Imiquimod topical and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say

• Vor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am using Aldara on 6 sites and would not recommend any more than that. It is about my 4th use of the drug, and apart from slight flu-like symptoms when I first started, I have suffered no general side effects. I am quite active and still feel energetic enough to run, cycle, and play tennis, as well as do DIY! However, the lesions are something else. To give reassurance to anyone using it for the first time, the reaction on the skin can be quite alarming, BUT is perfectly normal and shows it is working. Do read the leaflet. My neck and behind my ears have reacted severely, with heavy scabbing, some weeping, and painful at night. It is a chore applying and washing off, but do persevere. It will all heal within a week of stopping."

• Anonymous
• August 15, 2012

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Using this for basal cell carcinoma treatment. Used it for a couple of small areas initially with little problems. Have been using it on a larger spot now and have developed quite significant flu-like symptoms. Have tried to push through them, but they're getting worse to the point of needing to stop the cream. Extremely fatigued and achy, which is just not me. I work out an hour plus several days a week and am only able to struggle through maybe a half workout. It also caused a lot of redness and sores at the site of use, but I can manage that. The good news is it does seem to work on the basal cells."

• Sdo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 11, 2018

Zyclara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "58-year-old female, fair but I do tan. First basal cell at 27; Mohs surgery x2. Also squamous cells and AKs & SKs frozen every 6 months. Aldara too intense. Been using Zyclara every winter for years. Haven’t been brave enough to do my face but need to. Takes 5-7 days to start seeing effect; usually stop around day 10. It’s like trying to stop a speeding train - continues to intensify for several days after stopping. Oozy, itchy just like everybody says, but it works! Flu-like symptoms because Zyclara stimulates an immune response. NOT topical chemo. I do one area at a time and rotate - back or chest or arms or legs. Stimulated lymph nodes are a normal immune response. If I feel 'flu,' I hold off for 2 days. Believe me, the train keeps running but the symptoms reside. Every other day from there then it’s time to stop. I love that it flares spots I can’t see and heals better than burn/scrape or freeze. It’s a drag, but I’m glad to have the option."

• AGG...
• June 2, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am in week 2 of 16! The affected area was believed to be small, but the cream has 'discovered' other affected areas, and now the blisters cover an area of 3cm x 3cm on my forehead. They hurt and look bad, I'm using a headscarf now to go out. Knowing that the alternative is surgery to remove an area that size, I think it's worth it in the end, but the process is not fun at all. I'm also experiencing fatigue and flu-like symptoms since the beginning."

• Gra...
• April 10, 2018

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

• Dav...
• January 17, 2013

Aldara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "Was involved in a clinical trial for Aldara 3.75% three years ago. Documented 51 actinic keratosis lesions on face and forehead. Two treatments, six weeks in between. Severe reaction occurred on the first round, including flu-like symptoms. Also had less reaction on the second treatment. Follow-up exam found no actinic keratosis sites. One year follow-up documented no recurrence! I'm a fan! This is a miracle cure!"

• Ano...
• April 14, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "This cream is one of the most painful and agonizing treatments I have ever received, however, if you are willing to put up with insatiable itching, burning, feeling like you have the flu, and being unable to catch your breath, it is 100% worth it. For me, the few months of pain are worth it to get rid of the embarrassment and self-disgust at having GW. I'm just starting to recover from the treatment and have gone from maybe 30 to around 5 tiny ones (I have an immunity disorder, so I was unable to fight the virus myself and it spread so quickly). Fantastic treatment, absolute agony, but well worth it if you can put up with it."

• Nod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I'm in the UK and on to 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 that need 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-like kind of day, and today I am so tired, when I shouldn't be, so I am putting that down to the Aldara cream."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2014

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was very nervous using this, reading what other people have experienced with side effects. I decided to try it under advisement from my gynecologist. I have 4 small warts. One on my labia, one just inside of it, 2 around my anus. I've been using imiquimod for about 10 days, 3 times a week, 6 hours at a time. In that time, I have seen SIGNIFICANT changes in the 2 on my vaginal area. They are almost completely gone. The other two are being a little more stubborn. I wanted to share some good comments about this medication after being so worried about it myself before. Zero skin irritation. I've had some 'flu-like' symptoms, but nothing unbearable. I'm very happy to see these 'aliens' shrink away. Try it before you knock it!"

