Attention all Aldara users....

[kdawggy]

If I have your attention I'm assuming you have used Aldara or are planning on using it.  I was finally prescribed Aldara after a few nitro treatments (some say it doesnt hurt, but I say it hurts horriblely).

I have only used it for three applications and I have seen zero effects - as if I had never started using it.  I have read that Aldara doesn't work for everyone, especially males... but I would like to know if anybody has had any success stories without unpleasent side effects?

I'm sure I could just apply it for the next 3 months, but I'd like to have a little bit of hope because right now I'd be happy with pain, redness, and itchiness, so long as the warts were being destroyed.

So does anybody know if the side effects and the drugs effectiveness are not correlated?

I can't get an answer to this anywhere.. please help with any info.

[empathy60]

Strain 16 is a high risk type that does not cause genital warts.  Most people with genital wart infections will not have to worry about developing cancer.  However of course, it is very possible to be infected with a low and high risk strain of HPV simultaneously.  I am not familiar with strain 8 and do not have the time at the moment to reference any scholarly journals to discuss it confidently.  Some information which may be useful to the forum below regarding potentially cancerous HPV:

By Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN
Affiliation: The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
2-29-7:

"There are 40 strains of HPV that can affect the anal and genital tracts and these are further divided into low risk and high risk strains. Thirteen strains are considered high risk, or more likely to progress to high grade lesions (HSIL, CIN 2 or 3) and possibly cancer, if not cleared by the immune system. These strains are: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68. Strains 16 and 18 are by far the most common types, and one or both are present in approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. Despite this strong link, only a very small percentage of high risk HPV infections will ever become invasive cancer (estimated at 2%). The time between initial exposure and the development of cancer can vary from months to years, but the average time is thought to be 15 years. Unfortunately, the high risk HPV strains do not usually cause any symptoms to alert someone that they have the infection. The low risk strains are not considered a risk for cervical cancer, but they can cause low grade lesions (CIN 1) and several of these strains can cause genital warts. "

[DSP1960]

Anal cancer is on the rise and strains 8 and 16 definitely c ause cancer.  Although rare, it is not something to take lightly.  Anal cancer can leave someone with a colostomy and cervical cancer can leave a woman unable tro give childbirth.

[kdawggy]

Thank you for the more specific responses.  My fingers are crossed.

[empathy60]

Genital warts usually do not cause any form of cancer.  Over 90% of genital wart cases are caused by strains 6 &11 which are not cancerous.  There are certain strains of genital warts that can increase cancer risk, but the vast majority of warts do not.  Hence, why genital warts are referred to as "low risk HPV" and those that cause abnormal cervical cell changes that can lead to cancer (and less often penile/anal cancer in men) as "high risk HPV"

[DSP1960]

I used Aldara successfully and never got any redness, pain ,etc.  
I had a wart under a fingernail once and the Dr prescribed Aldara with a bandage over the finger to keep the medicine on and in two weeks it was gone.
Some HPV (genital warts do not respond to Aldara or freezing and must be zapped with a CO2 laser or cut out or burned out with the Hyfrecator (sp?)
All people with visible genital  warts should have them removed ASAP as they can cause cancer in females AND males.  Males  can get Anal Cancer and females too - Farrah Fawcett has it and it is usually only caused by HPV and unprotected anal sex.

[empathy60]

Ohhh.  Well, I didn't have any redness the first week.  Or even the second really.  But by week three, I was all red and a lot more tender- which indicates typically that it's working.  It took time.  Aldara is just one of those things that takes lots of time.

[kdawggy]

Thanks for the reply empathy.. though I think you misread my question.  My issue is that I'm NOT getting any redness, itchiness, etc.  I am not expecting that the Aldara will work after three applications on the warts; I am concerned however that my complete lack of other symptoms i.e. redness, itchiness, blisters, etc.  means that the drug is not working.

I would like to see if anybody has used Aldara, not had any noticable negative side effects, and had it still be effective.

[empathy60]

It is uncomfortable, and sometimes painful.  Use Vaseline to cover normal skin and a q-tip to only apply it to warts.  It won't work just after three applications, you have to give it more time.  But if the pain is just that awful, then tell your doctor.  It cleared a great deal on me, but took a little time.  But yes, it is known for working better in women than in men.  I'd give it a couple more weeks and make my decision if you can tough it out.