Aldara Cream and Skin Cancer: What You Need to Know

Aldara (imiquimod) cream is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of skin cancer. However, it may be used off-label to treat certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Aldara cream is a topical immune response modifier that works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It is applied directly to the affected area of skin once or twice daily for up to 16 weeks.

Aldara cream is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects, such as redness, itching, burning, and peeling of the skin. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks.

Aldara cream should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. It should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor if you are considering using Aldara cream to treat skin cancer.