Zyclara for Keratosis User Reviews (Page 2)
Reviews for Zyclara
- TMC...
- December 9, 2015
"I took Zyclara for 5 days and, unfortunately, had to discontinue due to acute side effects, including fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, lack of appetite, and fatigue. I have been off now for 4 days, and other than the fever being slightly lower, the symptoms continue. I used it on my entire face, which is swollen and covered in bright red sores, some draining. This has been a very negative experience for me, but that's the chance I took, hoping the benefits would outweigh the side effects. I believe I may have an immune issue and plan to further investigate that, as I seem to get sick a lot and am easily fatigued."
- luc...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 3, 2014
"4 days in on first 2 weeks. Using on arms and face. Put Vaseline on lips, under eyes, and in nostrils to protect from cream. So far, no reaction at all. I know I have many pre-cancerous spots and thought I would light up like a Christmas tree, but so far, so good. Maybe it's coming, but time will tell."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
- Does Zyclara work for genital warts?
- Who makes Zyclara and where is it manufactured?
- Does duct tape really remove warts?
- MLH...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- December 14, 2017
"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."
- Sta...
- June 23, 2017
"I am currently using Zyclara for a basal cell in my ear. I have had this before about 7 years ago and used Aldara at the time that completely cured it. I was prescribed this cream this time at my doc's recommendation because it is a little milder than Aldara and the skin is thinner in the ear. I have been using this now for 3 weeks without any breaks and have 3 more weeks to go as per my derm. I haven't had any flu-like symptoms, and side effects are just on the treated area: extreme swelling, raw skin, oozing, redness, slight burning, and scabbing. I started with one spot that looked like a pimple, and with the cream came many more. Once I'm done, I am hoping, obviously, that my basal cell is gone and my ear looks like an ear again."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Cur...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 3, 2019
"Used Zyclara for basal cell carcinoma behind my ear, just smaller than an eraser head. 6 weeks straight. Did the trick with no scarring other than from the punch biopsy. No side effects other than the huge, ugly scar that formed, but I just wore my hair in a way that hid it. Previously used Aldara on my chest but did experience mild, brief episodes of nausea for a couple of days, but quite tolerable."
- Tpm...
- August 10, 2016
"I have been using this cream on the front of my ear for a week. There is swelling, itching, crusting, and so much oozing it will drip down my face. Around day 5, I started feeling tired and weak. Then, day 6 and 7, I have felt like I have the flu. I feel awful. Lymph nodes seem swollen, and my throat is sore. My lower back hurt as well one day, but not every day. I was worried the fluid dripped down into my ear canal. My doctor told me to stop using it and come back to see him in 3 weeks."
More FAQ
- V G...
- December 9, 2017
"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."
- Sti...
- January 5, 2018
"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."
- Ram...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 31, 2014
"I have only used Zyclara for 3 nights, but last night after I applied it to my face and neck, I started coughing and feeling funny in my throat. It only lasted about 20 minutes, but I will try again tonight and see if I have the same reaction. The list of side effects did list this condition. I want to love this cream but am afraid I may have to quit it."
- Jea...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- December 11, 2015
"I've been on Zyclara close to a year. Only off of it for about 3 weeks in a year. My limbs are covered with hundreds of actinic keratosis, and I also have had squamous cell carcinoma removed. I am now experiencing swollen and tender lymph nodes under my arms and in my groin. Is this a side effect of the Zyclara, or is this a sign that the cancer, squamous cell, has spread? Any info would be appreciated."
- Gin...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 5, 2022
"I've done my first 5 days. I am exhausted and weak with a headache. It is hard to work/function - that's how tired I am. But I am hoping it works so I can avoid surgical removal of my basal cell carcinoma."
- Sun...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 26, 2023
"I'm on day 7 of my first two-week application process. Had a few spots appear on my forearms, but my chest was a different story. Wow! I know I had sun damage there, but I had no idea to what extent. Red bumps appeared the day after the first application and have gotten progressively more pronounced. Not sure if I should keep using, as the leaflet says to stop using if sores appear during the first week of application or if ulceration occurs. I keep reading, though, that this just means it's working. Having a difficult time getting a hold of the prescribing doctor to confirm. Surprisingly, have had no reaction on my face. Only possible side effect has been the odd headache, but not sure if it's from the Zyclara."
- Juj...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 9, 2018
"Zyclara? My new ketogenic lifestyle? Summer break? Something is making my skin glow and look youthful. I still have the spots on my face that the Zyclara is supposed to be healing. Wonder if it is working. I have been using it for a full week now."
- Anonymous
- November 3, 2010
"After my initial 9 days of Zyclara treatment, I have had to stop using it. The side effects are intense to the point of debilitating."
- Anonymous
- January 14, 2011
"I am on my 7th day of treatment and have not experienced any of the side effects, except for the skin irritation where the AKs are prevalent."
- Anonymous
- November 21, 2011
"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."
- rox...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 1, 2015
"No side effects at all. No problems at all. Had two spots on my back that are gone. Thanks, doc, for recommending this treatment."
- Her...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 16, 2022
"I use this 2 weeks on, 2 off on my nose and forehead. Minimal reaction. No side effects. Have previously used it with success."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Zyclara (imiquimod topical)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (49)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: topical anti-infectives
- Breastfeeding
"I'm on the second round of applying Zyclara, week two after using it for 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. The first round, I had no side effects and very minimal skin changes until day 13. I saw my dermatologist on day 15, and she said she would consider it a mild to moderate reaction. I had a crusty place on the bottom side of my nose and a pimple-like place on the skin next to my nose and one on my nose. I'm on day 8 of round 2 and noticed a pimple-like place on the skin next to my nose in the same place as before. I was so scared to try this lotion after seeing the pictures of what could happen. I had MOH's surgery on my nose last summer and would like to avoid having that again if at all possible. I had good results, very minimal scarring, and it's not noticeable now, but the whole process of the surgery just grossed me out. My doctor wants me to apply the Zyclara for 3 two-week on and two weeks off sessions. I hope this does the trick, it seems to be working."