Imiquimod topical and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say (Page 2)

• MLH...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 14, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I used Zyclara about a year ago with good results. Many lesions appeared on my head and face, and the side effects were minimal. I followed the typical application, 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, and 2 more weeks on. Everything on my head and face completely healed in about 2 weeks after my 2nd application. Recently, I started treatment on my face and head and noticed more lesions appeared. However, into my 2nd week, the side effects were awful. Severe flu-like symptoms; lower back pain, nausea, sore throat, head and chest congestion, it sucked! I am not sure why the side effects hit me harder this time around as a year ago the side effects were very minimal. At any rate, I stopped using Zyclara, and within 4 days I was back to normal again."

• V G...
• December 9, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "Four years ago, I used Zyclara for two weeks, took a two-week break, and continued the second cycle for one week. During the first cycle, I experienced flu-like symptoms and the open sores. I had to wear band-aids on my face to hide the sores, and it was very uncomfortable. However, within 3-4 months, I received numerous comments about my skin and how healthy it looked. I applied a second dose a year ago to isolated areas and did not have any of the severe issues from the first time. My dermatologist recommended stopping the treatment at the first sign of open sores or major irritation, but I never had to follow that advice. Although the first application's results were extreme and unexpected, I am glad that I did it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2024

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I have had bcc three times before, the pearl-looking type, all surgically removed, this time a red cheek area about 14 mm dia, a break of 14 years then this occurrence. My GP said use this cream. Treatment over now and now 6mm dia still left, so I'll wait and see. Side effects, flu-like symptoms, and body weakness."

• Sti...
• January 5, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "Two days after I started using Zyclara, I had diarrhea for 2 days, lack of appetite for 5 days, flu-like symptoms, and nausea for 12 days. After 8 days, my cleavage had bright red scrapes, most of which were oozing. After 14 days, I stopped using Zyclara and started again after 14 days, according to the instructions on the package insert. Again, after 2 days of using Zyclara, I had the same symptoms all over again, this time even worse."

• Bra...
• August 7, 2018

For Keratosis "It's a relief to find here that all the side effects others have listed I also am experiencing. I went 7 or 8 days before taking 2 days off. I'm bald and so, for now, the treatment area is all on the top of my head. I have about 30 growing red bumps; the pain and itching are manageable. The worst part is flu-like symptoms, low energy (can barely take care of daily essentials), loss of appetite, and inability to sleep (this side effect just started last night, so hoping it subsides quickly). I'm about 2 weeks in now with 3 or 4 weeks to go. Yes, it's highly unpleasant for many, but still, as others have commented, perhaps the best alternative to lesser effective treatments. BEFORE YOU TAKE THIS MEDICINE: If possible, have someone that will grocery shop for you and walk the dogs, etc. There will be days when you're too weak and nauseated to do this if you're like me."

• CDW...
• February 10, 2018

For Keratosis "I am on day 11 and had to call 'uncle' last night. My doc had different instructions than what I am reading. It was for every day for 2 weeks. At day 7, he saw me and stated that I look like I may be one that has the more severe reaction. He stated for me to try and make it to the two weeks, but if not, just as long as I could stand it. It was for a lesion on my nose. I look like Rudolph, yes. It is very red, swollen, and blistery, yes. The skin is also thickening, and I look horrendous. I do have the flu-like symptoms and the very swollen glands, but what is making me stop is I started getting that histamine reaction you get when you are having an allergic reaction and everything got super itchy. With my nose already super swollen and my neck swollen from the swollen glands, I am not going to take any chances with breathing difficulty. My hope is that I have done enough treatment for this to work. If it works, it will be worth it, but I will be very reluctant if I have to do it again."

• Mix...
• April 23, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I have a low-risk strain of HPV. I noticed 8 years ago a teeny tiny little white spot, size of a point of a ballpoint pen near the opening of my vagina. Never showed up in any STI tests, never passed to my partner of 7 years, had it even before I met him. 2 acid treatments didn't do the trick, was prescribed this. After 3 treatments, in the night I fell off the bed because my legs were numb, was super dizzy, blurred vision, flu-like symptoms. I put Vaseline around the area so the surrounding skin isn't touched with this cream, but the raw swollen skin has gone to the size of a quarter when it was the amount of a ballpoint pen area that I was treating. I stopped using it after 10 days (8 times used), the little wart is still there but smaller."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2025

Imiquimod topical for Condylomata Acuminata "Four weeks and my warts are pretty much gone! Yes, you have to be incredibly patient, and it can be incredibly uncomfortable, but it does what it says. Key things I noticed - inflammation, red, raw, and cold-like symptoms. Always felt fatigued the next day during weeks 2-3. But I really saw a difference from week 3 to week 4. Noticed I have some internal warts that I don’t think are appropriate for Aldara, so getting those frozen off, but the combination I think is great. I would use this again - especially if I catch them early and they don’t morph into anything bigger. Unfortunately, I was traveling, so I let them grow quite considerably."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2025

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Aldara gives me flu-like symptoms, aches, pains, sore arms, runny nose, tiredness, but worse than that, it makes me depressed and suicidal. The suicidal thoughts are horrific, I am not like that at all in my normal life!"

• Reg...
• January 26, 2021

For Keratosis "This is the second winter using imiquimod cream. Last winter I did the back of my neck, ears, forehead, chin, and the décolletage area of my chest. I got a robust reaction on all areas and good results. Side effects were nasal congestion, low back pain, painful skin where treated, and massive itching. Skin also had weeping and oozing. This winter I started treatment on my entire chest area. Started applications 2/3 times a week. Definitely getting a good reaction with sores developing with moderate weeping/oozing. I’m having flu-like symptoms, fatigue, more nasal congestion, and even more pain and itching than last year. No low back pain. Benadryl helps with itching, and Aquaphor helps with pain and healing. This treatment is not for the faint of heart, so definitely not for everyone. However, it does a great job attacking and getting rid of those precancerous cells."

• win...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 19, 2021

For Keratosis "This is my second round of treatment. The first was a year ago. I have had no generalized symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, as many have described. My doctor always prescribes an oral antiviral to take each day during the treatment. She said it is to prevent fever blisters, but maybe it prevents the flu-like symptoms too. Many of the crusty, scaly spots on my nose and cheeks, but not all, were smooth after the first treatment. I misunderstood and did not use the cream long enough the first time. This time I will do it correctly."

• KGb...
• July 2, 2015

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Using for a BCC on my chin for 12 weeks. Currently at week 6, and it has increased in size, blistered, and crusted. Side effects include nausea and some flu-like symptoms."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "Took for 9 days and developed terrible flu-like symptoms -- doctor said to stop. Still having symptoms several days later. The medicine did bring out keratosis spots, but not worth the side effects."