Reviewer: brebre7, 35-44 Female on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)

Comment:
I have a BCC on my lip at the cupid's bow. I didn't get very clear instructions on where to apply the aldara but since the biopsy was on the lip, I applied it there and above the lip (even though the directions say not to apply it on the lip...but that's what the doctor told me to do...). It's been a nightmare- swollen, crusty, bloody, painful lips. I would post photos if I could...The plastic sur ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
I have a BCC on my lip at the cupid's bow. I didn't get very clear instructions on where to apply the aldara but since the biopsy was on the lip, I applied it there and above the lip (even though the directions say not to apply it on the lip...but that's what the doctor told me to do...). It's been a nightmare- swollen, crusty, bloody, painful lips. I would post photos if I could...The plastic surgeon said to hang in there and that it was working. Plus I feel sick and tired all the time too. The worst part is living by myself with no one to look after me and having to go out in public. It's soul sucking and embarrassing and I'm so ashamed. I am mortified.
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Reviewer: 55-64 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)

Comment:
I applied Aldara on my chest for two weeks, four days on, three days off. By the second week, I felt very flu-like, swollen lymph glands, headache, nausea, taste buds were absent, muscles were achy. night chills with fever and serious heart palpitations. Lost 4 pounds. Also got a genital herpes outbreak, which I have not had for 20 years. This cream disturbs your immune system. I decided the risk ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
I applied Aldara on my chest for two weeks, four days on, three days off. By the second week, I felt very flu-like, swollen lymph glands, headache, nausea, taste buds were absent, muscles were achy. night chills with fever and serious heart palpitations. Lost 4 pounds. Also got a genital herpes outbreak, which I have not had for 20 years. This cream disturbs your immune system. I decided the risk was too much for me, and I stopped. There are other creams like Carac and Effudex, which may not be so systemically invasive. My opinion is that this is a very expensive drug, $300 for 24 doses, unless you have insurance, and I do believe dermatologists prescribe this because they get the 'kick-back' from the drug companies. There are less costly options. It was not worth the misery or compromising my health. One week after stopping this, finally, my heart palpitations have stopped, my swollen neck glands seem normal, and I no longer have the fever/chills. This drug is not for the faint of heart. 3M ought to be ashamed of themselves. Way too many studies and comments about the safety of this drug. Go find a conscientious dermatologist who can help you without applying chemotherapy into your body.
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Reviewer: js, 75 or over Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)

Comment:
Prescribed after surgery for BSC on left side of nose. Derm, says they didn't quite get it all. After reading all these reviews I'm scared to even try it. Will talk to derm. and see if there's another way!

Comment:
Prescribed after surgery for BSC on left side of nose. Derm, says they didn't quite get it all. After reading all these reviews I'm scared to even try it. Will talk to derm. and see if there's another way!
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Reviewer: Golden Girl, 55-64 Female on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)

Comment:
I was prescribed this med. for basal cell carcinoma on my face. The carcinoma was so tiny in size, it was barely noticeable. However, by the time my 8 week treatment was over, it was almost the size of a silver dollar. The first three weeks, I applied it 3 times a week. Then the dermatologist examined me and changed the treatment to 2 times a week until the end of the 8 weeks. It was fire engine r ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
I was prescribed this med. for basal cell carcinoma on my face. The carcinoma was so tiny in size, it was barely noticeable. However, by the time my 8 week treatment was over, it was almost the size of a silver dollar. The first three weeks, I applied it 3 times a week. Then the dermatologist examined me and changed the treatment to 2 times a week until the end of the 8 weeks. It was fire engine red and scabby--truly scary and ugly. However, it did not burn or itch. I had no other side effects. I am happy to report it has been 4 weeks since I finished the treatment, the carcinoma is gone and my skin looks almost normal--just a light pink. When the dermatolist examined me yesterday, she said the light pink would eventually fade to my normal skin tone. However, she suggested if I'd like to hurry that process, she could laser it (said the laser disburses the pink) and there would be no evidence my face had been treated.I encourage anyone who worries (as I did) during the treatment that they will be scared forever, don't give up and don't worry about your eventual appearance. FYI, I am a very vain woman so if I'm happy with the outcome, I think you will be too.
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Reviewer: Anne, 55-64 Female on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)

Comment:
After reading some of these reviews I was very concerned about using Aldara. I decided to go ahead and had no side effects at all. The site on my back became a little sore after about 3 weeks and scabbed.The scab came off and left a pink area.After 6 weeks of the treatment it is now a faint pink mark and I am to see the dermatologist in 4 weeks to see if it has gone.Everyone is different and not e ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
After reading some of these reviews I was very concerned about using Aldara. I decided to go ahead and had no side effects at all. The site on my back became a little sore after about 3 weeks and scabbed.The scab came off and left a pink area.After 6 weeks of the treatment it is now a faint pink mark and I am to see the dermatologist in 4 weeks to see if it has gone.Everyone is different and not everyone suffers bad side effects. I do think that people who have a bad experience report more than those of us who have not, hence my report.
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