Imiquimod topical and Swelling: What Users Say

• Fre...
• April 5, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I was extremely hesitant to use this medicine because of the price and because I had read horror stories about it online. But I was desperate because of unsightly warts, so I took the plunge. I made sure to apply with a magnification mirror and a q-tip. I can't stress enough how important it was to ONLY apply it exactly where the warts were. My side effects included swelling and itching around the affected area and some fatigue/aches. After using it 4 times, my warts were gone. Worth it worth it worth it. Just be careful not to put it on any healthy skin."

• Be ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 6, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I never leave reviews, but I wanted to for anyone else in my spot and wants sound advice. I had about 10-12 small warts above my penis (pubic hair area) and 3 on the shaft. For the 'larger' warts on the shaft, I received liquid nitrogen treatment, which did not work well - one returned after a month, and it had no impact on the other two. I was also prescribed Aldara to be used 5x weekly (M-F). Let me be clear - FOR THE FIRST 6 WEEKS, IT DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I was let down but continued to apply it diligently. Finally, on week 7, things started getting red and inflamed. This lasted for 2-3 weeks, at which point things began healing and now look FLAWLESS. Highly recommended, but BE PATIENT."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2014

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I first used this on my nose and cheek. I had a pretty strong reaction, which caused my eye to swell a little. I checked with the PA and decided to continue the medicine despite the discomfort. Next, I used it on my forehead and chest. I did not have a reaction on the forehead, but had a strong reaction on my chest. By that, I mean there were lots of red bumps which hurt and were itchy. I will stick with it though. It beats having more surgeries to remove the cancer."

• Sun...
• November 14, 2013

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I feel much better after reading the experiences of others, which are so like mine. I'm a 44-year-old Florida native who spent way too many hours in the sun. I had my first basal cell excised at age 26; several more removed through Mohs, and actinic keratosis 'frozen' off since. I tried Carac on my chest last year with little response. Now on day 13 of using Zyclara on my chest and shoulders and -- wow. By day 2, I had spots appear, and the number of red, swollen, itchy lesions has multiplied every day since. I do NOT think I would be brave enough to use Zyclara on my face, given my significant (and unsightly) response. It IS uncomfortable, but hopefully worth it. Fabric-covered cool packs, ibuprofen, and Neutrogena Eczema Essentials cream have helped."

• liv...
• October 26, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I got prescribed Aldara by my local sexual health clinic to treat genital warts. I thought my warts were the end of the world until I used Aldara. After applying the cream twice (as directed, only on the warts and every other night, washing it off in the morning), boy, did I regret my life choices. My entire vagina swelled up the following day, and ulcer-type sores appeared everywhere in that area. I couldn’t move without being in excruciating pain, and I almost passed out every time I peed. I ended up in the hospital on a 7-day course of antibiotics, as well as dihydrocodiene to manage the pain. Stay away from this cream - it should not be prescribed!!! After doing extensive reading online about Aldara, I quickly realized that so many people had been through the same as me. The warts eventually go away on their own, or there are other treatments such as freezing them off. Please, please stay away from this cream."

• Eri...
• June 15, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "This drug works well at killing warts, but it's best to start with the tiniest amount to check how your body responds to it and then ramp it up if you don't get a strong response. I didn't follow the boilerplate '3 times a week' usage guidance because this was too slow for me. I used it every day and amply, until after about 1 week when the 'blistering' effect started to kick in, then I backed off. The negative reviews from people who got bad reactions are missing the point a little. The whole idea of the drug is to ramp up an immune response in the area you apply it. The red blistering/rash/swelling, etc. is precisely what you want: this is the immune system doing its work."

• Spi...
• October 25, 2012

For Human Papilloma Virus "This cream really is a miracle. The first few times I used it on my warts, I did not pay attention to only putting it on the warts, I applied it to the general area, and the itching was unbearable. But after paying closer attention to my application, my warts have very noticeably gotten smaller or disappeared after only two weeks of treatment. My side effects were itching, slight sting when applying, slight swelling, and just some overall discomfort. But the side effects were nothing compared to being on a wart-free track!"

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

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "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."

• 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. :)"

• 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."

• 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."

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

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "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."

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

For Human Papilloma Virus "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."

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

For Human Papilloma Virus "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!!!"

• Ugh...
• September 29, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "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

For Human Papilloma Virus "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."

• 58a...
• August 21, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "My bald head, forehead, and face have the actinic keratosis spots to be treated. I tried one laser peel, and it did well for about 6 months. It was painful, and the recovery was as well. I tried Efudex cream several times and had some success. I am on the Zyclara now for 7 days with just some itching, redness, and minor swelling. I made the mistake of being in the sun for 5 hours on the sixth day and had to skip the treatment one night due to some pain. Some sores have begun to appear like old zits. It won't be pretty for several weeks, but it should be worth it to avoid cancer."

