Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus User Reviews (Page 4)

• ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2015

"This drug is incredible at getting rid of warts. But I would DEFINITELY recommend using it for one day, then waiting 3 days to see how severe your reaction is. I used it on 2 days before getting any reaction, and boy, it was a huge reaction. Even the TINIEST amount of Aldara causes your vagina to literally swell and burn for days and cause blisters, and I used the stuff very sparingly and only on the warts. For anyone about to try Aldara, please just try it once and wait 3 days to see how you react before applying any more, because man, this stuff is strong!!!"

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2014

"I developed genital warts while pregnant and was given this cream. When I first applied the cream, it didn't itch, it only itched when I woke up at 4 a.m. to pee (pregnancy bladder), so I went ahead and washed it off after 5 hours every time I used it. I've only used it twice, and my warts, I had a couple big ones and some small ones, are almost totally gone! The itching was bearable, but the key to it being bearable and not driving you insane is using VASELINE! USE VASELINE WITH THIS PRODUCT! I applied Vaseline to the skin around my warts to protect it from this powerful cream and have no redness or irritation."

• Mjj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2015

"I had a few small GW right at the opening of my vagina. The doctor prescribed imiquimod 3x a week for 6-10 hrs. However, she told me that I could get about 2-3 applications per packet because I didn't have too much. I applied very small amounts. Like I'm talking about a grain of rice on a Q-tip, small. I got about 4 applications from one packet. The 2nd night, I think I might have put too much on, and I woke up with a swollen throat and a weird taste in my mouth and swollen armpit lymphs, so that's when I decreased my dose amount. After that, I had no side effects except for a small swollen armpit lymph node. No pain, no itching, no scabbing. Just used Vaseline before applying and took vitamins C and D every day. Now, about 3 weeks in, I'm wart-free."

• Caz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2020

Imiquimod topical "I noticed small lumps on the inside of my labia. I went to my gyno, who confirmed they were genital warts. My gyno prescribed Aldara cream 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The cream caused intense itching in the area, soreness, and ulcers in and around the area. I also had headaches, was very fatigued, and had flu-like symptoms. After the 6 weeks, the warts have gotten somewhat smaller but had not disappeared. As it had somewhat worked, I asked my gyno if I could get another dose of the cream. I went through another 6 weeks of the medication and finished up about 2 weeks ago. Aldara did significantly reduce and clear most of the warts, but there are still some of them there, and 2 weeks after finishing treatment, I felt itchy down there again and noticed warts growing back again. I am sad as I went through so much pain physically and emotionally. I can imagine the treatment does work for some patients, so it is worth a try, sadly, it just didn't fully work for me."

• Why...
• November 3, 2015

"I've been using this cream for 5 days now for anal HPV. Last night was the first night I skipped a treatment, and I'll reapply it again tonight. I'm using it 5 times a week. I have yet to experience the horrible reaction a lot of people complain about. And I've been using an entire packet of the cream. It seems to be working differently on everyone because everyone's immune system is different, but I'm happy to say that Aldara appears to be working. In just 5 days, I can already see the warts getting smaller. They are kind of red, but they aren't painful, just a little tender. No bleeding and no horrible side effects. Don't be afraid to use it. If you start getting bad side effects, use less cream and space the days out more."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2018

Imiquimod topical "I’ve been using Aldara for just over 2 weeks now for anal warts. The sachet with the cream is so small that I assume you just used one entire packet, however, upon reading reviews, people started with less and worked their way to more. I have had no flu or nausea symptoms, but I got open, slightly bleeding blisters leaking a lot of fluid around my perineum and on the outer rim of my anus. I have to have some absorbent material there 24/7, or it becomes too wet and irritated. However, the warts themselves have gone from cauliflower to tiny, barely recognizable bumps in the tiny amount of time I’ve been using it. So it has worked, but my body was definitely not ready for the dose I applied. I recommend starting with small amounts, using a cotton swab onto the direct area and using more from there once your body is used to it."

• Gir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2017

Imiquimod topical "The doctor said I had genital warts and put me on Aldara and said I should use it for 4 weeks, three times per week. I only used this cream once, and within two days the warts started disappearing, and within four days it had cleared totally. I used just a pea-sized amount and applied it with a cotton swab directly on the warts. It did get a little uncomfortable and itchy after about three hours."

• Fai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2018

"I never write reviews for anything, however, I felt it necessary to save someone from making a bad decision. Before I took this cream, I went to another website with mixed results for the use of the cream. Despite seeing bad reviews, I figured I was healthy, so I proceeded to use the medication. Please, anyone considering using this medication for small genital warts (GW).... DON’T! It literally activated the herpes simplex 2 virus that I wasn't aware I had lying dormant in my system. I regret not going to my usual GYN doctor because he said he never prescribes this medication because of the horrible side effects. He said little GW such as those go away on their own or could be taken care of through over-the-counter medication, which is way less harmful. If this review stops one person from making the life-altering mistake I have made, I’ve done my job. Please do your research and do not take this medication."

