Aldara® Cream for Actinic Keratosis

Aldara® is a prescription topical used to treat actinic keratosis, certain superficial basal cell carcinomas, and external genital or perianal warts. You can order with US delivery from Canada through Border Free Health. This page explains labeled uses, safety, and how to access Aldara cream without insurance.

What Aldara Is and How It Works

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that helps the body target abnormal skin cells and certain virus-infected cells. As Imiquimod 5% cream, it activates toll-like receptor 7 and induces cytokines, including interferon alpha. That local immune stimulation can clear targeted lesions over time, according to approved labeling.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine is approved for three conditions: actinic keratosis on the face or scalp, superficial basal cell carcinoma on the trunk, neck, or extremities, and external genital or perianal warts in adults. It is not a cosmetic product and should be used exactly as prescribed. Avoid use on open wounds, inside the mouth or nose, or on mucosal surfaces.

Learn more about the conditions it treats: Actinic Keratosis, Superficial Basal Cell, and Warts. Broader skin topics are covered in our Dermatology category and the country-of-origin note here: Canada.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults with clinically typical actinic keratoses on the face or scalp, small superficial basal cell carcinomas on the trunk, neck, arms, or legs, and external genital or perianal warts. Pediatric use is not established. People with known hypersensitivity to imiquimod components should avoid it. Use caution in immunocompromised patients; decisions should follow clinician guidance. Do not use on urethral, intravaginal, cervical, rectal, or intra-anal warts, or around the eyes or lips.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the official label and your prescriber’s directions. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin and rub in until the cream disappears. Wash hands before and after application. Do not cover the area with occlusive dressings unless instructed.

Typical schedules include:

• Actinic keratosis: apply before bedtime two times per week for a defined course; wash off after approximately eight hours.
• Superficial basal cell carcinoma: apply five times per week for a limited treatment period; include a small margin of surrounding skin; wash off after the overnight contact time.
• External genital or perianal warts: apply three times per week before bedtime; wash off after approximately eight hours; stop when instructed after lesion clearance or completion of the course.

Use a new packet for each application site as directed. Do not reuse opened packets. If guidance mentions specific packaging lines, some labels refer to Aldara P Cream by name; always match your prescription directions.

For general shopping guidance about prescriptions online, see What Medications Can.

Strengths and Forms

The cream is supplied as imiquimod 5% in single-use packets. Common presentations include 0.25 g sachets packaged in boxes of 12 or 24. Availability can vary by market and prescriber instructions. Pack sizes help align with the expected course length and area treated.

• Single-use 0.25 g packets
• Box of 12 or 24 packets
• For external use on the skin only

Names and packaging may differ slightly across markets. Check the pharmacy label and patient leaflet for your exact presentation.

Missed Dose and Timing

If an application is missed, apply the next dose on the usual day and time. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose. Avoid more frequent use than prescribed, as this can increase skin reactions without improving results. The goal is consistent, label-directed schedules. Questions about regimen names on your box, such as Aldara P. Cream, should be confirmed with your prescriber or pharmacist.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature in the original carton. Keep packets intact until use and protect from excessive heat, moisture, and freezing. Discard opened packets after a single application. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, keep the labeled carton in a carry-on bag. Bring a copy of the prescription and your clinician’s instructions. Pack enough packets to finish the current course, plus a little extra in case of schedule changes. For longer trips, set reminders that match your weekly dosing plan.

Benefits

This immune-response therapy allows at-home treatment of select lesions under clinician supervision. It targets abnormal tissue locally rather than using systemic medicine. Single-use packets help guide the amount applied and support hygienic handling. Nighttime application fits common routines and keeps treated areas undisturbed during contact time. For actinic keratoses and small superficial basal cell carcinomas, this approach may reduce the need for in-office destructive procedures when appropriate.

Side Effects and Safety

Local skin reactions are common where the cream is applied. These effects often reflect the medicine’s local immune activity.

• Redness, flaking, or scabbing
• Burning, itching, or tenderness
• Swelling or erosion at the site
• Dryness and peeling
• Headache or fatigue
• Flu-like feelings in some patients

Serious or uncommon reactions can include severe local inflammation, ulceration, secondary infection, or systemic symptoms. Stop use and seek medical advice if intense pain, widespread rash, fever, or signs of infection occur. Avoid sun exposure on treated areas; use protective clothing during the course. If used with photosensitizing therapies, clinicians may adjust timing. For patients on insulin or sulfonylureas, hypoglycemia is not a known class risk with this treatment; however, overall health conditions still warrant monitoring as advised by a clinician.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Systemic exposure is low, but local interactions matter. Using multiple irritating topicals on the same area can increase skin reactions. Caution is advised with immunosuppressive therapies; discuss concurrent treatments with a healthcare professional. Do not apply on broken skin until healed. Avoid application immediately after procedures that disrupt the skin barrier on the same site. Do not use on internal warts or inside the mouth, nose, or anus.

What to Expect Over Time

Visible redness and irritation typically appear on treated areas during the course, which may signal local immune activation. Lesion changes can be gradual, and clinicians usually assess response after the prescribed cycle. If reactions become intense, prescribers may advise short rest periods. Consistency matters: applying on scheduled days and washing off after the contact period supports predictable outcomes. Follow-up visits confirm clearance and determine whether additional cycles are needed.

Compare With Alternatives

Several options exist depending on diagnosis and location. A direct therapeutic equivalent is Generic imiquimod 5% cream, which contains the same active ingredient and strength as the brand. For actinic keratosis, prescribers may also consider fluorouracil cream or diclofenac gel. For external genital warts, alternatives may include podofilox solution or procedural treatments. For appropriate superficial basal cell carcinoma, options can include surgery or other physician-directed therapies. Selection depends on lesion characteristics and clinical judgment.

Pricing and Access

Border Free Health lists transparent Canadian options so patients can review choices before checkout. Many find that Aldara Canadian pricing compares favorably to local cash costs. Use our site to view current availability and packaging choices, and see how box size may affect the overall course cost.

We provide encrypted checkout and clear order status updates. This item Ships from Canada to US, with fulfilment through licensed partner pharmacies. Looking for time-limited savings or site offers? See our latest Promotions.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If this product is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative or adjust the plan. Pharmacists may contact clinicians to confirm clinically appropriate substitutions when allowed. Always review any switch to ensure the indication, site, and regimen still match the treatment goal.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults with clinician-confirmed actinic keratosis on the face or scalp, small superficial basal cell carcinomas away from high-risk sites, or external genital/perianal warts. It may not suit those with severe immune compromise, extensive open wounds, or sensitivity to any component.

• Multi-month planning: larger box sizes can reduce per-application costs.
• Course alignment: choose pack counts that match your prescribed schedule.
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts that mirror weekly application days.
• Travel-ready: keep spare packets in your carry-on and a copy of your prescription.
• Skin care basics: mild cleansers and moisturizers can support tolerance between treatment nights.

Those paying cash may search for Aldara cream out of pocket options to plan a budget. Patients comparing options without insurance can check total course estimates based on pack size and schedule. For broader skin-care topics, see Cosmetic Camouflage. For another prescription dermatology item, browse Retin A Cream 0 05.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which diagnosis and treatment area are confirmed for this therapy?
• What weekly schedule and contact time fit my condition?
• Which skin-care products are acceptable between treatment nights?
• How should severe local reactions be managed if they occur?
• When should follow-up happen to assess response?
• Are there alternative therapies if this approach is not tolerated?
• What precautions apply for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or immunosuppression?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed

FDA Prescribing Information

Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? Start your order for US shipping from Canada with prompt, express shipping. This information is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional; always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official label.