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Aldara

Genital warts|Active ingredient(s): Imiquimod|Manufacturer: Various

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Complete clearance of genital warts with an easy-to-apply cream.

  • Complete clearance of genital warts within 10 weeks
  • Activates the immune system to treat unpleasant symptoms
  • Non-invasive topical treatment
  • Strong formula for reliable results
  • Imiquimod 5% cream (250 mg sachets)

How to use

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Wash your hands

Before going to bed, wash your hands with mild soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly.

An outstretched hand with a small amount of cream on the fingertip

Apply the cream

Apply a thin layer of Aldara cream to the affected area and rub gently into the skin.

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Let it work

Leave the cream on for 6 to 10 hours while you sleep. After this time has passed, wash the area with soap and water.

What others say about Aldara

Trustpilot review
16 reviews with score 4.8

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Price is all-inclusive.
Consultation is included.
Prescription is included.

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UK: Free next-day delivery.
Discreet packaging.

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Certified online pharmacy.

Aldara

What is Aldara?

Aldara is a prescription cream manufactured by Meda AB used to treat genital warts. When applied to warts three times a week, it works on the immune system to clear symptoms and leave skin in the genital area smooth and healthy. Each pack contains 12 sachets, each containing 250 mg of 5% imiquimod cream.

How does Aldara cream work?

Aldara 5% works by stimulating your immune system around the area of your genital warts. The active ingredient, Imiquimod, is an immune response modifier that helps your body recognise and destroy abnormal cells. When applied directly to your warts, Aldara provides relief from discomfort and clear, smooth skin within weeks.

How effective is Aldara?

Aldara is one of the most effective and fast-acting non-surgical treatments for genital warts, with complete clearance achieved in over half of patients within 16 weeks.

A review of 6 clinical trials found that 51% of patients using Imiquimod (generic Aldara) experienced full wart clearance within 16 weeks, and most of these remained wart-free without recurrence. These results highlight Aldara’s effectiveness as a treatment for genital warts, leaving most who use it satisfied and free from discomfort.

Is Aldara more effective in women than men?

Yes, some studies indicate that Aldara cream can be more effective in women, with one study finding that 75% of women using Imiquimod 5% cream experienced full wart clearance. This is significantly higher than the average success rate, indicating that Aldara is more effective at treating genital warts in women.

Who can use Aldara cream?

To be prescribed Aldara for genital warts, you must be over 18, and must complete a short online questionnaire so our doctors can determine whether treatment is safe for you.

Do not use Aldara 5% cream if you are allergic to imiquimod or any other ingredient found in this medicine.

Additionally, tell our doctors if you:

  • have previously used Aldara cream or a similar treatment
  • have an autoimmune disorder
  • have had an organ transplant

It is important to disclose your full medical history with us to ensure safety during treatment.

How long does Aldara cream take to work?

Studies show the average time it takes for Aldara to completely clear genital warts is 8-16 weeks, although this can vary depending on the size of the warts, as well as individual response to treatment

Here’s a timeline of what to expect during treatment:

  • Weeks 1-2: You may experience mild skin reactions (redness, itching, flaking) where the cream is applied. Warts may look unchanged or slightly inflamed.
  • Weeks 3-6: Increased redness, crusting, or scabbing may occur. This reaction is a sign that Aldara is working. If it becomes unmanageable, consult your doctor for advice.
  • Weeks 7-12: Many experience full wart clearance by this time, but not all. If your warts are still visible, they should be noticeably less inflamed. If they are cleared, you may still see some redness.
  • Weeks 13-16: All warts should be cleared by this point. If not, consult your doctor for personalised advice. Treatment should not exceed 16 weeks.

Can Aldara be used on the face?

Aldara can be used on the face in some cases, but this should only be done under a doctor’s supervision. While primarily used to treat genital warts, it can also treat other conditions like actinic keratosis or certain skin cancers. At 121doc, we only prescribe Aldara cream for the treatment of genital warts.

Does Aldara affect healthy skin?

Yes, Aldara can cause slight discomfort when applied to skin. This is because of the strength of the medicine and the inflammatory effect it has on your immune system. The most common skin reactions are redness, soreness, itching, flakiness and swelling.

How do you know Aldara is working?

You know Aldara is working when the treated area becomes inflamed. This can cause redness, swelling, and crusting among other sensations.