• inc...
• August 20, 2017

Aldara (imiquimod) for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Second time on Aldara. 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 bled 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, swollen spots, blistering, and I have flu-like symptoms. But I am sure it will be worth it."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2015

Zyclara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "I am a female in my late 60s, and on day 13 of the 1st round of 14. After tomorrow, I will be off 2 weeks and back on for 2 weeks. I am using it on my temples and forehead. Luckily, I have a lot of hair to cover the red spots that have surfaced on my temples. However, I have had NO flu-like symptoms, NO fatigue, NO stomach problems. Nothing... just a bunch of ugly red spots."

• Est...
• February 13, 2016

Zyclara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "I am on day 11 of a 14-day cycle, and the first week I experienced flu-like symptoms, i.e., achy muscles, fatigue, and headaches. My only side effect now is a slight headache. I am using Zyclara on my face (temples, forehead, and cheek), and my face is looking pretty ugly right now. It looks like an awful outbreak of acne and is very raw. I have more than a few scabs and a lot of redness where I have been applying the cream. It is very itchy and tender, and to be honest, while I am still in the middle of all of this, I have questioned whether I would do it again. I guess it would be better to answer that in a couple of weeks. I have wanted to stop using it, but it is like swimming halfway across a lake. I think I will be happy in a couple of weeks."

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

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Had flu-like symptoms after five days of using imiquimod! Thought it was the end of me, lost weight, sick, and diarrhea, and hemorrhaged blood by the liter, 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."

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

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "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 symptoms 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 eyelids are swollen, and bags of fluid appeared under the eyes. After 5 of 6 weeks of treatment, I 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."

• Caz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2020

Aldara (imiquimod) for Human Papilloma Virus "I noticed small lumps on the inside of my labia. I went to my gyno, who confirmed they were genital warts. My gyno prescribed Aldara cream 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The cream caused intense itching in the area, soreness, and ulcers in and around the area. I also had headaches, was very fatigued, and had flu-like symptoms. After the 6 weeks, the warts have gotten somewhat smaller but had not disappeared. As it had somewhat worked, I asked my gyno if I could get another dose of the cream. I went through another 6 weeks of the medication and finished up about 2 weeks ago. Aldara did significantly reduce and clear most of the warts, but there are still some of them there, and 2 weeks after finishing treatment, I felt itchy down there again and noticed warts growing back again. I am sad as I went through so much pain physically and emotionally. I can imagine the treatment does work for some patients, so it is worth a try, sadly, it just didn't fully work for me."

• Tap...
• December 2, 2016

Aldara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "Have used this product several times over recent years, used for facial and scalp keratosis. It definitely works well, although skin conditions seem to return after a year or two. Treatment involves application of ointment on weekdays (i.e., five days, with weekends off) for four weeks. The major side effect I have noticed is flu-like symptoms (coldness and body aches) and tiredness. The several times this has happened, I have taken a day's break from treatment before resuming."

• dbh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2016

Zyclara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "First let me start by saying that I have RA, and I used this cream for 11 days. Went through the whole red, blistering, scab, and now smoother skin, however, I did experience all the flu-like symptoms and continue to feel horrible after almost 3 weeks off of this cream. My RA has flared, which has been controlled by medicine for 8 years, and I'm wondering if it is from the Zyclara. I really wish that I had not used this cream, and I would warn anybody with RA to stay away from it."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2019

Aldara (imiquimod) for Human Papilloma Virus "I'll use Aldara 3 times a week. I recently used it for the 2nd time, and warts on my penis already started shrinking, some are gone too. I didn't experience any side effects so far, but I got mild flu-like symptoms. Expensive medicine, but definitely useful, very quick to effect."

