rd week, I'm almost cleared up."

• fou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2016

"The only thing that relieves the pain from this cream 100% is prescription lidocaine ointment USP 5%. It only takes a small amount and works within seconds! I can finally sit and walk without cringing. It lasts about 5 hours. I don't see why doctors don't automatically give you this when the Aldara is filled!"

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2020

Imiquimod topical "I found out I have genital warts, and they were pretty much a lot to do any other treatment, so the doctors suggested a topical cream. At first, I was scared when I read all the reviews. The first 3 applications, I didn’t feel any difference, but the day after my third time, I started feeling like I had a cold or cough, and the next morning, I had a hard time peeing as I was burning like anything. I found a trick: I started sprinkling cold water on me before I started peeing, that made me not feel 95% of my pain while peeing. And in 1 day, my burn pain while peeing was gone, and I saw 50% of my warts have disappeared. I’m still a little sick, but I’m happy."

• Lad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2019

"Imiquimod really does the job for HPV warts. The only problem was when I first used it for warts. I did not know that a little goes a long way. Since I used too much, my skin didn't react very well, and it was stinging. I let it heal and began using the cream, but in a lesser amount. It works so well. The warts go away in about a week and a half or two. I don't get them much. I've had HPV for about a year, and I just catch the warts early and apply a tiny bit of cream, and they're gone. I'm glad this was given to me. Highly recommend. HPV is a bit deteriorating emotionally, so medication to help rid of symptoms is really nice."

• Byk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2017

"Have dealt with GW at the base of and on the penis shaft for over 6 years. First had surgical excision but soon returned. Used OTC wart freezing many times with minimal success and actual rebound wart growth. Finally, was prescribed imiquimod 3 times weekly. Dramatic results. Started showing 'activity'... shiny, liquid-like appearance on warts within a week. After 5 weeks, the 2 large masses are almost completely gone. Normal surrounding skin does get red and inflamed, but quickly heals. (I also use selenium 200 mcg daily and cimetidine 800 mg 2 daily). Keys are in patience and meticulous, careful application. Apply only to lesions. Apply after gently washing the area. Do not overapply, do rub in, and then gently clean surrounding tissue with a damp Q-tip. Works."

• jac...
• October 22, 2019

Imiquimod topical "Prescribed Aldara after 2 failed rounds of cryotherapy for genital warts (GW) after being diagnosed with HPV about two months ago. Struggled mentally with GW as there were a few clusters and two very large ones, especially after the failed cryotherapy, and wasn’t sure about Aldara after reading reviews, but I’ve been using it 3 times a week in the evenings for one week so far - one large GW has gone and the majority of clusters. Prescribed to use it for 4 weeks, but after being one week in, not only have the GW improved, but so has my mental health. Fair amount of itching and occasionally pain when urinating, as well as soreness after the first couple of applications, but nothing compared to what some people seem to have experienced. Could not recommend more, and I wish I’d gone straight for this over the cryotherapy! (Only giving 7/10 as I’m one week into treatment, don’t want to jinx it, and there has been some discomfort)"

• 242...
• April 9, 2017

"Absolutely awful. Reaction to this was so bad I was told I almost 100% had herpes (due to Aldara causing severe blisters). Made it 3 days with this medicine and started to have severe vaginal swelling to the point where I had to sit in a warm bath to urinate or dump a water bottle on myself while going (TMI). Stabbing pains, nausea, could not sleep, rawness like I never knew was possible, missed a week of work because I could not even move after I had stopped using it. Took about 2 weeks, 4 doctor appointments, countless tests for various STIs/STDs for my body to fully recover."

• Pho...
• February 10, 2020

"Before using this cream, I had tried getting the warts frozen off and also using apple cider vinegar. The freezing sessions didn’t work, and although the apple cider vinegar reduced them slightly, they weren’t completely going away. I got given this cream after going to a clinic for some advice. I can honestly say it has completely resolved the problem. The first few days, I didn’t really notice any changes, maybe even some itching. But after about 2 weeks, the warts were half the size. Now I’m on week 4, and the ones on the outside of my vagina have completely gone. I have a few left on the inner by the opening, but the doctor was right in saying if you treat the outside ones, the ones inside will follow. I had no pain using this product either. A lot of people mentioned blistering and irritation of the skin, but my experience is that the cream just gradually reduced the warts till they were gone. Worth the money."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2016

"Have been using for almost a month. Have had about a dozen dark brown, non-raised warts around the base of the penis and pubic mound for about a year. Anyways, they are slowly lightening in color and seem to be going away. Even being moderately careful, I've had a few sores and severe itching (nothing too horrible). Make sure to use a Q-tip and apply a ballpoint pen tip sized amount to the wart only. Even then, you can still get some cream on healthy skin and cause small sores. I am confident that this cream will eventually kill all the warts, slowly but surely. Don't be afraid of the cream, just respect it. I believe all the people having horrible side effects put entirely too much on. This isn't a medication that you just slather on!!!"