Aldara proper use
To apply Aldara:
* Wash your hands before and after using Aldara . Avoid getting Aldara into your eyes, lips, or nostrils or in vagina or anus.
* Use Aldara only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it longer than directed.
* Allow Aldara to stay on skin for 8 hours if you are using it for actinic keratoses or basal cell carcinoma, and 6 to 10 hours for genital warts, then wash area thoroughly with soap and water.
* Men not circumcised treating genital warts under the foreskin should retract the foreskin and clean the area daily.
* Throw out any unused cream from the single-dose packet.
* Do not apply an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) over Aldara, unless told to do so by your doctor. To do so may cause irritation of the skin. Other materials that are not airtight, such as cotton gauze or cotton underclothes, may be used.
Aldara Dosing
The dose of Aldara will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of Aldara. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
* For topical dosage form (cream):
o For skin condition on face and scalp called actinic keratoses:
+ Adults—Apply a thin film to the treatment area two times a week before normal sleeping hours Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday. Rub in well and leave on for about 8 hours. Remove medicine from skin by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until skin condition is gone or for up to sixteen weeks.
+ Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
o For skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma:
+ Adults—Apply a thin film to the treatment area five times a week before normal sleeping hours Monday through Friday. Rub in well and leave on for about 8 hours. Remove medicine from skin by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until skin condition is gone or for up to six weeks.
+ Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
o For warts on the skin outside of the genital or rectal areas (condyloma acuminatum):
+ Adults—Apply a thin film to wart once every other day (three times a week) before normal sleeping hours. Rub in well and leave on for six to ten hours. Remove medicine from wart by washing with mild soap and water. Continue treatment until wart is gone or for up to sixteen weeks.
+ Children—Use and dose must be determined by doctor.
Aldara Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, wait until the next evening to apply it. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Aldara Storage
To store Aldara:
* Keep out of the reach of children.
* Store away from heat and direct light.
* Keep Aldara from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
* Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