While it can be slightly unpleasant, these reactions mean the active ingredient, imiquimod, is effectively targeting your immune system and clearing your warts. If you do not experience these skin reactions, Aldara may not be working as intended.

Are there any side effects?

Aldara is likely to cause side effects, although most are mild or moderate and indicate that the treatment is working.

Here are the Aldara side effects you can expect:

  • redness
  • skin thinning
  • flakiness and swelling
  • hardening under the skin
  • itching
  • burning

However, not all side effects of Aldara are a part of treatment. For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Does Aldara treat HPV?

No, Aldara doesn’t treat the HPV infection itself, but it can help remove genital warts the virus can cause. There’s currently no cure for HPV itself, but most infections clear on their own as the immune system fights off the virus.

Can I get Aldara cream without a prescription?

Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

  • safety during treatment
  • effective results
  • monitoring of side effects
Medical review byDr. Caroline FontanaLast review 03 November 2025
Dr. Caroline Fontana

Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.

Aldara Overview

Type of medicine Immune response modifier
Used for Genital warts
Active ingredient Imiquimod
Works by Stimulating your immune system to recognise and destroy cells causing genital warts
Effective within 10-16 weeks
Available as Cream
Available dosages 250 mg per sachet (5% imiquimod)
Usage instructions Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area three times per week for a maximum of 16 weeks
Packaging Box containing 12 sachets of cream
Manufacturer Meda AB
Storage Store below 25°C in the original packaging

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
What services are included with my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our online consultations are in the format of short medical questionnaires. You will be asked general questions about your health and medical history, as well as specific medical questions relevant to the treatment you have chosen. We will also ask you for your payment and delivery details to complete the order.

Online consultations take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All questions are necessary when issuing prescription medicines. It means that our doctors can make sure the treatment is safe and right for you.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

Yes, it is a legal requirement that all online consultations are reviewed by a registered doctor. This is to make sure the chosen treatment is safe and right for you to take. All personal information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, all orders are subject to doctor approval, and we cannot guarantee that your order will be approved.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your online consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by on of our in-house doctors.

If a doctor approves you for treatment, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription will then be forwarded to our pharmacist, where you medication will be dispensed and dispatched for delivery.

What services are included with my order?

Every order includes:

  • Free consultation - your consultation will be personally reviewed by one of our registered doctors.
  • Free prescription - a doctor will issue you a prescription if approved for treatment.
  • Free delivery - we provide free express delivery across Europe, you should receive your order in 1-2 working days.
Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes, our service is all-inclusive and there are no hidden fees. All 121doc orders include a free online consultation, a free prescription and free express delivery.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options at no extra charge:

  • Next-day delivery
  • UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not in, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

It is safe to buy prescription medications online from genuine and reputable healthcare providers, like 121doc.

Our medical staff and facilities are registered with the relevant medical governing bodies. We also ensure your data is protected by adhering to European data privacy laws.

You can learn more about our certifications here.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also closely adhere to data privacy laws.

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.

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Every order starts with an online consultation. We will ask you medical questions to make sure only treatment that is safe and effective is prescribed. We take into account your lifestyle, health and any other medications you’re currently using.

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As soon as you place the order, one of our doctors will review your consultation. On working days, this usually takes around one hour.

Questions:

If the doctor has any additional questions, you will receive a phone call and an email. We understand you might be at work or busy. Our customer service representatives are always discreet and can call back at a more convenient time if necessary.

Our emails never contain any personal or medical information, only a link to your private account on our website (where you will find your messages).

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Once our pharmacy receives your prescription, you will get a second email with your package tracking code.

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All orders include next-day delivery. Alternatively, you can select a delivery date that suits you better.

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We also provide a free UPS Access Point service. Pick up your package from one of many collection points across the UK.

With your tracking code, you will know the estimated delivery time. All we need is your signature (or a friend‘s or relative’s).

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All parcels are plainly labelled; there is no logo or any indication of its contents. Inside, you will find your treatment as well as a patient leaflet in your chosen language.

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With 121doc’s Subscribe & Save service, you can automatically receive your treatment every few weeks or months.

The order will be generated by us, using the information you provided (including delivery frequency). You don’t have to do anything. Payment is taken two days before shipping.

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There are two ways to subscribe. The first is during the order process. The second is via your profile here.

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