Pharmacodynamics
The mechanism of action of Aldara Cream in treating actinic keratosis (AK) lesions is unknown. In a study of 18 patients with AK comparing Aldara Cream to vehicle, increases from baseline in week 2 biomarker levels were reported for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11c, and CD68 for Aldara Cream treated patients; however, the clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
The mechanism of action of Aldara Cream in treating superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) lesions is unknown. Here you can buy imiquimod online An open label study in six subjects with sBCC suggests that treatment with Aldara Cream may increase the infiltration of lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages into the tumor lesion; however, the clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
External Genital Warts
Imiquimod has no direct antiviral activity in cell culture. A study in 22 patients with genital/perianal warts comparing Aldara Cream and vehicle shows that Aldara Cream induces mRNA encoding cytokines including interferon-(alpha) at the treatment site. In addition HPVL1 mRNA and HPV DNA are significantly decreased following treatment. However, the clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.
Clearance rates for imiquimod relate to treatment exposure
Dose–response effects for imiquimod treatment have been investigated in several trials comparing treatments ranging from once or twice daily dosing to 3, 5 or 7 days per week.26,27,29,42 In a pooled analysis comparing higher- and lower-dose treatment regimens, a 51% (95% CI 35% to 75%) reduction in histologically confirmed risk of BCC recurrence was reported for higher-dose treatments; however, this was also associated with more LSRs.7 Alternative doses have also been studied for SK involving two or three doses per week in a continuous treatment,34–37 cyclical dosing with a treatment-free period,33,43,44and lower concentration imiquimod creams.45 Lower recurrence was observed in an open-label follow-up study in patients treating SK using three applications of imiquimod per week compared with two.39 Overall, the available data suggest that reducing the dosing frequency does lead to improved tolerability of LSRs but reduces efficacy.
Use imiquimod on clinically favourable sBCC lesions that are low risk
Topical treatments are options for treating low-risk lesions,3 while surgery or radiotherapy should remain the standard for high-risk BCC lesions.3,7 Identify low risk of recurrence for individual lesions based on prognostic factors such as:
Mechanisms of Selected Treatment Options for Genital Warts
Destruction by thermal-induced cytolysis
Cell-mediated immune response modifier; induces interferon production
Antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory activity
Podofilox (Condylox) solution or gel
Cytotoxic, antimitotic; major biologically active component of podophyllin resin
Cytotoxic, antimitotic (causes tissue necrosis)
Protein coagulation of wart tissue
How Aldara affects the immune system
Aldara cream works to treat genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Imiquimod — the active ingredient in Aldara cream — does this by working to eradicate HPV, rather than just treating the wart itself.
Imiquimod acts as an immune response modifier (IRM), helping the body stimulate its own defence mechanisms. This essentially tells the body’s immune system to attack the virus itself, releasing chemicals to attack and kill the virus, stopping HPV from multiplying in cells, as well as reducing cell abnormalities. Here you can buy imiquimod When the HPV type 6 & 11 are killed, your genital warts should clear.
Warts treated with Aldara are less likely to recur, and you may never even have them again.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the spots with liquid nitrogen to remove them. Each spot is frozen for 5-10 seconds, so that a layer of ice forms over the spot and surrounding skin.
You may need several sessions of cryotherapy before each spot clears completely. You'll need to wait 2 to 3 weeks between each treatment session.
Rare side effects
These side effects happen in fewer than 1 in 100 people (1%). You might have one or more of them. They include:
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=TAGS Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
For all uses of imiquimod cream (aldara):
For genital or perianal warts:
-
- feeling moody and irritable
- feeling sick
- dry mouth
- inflammation of the skin
- flu like symptoms
- at the site of application swelling, leaking fluid, inflammation, scabs, small cyts, breakdown of the skin
- tiredness and lacking energy
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating.
- Bleeding.
- Swollen gland.
- Vaginal pain or swelling.
- Trouble passing urine.