Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma User Reviews (Page 2)

• Neo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2020

"I just finished my 2nd 6 week course of imiquimod for BCC on my scalp. I had had 2 mohs surgeries and the cancer kept coming back in nearby areas. After seeing multiple doctors, someone suggested imiquimod as an alternative to major surgery or errivedge. It seems to be working but it takes time when you finish for the skin to fully heal and a scan or biopsy will need to be done to determine true results. I did not have any severe adverse effects as others have mentioned. I used the cream on a 1” x 2” area and had red sores which itched but otherwise tolerable. My hair did not fall out which was good news. I have superficial as well as nodule bcc. IF you can tolerate this cream it is well worth a try before going the surgery route. It took months for any doctor to suggest it to me. Most people have good reactions to this cream if you read the studies that are online. Good luck."

• Grant...
• April 10, 2018

"Treating Bacal Cell Carcinoma. 7 weeks in, 3 weeks to go 9 spots being treated with 2 quite large (3" x 3"). I'm treating about 25 square inches. 3 spots did not react at all or very minimally even though they were biopsied and confirmed bcc. 3 of the spots reacted in a big way, causing scabbing, oozing, flaking, big growth of affected area, burning/severe itching... Side effects. Not sure if it is amount of surface area or the type of ailment that affects this. Not been able to sleep through the night for 7 weeks - just wake up after 2 or 3 hours, in some cases I'm also distracted by the itching/burning, in other cases I'm just awake, drowzy and unable to sleep. Had a headache almost the entire treatment, ranging from barely noticable to distracting but not terrible. "flu like symptoms" almost the entire treatment. I feel achy in my legs/hips and general feeling of sickness that leaves unable to think properly or interact normally. Also had some fever/night sweats."

• Uncle...
• August 28, 2017

Aldara (imiquimod) "My basal cell had recurred after surgical removal. Another removal would have resulted in extensive plastic surgery. The Aldara had no visible effect until the second week. By the fifth week, the area looked horrible and I became concerned. Nevertheless, I continued application and by week eight, I was looking in the mirror at new, fresh, pink skin. Wonderful! Based upon my experience, I think it is generally correct to believe that if there is one basal cell area, the entire face is damaged, even though it is not visible. Therefore, I would recommend using the cream only on the limited, visible lesion. Otherwise, the area of lesions will be large and scary."

• RandyX
• July 6, 2015

"i am using cream for bcc on nose; I am on week 4 out of 8; mild side effects It has gotten bigger which is what i was expecting. I do not want to do Mohs surgery as that would be too intrusive and what the plastic surgeon told me they would have to do after would scar my whole face. Sticking with it. 47yo male"

• Kate...
• June 22, 2016

Aldara (imiquimod) "Itchy, sore to touch, don't sleep well the nights its applied. This is my second treat for bcc, the first with aldara got infected and subsequently scarred, all bcc were on chest area, the first is completely gone, the second I'm 3 weeks through a 4 week treatment, can't wait to be finished although end results are acceptable for the pain and irritation that you go through"

• Florida...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2016

"I'm in my third week of Imiquimod applying to 5 bcc's on arms, forehead and back 5 days a week. At this point 3 of them are very red and crusty and sort of beginning to scale or sluff off which I think is good. Two of them aren't responding at all -- I'm sort of puzzled about that. The one on the forehead which had been a pale color is now bright red; hopefully it will crust up and sluff off soon. The side effects are awful the first few days after beginning the 5-day course of treatment -- really terrible joint and muscle aches and headache. I almost wanted to stop treatment, but remembered how many surgeries I would have to have and so decided to "tough it out" as I've already had approx. 20 skin cancers removed surgically."

• Noddy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2016

"I'm in the UK and onto week 3. I have to apply to a bcc on my chest, but big boils and spots have developed which are very itchy and weepy suggesting there were other areas on my chest which are needing treatment too. I have wanted to stop, as sometimes the itch is so intense and my clothing sticks, but after a positive conversation with a specialist nurse I am of course continuing. I have had the odd flu-y kind of day, and today I am so tired, when I shouldn't be, so I am putting that down to the Aldara cream."

• Lisa
• March 11, 2018

"After my first 3 weeks & follow up doc has me on second lot of 3 weeks (5 days on, 2 off.) My BCC has a large raised scab & is red/raw. But, thankfully, it's on top of my head so it isn't noticeable. The main side effects for me have been "tasting" the creme inside my mouth (yuk). I've also experienced fatigue and sort of a "blue" feeling. Since the scab is very raised I try to avoid brushing my hair much. I've cleaned the wound area with cotton, peroxide and alcohol. No stinging or pain. I attribute that to the fact the scab looks and feels like a helmet. But I'm happy my immune system is working well with the creme. And I will take this process over a bald spot at the top of my head. I take comfort in that I am taking part in the process of my healing. I now wear hats religiously in the sun. If something on your head feels like a pimple and doesn't go away see your dermatologist ASAP. I feel very thankful that this spot was a BCC and not a melanoma. Good luck on your healing journey."

