Aldara Topical Cream: FDA Approved Drug to Combat Genital Warts Associated with HPV

As healthcare initiatives are pushing for the prevention of HPV in women, the fact remains that millions of women are suffering with the effects of HPV each day. As a virus that can lead to cervical cancer in women, HPV is commonly first diagnosed in women who suffer from genital warts or obtain the results from an abnormal pap smear.

In an effort to remedy the complications associated with genital warts and the human papillomavirus (HPV), Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC, distributes an FDA approved topical cream known as Aldara. Aldara has shown to be effective at alleviating the complications associated with external genital warts associated with HPV. Unfortunately, Aldara topical cream is not a cure for HPV, for genital warts found internally or for cervical complications.

Dosing of Aldara, in the treatment of HPV and genital warts, is recommended as once-per-day, three times per week. Disadvantages to dosing require Aldara topical cream be applied for six to 10 hours per day and will require use for up to 16 weeks. For individuals who suffer from HPV and genital warts, this can be an inconvenience. However, without treatment, the genital warts may lead to further complex health complications.

As with most FDA approved drugs, the use of Aldara, in the treatment of HPV external genital warts may result in side effects. As a general rule, most side effects will dissipate as treatment reduces the complications associated with external genital warts and as the warts disappear. When using Aldara, side effects most commonly experienced by patients include redness and swelling around the area where the genital warts are present, scabbing, blisters and burning as the genital warts begin to die and fall off. Unfortunately, because Aldara topical cream is not a cure for genital warts, or HPV, it is possible for new warts to continue to develop during treatment. If symptoms seem excessive, resulting in extreme breakdown of tissue, it may be necessary to seek out the medical attention of a healthcare professional.

Contraindications, in the use of Aldara topical cream, to treat external genital warts, are limited. As a general rule, children under the age of 12 should not use Aldara topical cream. For women who are pregnant, or may become pregnant, it is not clear what effect Aldara topical cream may have on a developing fetus. Discuss these issues with the prescribing physician.

As with any sexually transmitted disease, the key to the management of your complications will lie in the early intervention, diagnosis and treatment. For individuals who suffer from complications associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), the use Aldara topical cream has shown to be effective at alleviating the external genital warts but is not a cure for HPV or internal genital warts and the associated cervical complications. When considering treatment options, the use of Aldara topical cream may provide relief and improve your overall quality of life.