• Per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed this imiquimod medicine for HPV and wish I would have been given better instructions! I used two doses and am in the most excruciating pain I’ve ever been in. You only need a little bit and only on the warts themselves, NOT all around them!! I made this mistake and have been experiencing nausea, loss of appetite, tenderness and pain on external genitals, body aches, chills, headache, fatigue, swelling, all the symptoms that you DON'T want a medication to give you!! I think if I had been given clear instructions on how much to actually use, I don’t think I’d be in this much pain and agony. It hurts to walk, sit, go to the bathroom, the only time it feels better is when I’m in a warm bath. If you are prescribed this, DO NOT use the whole packet!!!! I hope this helps so nobody has to experience the same thing I am!! OUCH!!!"

• Fit...
• June 3, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Had 5 HPV warts on the perineum area, and two just up on my vagina, and after 4 rounds of unsuccessful cryo, I was referred to a Gyno who booked me in for surgical excision and gave me Aldara at my request, citing that she had 'little hope' it would get rid of them. She was 100% wrong, they started clearing almost straight away. I applied the cream to the warts every second day for two and a half weeks (using half a packet each time), and the warts have literally ALL gone. My side effects were insane, with possibly the most intense burning I have ever felt, swelling, nausea, and severe back pain and flu symptoms, BUT I would do it again in a heartbeat."

• Per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed Aldara by my GP for genital warts. I was instructed to use the cream 3x weekly (every other day) and to use it sparingly. I had approx 5 warts at the time of diagnosis, one large, about the size of a pea, and the others about the size of crumbs. I am on my 7th application (beginning Week 3), and already the warts have almost vanished. The largest one has reduced to the size of a crumb, and only one other remains. The 1st week and a half I had some discomfort (I couldn't wear underwear as the treatment area was quite sore and raw), but nothing torturous like other stories I've read online. My labia is swollen, and a few blisters have developed near the treatment area, but I assume this will subside after I stop applying the cream."

• bpa...
• May 12, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "Yesterday was Day 14 of my Zyclara treatment. Using it on my forehead where there was a previous basal cell, and on my chest where I currently have a basal cell. I decided to do the whole top of my chest. Wow, I have many actinic keratosis. It's really scary. No real bad side effects other than the swelling and rawness on my chest. Forehead, found 1 AK, appears to be working. I have been experiencing some lower back pain, as I did when I used the Carac Cream. Wondering if this is a side effect or not? I hope this works! Will be doing Carac again in the winter on my cheeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "After using it for 2 days, I noticed my warts shrinking and thought, hell yeah! By the end of the week, I can’t sleep because the small amount I’m putting in has burnt my penis, and it’s swollen and very red! It’s now been 3 weeks since I stopped using the product, and I still can’t touch my penis and pull back the skin without it bringing me to tears! The pain is unbelievable, and I will never forget it. Just walking around with underwear on hurts because it rubs."

• Red...
• April 24, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "Went into the local PP for treatment of a couple of vaginal and anal warts. They treated them with acid and then wrote me a prescription for imiquimod if I needed further treatment. They said to allow my skin to heal up for one week before I try the imiquimod, but then I should use it three times a week at bedtime, then take it off in the morning. I only made it through two applications, and I managed to get nearly every side effect possible. Fever, weakness, malaise, itching, swelling, redness, discharge, open sores, skin cracking open and bleeding, intensely painful urination, and so much pus from the sores... I stopped treatment 4 days ago, and I swear it's only getting worse. I'm uninsured as hell and paid for this all out of pocket, and I'm very reluctant to try to go back into PP just for them to tell me that I'm going to have to ride this out. Honestly, I don't think this 'medicine' should ever be prescribed for treatment anywhere near anyone's genitals."

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2018

For Keratosis "My dermatologist prescribed imiquimod (very $) for my chronically peeling skin and squamous cell cancer in situ on my nose. I used it as directed for 8 days when I noticed a large, weeping sore worsening on my lip and torn mucous membranes inside my lip. I was told this was not related to the drug. But after doing research and seeing identical pictures online, I stopped applying the drug. My symptoms continued for 2 weeks-excruciating pain, swelling, cracking and bleeding lips, large ulcers inside my mouth-it was horrible. I also became anxious, agitated, and kept crying out of the blue-not at all like myself. Using this drug was a big mistake. And I still have my original peeling nose."