Aldara For Actinic Keratoses Posted: 08-09-07 17:58pm
I recently had mohs procedure done to
remove squamous cell carcinoma on my
scalp. The scar has healed, and my
dermatologist prescribed Aldara cream to
be applied daily for about 3 weeks to a
large area on my scalp where there are
several actinic keratoses visible (she
biopsied them). After 8 hours I wash it
off. My concern is about the side effects
I keep reading about Aldara. I've used it
for 2 nights in a row now and am already
feeling flu like symptoms and have noticed
that my occipital lymph node is swollen
and tender. Other than some slight
itching, I'm not having much reaction at
the site of application. Could the other
symptoms be related to the Aldara or have
I just been reading too much on the
internet?
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MandMs
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Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 2262 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
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Posted: 09-06-07 09:32am
Hi!
Flu-like symptoms ,together with headache
and muscle pain, are rare side effects
while using Aldara. More common are mild
local skin reactions such as itching,
peeling, burning, rush, pain, erosion and
edema at the site of application or
surrounding areas. If you experience a
severe skin reaction like erosion, you
should wash it off and notified your
doctor.
I'll suggest you to inform your doctor and
ask to decrease the application, because
some trials showed that the side effects
were more common and more intense with
daily use rather than 3 times a week.
All best to you!
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texas amy
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Texas
Posted: 09-06-07 20:41pm
Thanks for your response. My
dermatologist did cut me back to 3
applications per week. I'm still having
the swollen lymph nodes in my neck, but
they are worst the day after application.
Anyway, she wanted me to continue and said
that my body was responding as it should,
so I'll tough it out a couple more weeks!
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MandMs
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Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 2262 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
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Posted: 09-07-07 02:33am
Lymphadenopathy(swollen lymph nodes) can
be seen in 5% of patients during 6 weeks
treatment with Aldara. This sign, together
with flu-like symptoms, can be a enough
reason to make an interruption of dosing.
You should know that you can develop
treatment site infection, which can be
also reason for swollen lymph nodes. This,
also, requires a rest period and
antibiotics can be taken. After the
interruption or rest period you can
continue with your treatment and still
have good results from the treatment.
You can ask your doctor about the rest
period.
Please, write me back!
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texas amy
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Texas
Aldara Posted: 09-07-07 18:50pm
I did see my dermatologist 1 week ago and
she seemed pleased with the way the aldara
is working. There doesn't seem to be any
sign of infection at the site of
application, (no real pain or swelling)
and the flu-like symptoms don't seem to be
quite as severe since I'm only applying
the medication 3 times a week now. I have
one week to go, so am hoping that it will
all be over soon. I'll see the doctor
again on the 19th for a follow-up. Thanks
again for your information!
Amy
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debm
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 44
Posted: 09-08-07 19:06pm
I had a biopsy yesterday. I was just
wondering whaththe aldara is used for.
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MandMs
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Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 2262 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
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Posted: 09-10-07 04:43am
Aldara is used to treat Actinic Keratosis,
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma and
External Genital and Perianal Warts.
Have you been suspected for skin cancer?
Did you receive your biopsy results?
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MandMs
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 2262 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
Thanks: 46
Thanked:11
Texas Amy Posted: 09-10-07 04:47am
I'm happy your feeling much better. Hope
you'll have good results with the
treatment. Please, keep me up dated about
your condition!
All best to you!