• monst...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2017

Aldara (imiquimod) "I used this on a persistent basal cell carcinoma, in the centre of my forehead, which never healed and bleed at times, on application ,nothing happened much for a week, but then my face erupted right across my forehead, large red blotches which turned to blisters. I used it for three weeks instead of six weeks as recommended. I went to my doctor who said to stop using it. The scabs soon cleared, and after a short while my skin was clear and back to normal. Was it worth it?Most definitely, no carcinoma, in the UK it's a prescription drug and only available through a doctor, and paid for by our NHS so I don't know the cost."

• Kat
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

Aldara (imiquimod) "I treated my several areas of my face with Aldara in 2007. My reaction was so severe after 10 days of use, my dermatologist advised me to discontinue the use. I thought I broke my metarcpal , trapexoid and trapsium. It was swollen and I had such pain i could not even hold a pen. Of course it had to be my right thumb, and I am right handed. which is also the hand I applied the cream with. I had a orthopedic friend order an xray, which came back as arthritis in those areas. One of the rare side effects, however I also had fever chills malaise, and really ugly inflammation. I have since had to have several lesions surgically removed, involving skin grafts, some removed with the use of liquid nitrogen, and now my dermatologist is recommending I treat them again with Aldara. Not a chance!! I will try the Effudex again, however it did nothing the first time I used it, but that was several years ago, maybe 2000, or earlier."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2017

"I have been using this cream for BCC 3 weeks, with 1 week left. Apply 3 nights a week. I was not sure what to expect. Using it on my face and neck initially applied over entire area until the red areas popped out. Now I'm just using it on the inflamed areas. Almost entire face is covered in red sores. Very painful, burning, and itchy. Also developed cough and fatigue. Staff at doctor office said this was normal. I guess if it has a lot of inflammation it means it is working. I have wanted to stop the treatment but trying to stick with it as I'm close to the end. I prefer to not have any additional surgeries. I rarely leave the house, this looks like a contagious disease."

• inc
• August 20, 2017

Aldara (imiquimod) "Second time on Aldra. The first time I used it on my right temple, nose, and my face. I was covered in red blotches, like scalds, but I don't remember any severe reactions. I can't seem to remember it hurting, and it was worth it. It cleared the persistent and sore bcc on my nose and temple. I now have another bcc on my forehead which has been persistent and shown no sign of healing, and has bleed at times. My GP/doctor has prescribed a course of Aldara and this time I have a much worse reaction, one side of my face has come with very red like swollen spots, blistering, and I have flu like symptoms. But I am sure it will be worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

"I have had BCC 4 times on top of my nose. One was on top of the nose. I had MOHS and I had to get a graft from my forehead which was stitched to the top of my nose and looks terrible, I am so embarrassed to go out. Now, I have a superficial basal cell on the side of the nostril, and my dermatologist gave me Imiquimod cream. The area is getting red, crusty, and scabby. I hope it works as I do not want to have MOH's again. Has anyone ever heard of someone getting basal cell 4 times on the nose?"

• Mc08
• June 21, 2015

"I'm using this for bcc. My areas were small to begin with. I am on week 6 and was instructed to use it 5 times a week. I've used a very small amount and I haven't had severe side effects. My lymph nodes have been swollen a few times. I make sure to wash the areas, let it dry, wash my hands and apply. I have always washed it off 8 hours later. I've also avoided getting in the sun. The areas haven't disappeared yet and I'm not sure what they should look like at this point."

• Minerva
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

Aldara (imiquimod) "I am in complete agreement with "Old Ruth". Nothing happened for about 10 days, but when it did, wow! Instead of having one lesion only it turned out that I had them all over my nose. It became swollen, then stretched, then "crusty", and then the whole mess disappeared and has not returned, 5 years now. The biggest drawback is the price! It was on half-prescription when I began, but very shortly thereafter it was taken off prescription (I live in Spain) and reverted to 84 euros. I wouldn't mind except with the little- sachets - you don't seem to be getting much for your money. More recently I have had a similar lesion on my temple. I have been using Diclofenaco partly because it seems to have a good reputation, and partly because it is MUCH cheaper. The jury is still out, but it seems to be having more or less the same effect as the Aldara."