• Fit...
• June 3, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Had 5 HPV warts on the perineum area, and two just up on my vagina, and after 4 rounds of unsuccessful cryo, I was referred to a Gyno who booked me in for surgical excision and gave me Aldara at my request, citing that she had 'little hope' it would get rid of them. She was 100% wrong, they started clearing almost straight away. I applied the cream to the warts every second day for two and a half weeks (using half a packet each time), and the warts have literally ALL gone. My side effects were insane, with possibly the most intense burning I have ever felt, swelling, nausea, and severe back pain and flu symptoms, BUT I would do it again in a heartbeat."

• Mal...
• September 5, 2015

For Keratosis "47 yr. old male with light skin (Irish) here. Was reluctant to try and put it off for years. Finally, this summer, my doctor talked me into it. It was rough, no doubt. The first few days of session one, nothing-then it began. Cold-like symptoms lasted about a week (sore throat, cough), and my face was pretty beat up, just as advertised, the rest of session one and into the beginning of the two-week off window. I wore a hat when outside or in public-that helped. Took about 5 days after session one to go back to normal, but wow! There were a lot of actinic keratosis spots I had no idea I had. Praise God I did it. 2nd session, about the same happened, just not as bad. All in all, it's only a few weeks and is better than denial and death."

• No...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2016

Zyclara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "Just finished my second course of two weeks on, two off, two on. I pray this works! The side effects I experienced were between moderate to severe (flu-like, headache, upset stomach). My nose looks like I burned off the entire end, tip. It is very sore, crusting, oozing - very ugly. But if this is the price I pay for the medicine to hopefully work, I've sucked it up! I had MOHS in March of '15, and the new treatment spot is adjacent to the old scar. Praying this works..."

• TMC...
• December 9, 2015

Zyclara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "I took Zyclara for 5 days and, unfortunately, had to discontinue due to acute side effects, including fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, lack of appetite, and fatigue. I have been off now for 4 days, and other than the fever being slightly lower, the symptoms continue. I used it on my entire face, which is swollen and covered in bright red sores, some draining. This has been a very negative experience for me, but that's the chance I took, hoping the benefits would outweigh the side effects. I believe I may have an immune issue and plan to further investigate that, as I seem to get sick a lot and am easily fatigued."

• Sti...
• January 5, 2018

Zyclara (imiquimod) for Keratosis "Two days after I started using Zyclara, I had diarrhea for 2 days, lack of appetite for 5 days, flu-like symptoms, and nausea for 12 days. After 8 days, my cleavage had bright red scrapes, most of which were oozing. After 14 days, I stopped using Zyclara and started again after 14 days, according to the instructions on the package insert. Again, after 2 days of using Zyclara, I had the same symptoms all over again, this time even worse."

• Spa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "I had genital warts 10 years ago that I cleared with Condylox and with time, but they came back a few weeks ago. I was kind of bummed and confused because I had read everywhere that cases usually clear in two years and don’t return. This is my first time using Aldara. I’m a week in and I was applying 3 days in a row and then 4 off. The first two days had no side effects. I am on day 2 of my “off” cycle and my flu-like symptoms are insane. Extreme chills, aches, fever, nausea. I was a little scared but realized it was from the Aldara. I’m going to use less next time and use it every other day. I’ve also developed a Bartholin cyst (which I’m prone to) during this treatment, so it’s extra painful. Fingers crossed!"

• Rai...
• August 9, 2018

Aldara (imiquimod) for Human Papilloma Virus "I had anal warts last year. I thought it was just a bump and it would disappear in no time. But it was growing bigger instead. Then I knew it was anal warts, so I searched for the remedy. I've tried so many treatments, but nothing works. I've tried ACV (apple cider vinegar), the warts disappeared, but somehow they came back. Then I came to Aldara. I used one sachet for a week. And then nothing happened for about three weeks, then I saw the change in the fourth week. The warts are shrinking slowly. I stopped the treatment in the ninth week. Now my warts are completely gone. Glad that I didn't get side effects, just flu symptoms for a few weeks, and I didn't get any burns or itching in the warts area. But this is the fifth month after I stopped the treatment, I feel my anus isn't as elastic as before. I often feel a little bit of pain."