I used aldara when I had my first outbreak. I was wart free after only about 3 weeks of treatment. I had suffered from GW for 2-3 months prior. So far, I have been free for one month. but like anything there is a possibility for them to return. You just have to be hopeful..stressing about it can make it worse. I also had no side effects from using aldara.
I'm no expert, but what helped for myself when I discovered it was freezing it and same time start using Aldara.
Aldara alone did not help for my fiance (to whom I unknowingly passed it..i know..terrible thing I did), but I read it got a high success rate.
Also I read a lot and found if you build up your immune system, your body can fight it off.
Good luck...I know it suck.