• AASSBB
• January 30, 2018

Aldara (imiquimod) "Easy to apply. The medication journal makes it easy to track usage and clearly defines “break days”. This is week four. Skin is red and irritated, however very bearable and annoying rather than painful. Other side effects are pretty hard to tolerate. Fatigue is beyond belief and at times debilitating yet unable to sleep. Nausea all the time. Headache at times. Perception seems to be a little distorted. Difficult to tell how much the light headed feeling is coming from fatigue. Joints ache. A little weight gain. I’m irritable due to unbearable fatigue. Dreams at night are emotionally overwhelming and vivid. The effect of alcohol is extremely magnified. I call these my little bottles of hell. That’s how they make me feel. That said, it seems to be working and I’m very interested in seeing the results. Given a choice at this stage, excision would be my preference. That might change by the time I finish treatment. However it would take a lot to endure this again."

• Gma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2017

"On week 5 of 6 with application 5 times per week. Coverage area runs from cheek to cheek and the entire nose. The area did burn initially but that has stopped. Dizziness and flu like synptoms persisted.My face looks terrible but my MD did say it would get worse before getting better. The area is severely scabbed, crusted, red, irritated and looks like a giant size deep scab. The size of the area is increasing and that is a huge concern.Today my eye lids are swollen and bags of fluid appeared under the eyes. After 5 of 6 weeks treatment had to discontinue use. Will see what my options are next week at my MD appointment. Sad to have gotten this far with seemingly little benefit."

• Linda
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2020

Aldara (imiquimod) "My second week. Basal Cell Carcinoma on right forehead and cheek. Blistering all over my cheek and around my mouth. Dry, crusty patch on the right side of my nose. Feel tired but I am sleeping. The area of reaction is bigger than I expected but nothing on my forehead yet. I had one excision above my eyebrow which took ages to heal so am happy to use the cream. In Italy it cost 84 Euros."

• Mich
• April 25, 2017

"Had a BCC on my leg and used the cream successfully for 6 weeks. Cancer is gone. Starting it again for one above my mouth and was instructed to spread the cream across entire area between nose and mouth. 6-7 spots lit up with sores including one on lower lip. But the real problem for me is that I got the side effect of a cough deep in my lungs. On antibiotics for that which isn't working because I guess it's not a bacterial infection. I completed 3 of the 6 weeks and am going to stop to get rid of the cough before it develops into pneumonia."

• Bc1100
• April 30, 2017

"I am finishing week 2 of 4, treating bcc on my chest and shoulders. My chest is bright red with large scabs the covers the majority of my chest. It constantly burns and itches. As of the completion of the first week I started experiencing headaches, chills, body aches, the occasional nausea and dizziness. Anti inflammatory and hot baths help ease the aches. Honestly if it were not such a large area I would prefer doc to cut and stitch like he has done many times before. I am going to try to stick out these last two weeks...."

• Phil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2020

"Had like flu like symptoms after five days of using imiquimod! Thought it was the end of me, lost weight, sick and diarrhoea and haemorrhaged blood by the litre doubled up in pain. Didn’t eat for over a week! Very very ill Had several cameras inserted to see the problem in the intestines they said that they thought my immune system had destroyed my internal lining of my intestine"

• marie...
• July 7, 2016

"My mother used Aldara on a carcinoma, after 2 weeks she feels very side effects , severe headache,vertigo,diarrhées,convulsions. She went to hospital and died 8 days later. Doctors never find what's wrong with her. Before using Aldara she feels in great shape."

• CARAPO
• August 1, 2015

"On this cream to treat 5 BCC's on my chin and one on my forehead, I have had various BCCs removed in the past and my Doctor is now querying Gorlin's syndrome. I had no real option but to try this as I didn't want a large skin graft. I have just finished week 3 of six. Small pimples came up around the chin area then it dried out and bits of skin flaked off, currently at slightly red spots. I have had a couple of really rough days, tiredness and headache but not all the time. Have stayed out of the sun and only had the cream on for 8 hours before washing off. Here's hoping it removes most of then, will update with at the end result."

• Annie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

"I've previously undergone; Efudex all over face, Mohs surgery for right eye canthus bcc, laser treatment all over face, radiation for invasive bcc below left nostril, had Aldara all over chest. Now instead of going for Mohs to get rid of a cluster of nose tip bcc and also left top eyelid bcc I am doing Aldara. Apart from nose and eye, I am also self treating right top lip pre cancerous cells. I am 3 weeks in. Haven't been able to continue on eyelid, as it over reacted and looks like a boxers eye but I hope to get back to it. Yes, I look like a monster from the deep. With a bit of makeup, I look like a bad ice addict! But I love this drug! It's knocking off those Cancer cells for a lot less than the Porsche drivers charge and I'm not going to end up disfigured"

• Sue
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2019

Aldara (imiquimod) "I have been using Aldara for 5 and a half weeks, on a BCC that was scrapped off. Strangely nothing has happened, I have applied it as recommended, but there is nothing (except the scar from the scrapping) to show for it! Money not well spent!"