Is imiquimod the same as Aldara?
Yes, imiquimod is the generic name for Aldara 5% cream and they contain the same active ingredient. Aldara cream is made by 3M Health Care Limited.
- Aldara (imiquimod 5%) cream is a prescription medicine used on the face and scalp to treat actinic keratosis, a condition due to excessive sun and UV exposure.
- It is also used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, when surgery is not used.
- Aldara is also used to treat genital and anal warts that occur on the outside of the body in adults and children at least 12 years of age. It is not a cure for genital warts.
Aldara 5% cream can be found in both a brand name product and a generic option by the name of imiquimod 5% at the pharmacy. The generic product may help to save you money, or may be preferred by your insurance company.
Another brand name for imiquimod is Zyclara, but it comes in 2.5% and 3.75% strengths and is used to treat actinic keratosis and genital warts, but not basal cell carcinoma.
References
- Aldara prescribing information. 3M Health Care Limited. Accessed Sept. 21, 2021 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/020723s022lbl.pdf
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Does Zyclara work for genital warts?
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Who makes Zyclara and where is it manufactured?
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