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2013

"After only being on this medicine 3 weeks, I have noticed a huge difference as my warts are all gone except for one, but it's so tiny and shriveled now that I don't think it'll last much longer either. During the first week/week and a half of using the Aldara (Imiquimod) Cream, I didn't notice much after applying the cream except that the warts got very red and stood out even more. This was a little distressing, but within a few more days, the area on and around the warts started flaking up and falling off, sort of like a healing scab. There have been some side effects of redness, slight rash, and itching, but Gold Bond powder daily and Neosporin occasionally really have helped. One more week left this round, and I will use it again in a flash if needed."

• Ugh...
• October 2, 2016

"I went to the doctor 5 days ago and was told I had GW and was prescribed this cream. The first two applications I used, I was worried because I didn't feel any burning or itching everyone had been saying they had felt, but after the third application, I woke up in AGONIZING PAIN, possibly the worst burn I have ever felt. And itching too (which I can't even itch because it burns so bad). I literally can't stop crying because I just want this to go away so bad, but I can't deal with how much pain I'm in as I type this. Please tell me what to do to make this burning go away!! I also haven't seen results yet, but it's only the third application, so I'm not too concerned... just praying this pain gets better. I know it will be worth it, but still."

• Con...
• April 10, 2019

"Stock your liquor cabinet, it’s gonna be a long 2 months. When I first started using this medicine, I had virtually no symptoms. Warts were falling off (the medication seems to dry the warts out and they fall off), I felt great, life was amazing. Then about 2 weeks in, body aches, nausea, diarrhea. That lasted for 2 days. Then the skin started to blister and bleed. Putting on the medication made me scream. When it started to burn when I peed, I decided to take a 3-day break from the medication so my lady parts could heal up. 3 days later, my vagina still looks really bad, but I can sit down without dying. We apply the cream again. Hurts like a son of a gun, but the next morning more warts are gone. Cool. I’ve got this. Currently it’s week 4 of the medication: I have 2 stubborn warts left, halfway through medication, my vagina still looks scary, and peeing no longer feels like childbirth. It works."

• See...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2017

"I'm a 37-year-old female, recently diagnosed with low-risk HPV or genital warts. After much crying about this diagnosis, my doctor decided Aldara would be best so I could see the warts start to disappear. I chose Mon, Wed, and Friday to be my treatment days. It's been one week, and I can no longer see or feel any warts, and I am both amazed and relieved! I will continue to use this product for an additional week just to make sure everything has cleared. Thank you, Aldara! I read some horror stories concerning the side effects, and I'm guessing I'm one of the lucky ones because I never had any real severe side effects. I did have slight irritation, redness of skin, and very mild itching. Aldara worked for me!!!"

• wha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2016

"I was horrified to find 2 bumps near my vaginal opening. After an emotional gyno visit, I learned that I had HPV warts. I was prescribed Imiquimod, and let me tell you, IT WORKS. Right away, I saw improvement with my warts, and they disappeared within weeks. Unfortunately, I did have more pop up after I treated those, and I am currently treating them now, but with success! They are almost completely gone after 2 weeks. ONLY apply a small amount and only to the affected areas!!! I thought 'Go big or go home!' when I first applied it and seriously burnt my vag. It was bad. Do not rub on the surrounding areas unless you want your genitals cooked. There are some side effects to this cream, hence why I gave it a 9/10. Some itching/soreness."

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2020

Imiquimod topical "The best tip is to use a feminine itch cream and Vaseline with the cream. Use the itch cream after and cover any close skin with Vaseline. This is my third time using this cream. The first two times were absolutely easy for me. The small, tiny warts near my vagina went away within a week tops. Sadly, this past time was absolutely awful. The location and size definitely determine how the ride will be. I had two baby pimple-sized ones on each side of my vagina in the crease of my thigh. It has been a long two months, and I've gone through bleeding, itchiness, skin color change, and everything else. They’re finally gone, and I’m just thankful I have a loving boyfriend who was supportive and patient with me. Sadly, my vagina looks so different, but I’ll take it if it means no warts for a while."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2019

"Hetero male, 33. Have HPV warts on my pelvic area (5), 2 on my penis shaft, and 2 on my scrotum. Very depressing. Been using this cream for a month, and my warts have not gone away, they seem to have gotten a bit bigger. I do not feel any tenderness on the areas where I have applied it and no redness or burning. A slight itch is all. Will continue to use for the recommended 4 weeks total and keep updating."

• Non...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2018

"This is my first time using it. My doctor had told me to put it on twice a day for three days and take a four-day break. I had put it on sparingly but then rubbed it in, and the spots where the genital warts were are fine and clearing up. With this being my first week, the unaffected skin is very, very sore and feels like you just skinned your balls. So I am on my four-day break, and I will apply only a pinpoint drop of this medicine on the affected areas and use anything to cover up the unaffected area. So be very, very sparingly when applying this medicine. Other than my mistake of rubbing it in, this medicine is at least a nine out of ten for getting rid of GW, and also take a shower every day."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2018

Imiquimod topical "I am on to my second week now of Aldara. My first 2 days, I applied way too much and was in severe agony, waking up in tears with pain - burning, itching, hurt to walk and sit down, also when urinating. I took a 3-day break and have been applying a lot less now, and it comes with a lot less pain, so anyone starting treatment, you do not need much product!!! I learned that the hard way. Gets very itchy and uncomfortable, but nothing unbearable like the first 2 days. I have been having other bad side effects - horrible dreams, chills, headaches, trouble sleeping, and general aches and pains, but so far, so good as the Aldara seems to be working, so I am looking forward to my next couple of weeks of treatment."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2017

"My second round of Aldara. I am HPV+ 16 & 18, the monsters. I'm using Aldara. I use one sachet per treatment and three treatments per week (Mon/Wed/Fri) for 16 weeks. Initially, the cream caused the usual discomfort: burning, itching, chills, feverishness. I'm being treated for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (VAIN2/3). Aldara has to be placed on a tampon and inserted internally and left for a couple of hours. I'm into my second month and no side effects at all. I use a little KY Jelly at the base of the tampon to assist with lubrication. I'm also juicing, eating veggies mostly during the week, drinking green tea, and taking vitamins to build my immune system. Hoping to rid the HPV for good. I see the professor in 2.5 months and will know more then."

• NEC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2019

Imiquimod topical "I had 2 quite large warts near the entrance of my vagina. I’ve been using the cream for 2 weeks. One of the warts has nearly completely disappeared, and the other one has shrunk to a tiny pimple size. The cream did start to cause soreness, tingling, and itching after about the 3rd use, still feels slightly tender now, but 100% worth the discomfort as it has worked."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2017

"I used the off-brand because it ended up only $10 with my insurance. First of all, my doctor told me not to worry about getting every spot. The meds help your body fight it off, so it is going to clear it up everywhere despite you not getting every bump. My first sign of HPV warts was 4 months ago. A couple of bumps turned into several. I started using this cream, and within two weeks, I now only have 2 bumps, and they keep getting smaller after each use. Important! Do not overuse the cream. When I did, I got aches all over my body, and it was so bad I needed Advil. But it only happened the day after I used it and only was bad for about a week. The worst day was after I applied the cream twice. Only apply once and very sparingly. It does work!"

• Doc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2021

Imiquimod topical "I strongly recommend everyone research AHCC (Active Hexose Correlate Compound), which is a potent shiitake mushroom extract. It has been shown to boost the immune system to a level where it completely eradicated the papilloma virus in lab mice and has been used in clinical trials on people. It is perfectly safe, and it works. Do your research, then help yourself. :) Peace."

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2019

"Imiquimod worked after only 5 applications on 3 separate warts (1 large, 2 small). Had horrible side effects after 2 applications. Headaches, nausea, skin redness, and blistering. There's hardly any info on how to help relieve side effects while on imiquimod, so here's some advice. I invested in an aloe vera spray mist with 1% lidocaine, which helped relieve the burning feeling and pain from what seemed like chemical burns on my lady area! I found Aquaphor better than Vaseline and put it on every day to heal the skin and stop chafing. Also, only wear cotton underwear for max comfort. Take painkillers (I used ibuprofen to reduce the swelling) and antihistamines to help the itch. Whatever you do, DO NOT ITCH - my skin seemed extra thin and sensitive, and even a light scratch could cause a painful cut where it normally wouldn't. I've been off it for a week now and all cuts and scrapes have healed up. Skin redness still hasn't subsided, but overall feeling back to normal."

• Ugh...
• September 29, 2018

"Absolutely hate this condition! Not even sure if this medication is working, it seemed to have created more warts! :( Also, the down there area is always red and swollen now, so I'm not sure if I should continue this. I’ve been using it for 1 1/2 months, and I’ve only seen a couple go away, but there is still redness in that area. Anyone experience that? I’ll keep you guys posted! Any tips for getting rid of this faster would be much appreciated! Just want to get rid of the redness (and warts, obviously)."

• Rui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2018

"The first application went well, but the second application - idk what happened, but I'm never using this cream again. Then I had the chills followed by a 101.7 fever. My labia also started to swell. This flu symptom lasted another day and then completely stopped. But now my labia is so swollen, I can’t even see what’s inside anymore. I went to the hospital, they prescribed me antibiotics and said I now have a severe yeast infection when I didn't a few days ago. It hurts to urinate. It hurts to walk. It hurts to move. My labia still burns like hell, and it makes me want to cry because when I look down at my inner thigh, my skin looks ruined. I think the doctor used me as a test dummy for this cream."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2017

"I got anal warts this year. I was given 5% imiquimod cream and told to apply it 3x a week. I was a little bit afraid based on the reviews because people said it hurt very badly after a few applications. This did not happen to me after 4 applications, but also I didn't notice any progress. I did some research and learned that imiquimod does not penetrate the skin all that well, and found an article showing the success rate with imiquimod increased when the skin was 'permeabilized' with salicylic acid. I started treating on Tu/Th with salicylic acid and then applying imiquimod M/W/F. It hurt like hell, but the warts were gone in 2 weeks. Not for the faint of heart, but worked quickly."