treats both genital and anal warts effectively with a simple cream application
works with your body's immune system to help prevent future outbreaks
easy three-times-weekly application that you can do at home
most people see results within 8-12 weeks of starting treatment
get started with Aldara now with a quick, discreet consultation
Free standard delivery on orders over £40
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Buy Aldara Online - Genital Wart Treatment
Benefits Of Aldara
If you’re looking for an effective way to treat genital warts, Aldara may be a good choice for you. It’s a topical cream which works by boosting your immune system to help clear the warts naturally. It’s also the only licensed medication for anal warts, making it the go-to option for people managing those concerns.
Most people achieve positive results with Aldara in just 8-12 weeks so it’s a convenient and reliable medication. Regular use may even reduce your chance of future outbreaks and make it easier to manage symptoms if you do experience a flare up.
With an easy online consultation and discreet delivery straight to your door, getting started with Aldara couldn’t be easier. Take control of your treatment and let Aldara help you feel confident and comfortable again. Book your consultation today.
This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
Aldara Cream For Genital Warts Summary
Type of medicine
Immune modulator
Works by
Boosting the immune system to fight off the wart(s)
Active ingredient
Imiquimod
Effective within
8 weeks
Pack size
12 sachets
Strength
5%
Manufacturer
Meda Pharmaceuticals
Generic
No
Use with alcohol
No known issue
About Aldara
Aldara is a prescription-only cream with 5% imiquimod, specially designed to treat external genital and anal warts.
It starts working as soon as you begin using it and you’ll normally find your condition clears up within 8-12 weeks, though some people see an improvement in as little as four weeks.
How Does Aldara Work?
Aldara works by stimulating your own immune system to fight the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes the warts. It encourages your body to produce natural defences which destroys the warts and stops new ones from forming.
By stopping the virus in its tracks Aldara not only tackles the existing warts effectively but reduces the chances of them coming back. Although genital warts can’t be cured, it’s likely they won’t reoccur after using Aldara. However, it is possible if your immune system is under stress.
How To Take/Use Aldara
Aldara is most effective when you use it exactly as directed by your doctor. You should apply it three times a week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday), unless directed otherwise, usually before you go to bed.
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and that the affected area is clean and dry. Apply a thin layer over the area and wash your hands again thoroughly afterwards.
Most people use Aldara for 8-12 weeks but always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Ingredients
Aldara’s active ingredient is imiquimod 5%, which helps boost your immune system to fight off the HPV virus which causes genital and anal warts.
In addition, the cream contains the following inactive ingredients: isostearic acid, benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, white soft paraffin, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, glycerol, methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216), xanthan gum, purified water.
Side Effects
When you use Aldara it’s not uncommon to experience mild side effects like skin reactions, redness and irritation or a slight burning sensation at the application site. Not everyone gets them, and most are mild and temporary.
You might also experience skin colour changes where the cream is applied. For some this improves over time, for others it is permanent. If you notice a more severe reaction, stop using the cream immediately and speak to your healthcare provider. Always follow usage instructions to minimise side effects.
Please read the patient information leaflet supplied with Aldara Cream before use for a full list of side effects. You can also read our guide on Aldara Side Effects to find out more information.
Warnings
Aldara is for external use only and you should never apply it to internal warts, broken skin or open sores. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be, talk to your doctor before using Aldara to ensure it’s safe for you. Similarly, issues with your immune system or ever used Aldara or similar preparations, tell your doctor before starting treatment.
If you’re HIV positive Aldara may not be suitable for you as it’s been shown to be less effective in people with HIV.
Always store the cream in a cool, dry place out of reach of children. Avoid keeping it in direct sunlight.
Most people can expect their genital warts to shrink and disappear within 8-12 weeks. This may vary depending on the size and number of warts you have as well as how consistently you follow the treatment plan.
You may see improvements in as little as four week or it may take longer than average – it all depends on how your immune system responds. The important thing is to use the cream as directed until all the warts have gone.
We recommend you don’t have sex until all the warts are gone but if you do decide to, then timing matters. Apply the cream after having sex, not before, as it can weaken condoms and diaphragms, making them ineffective. You could also transfer cream to a partner which could cause irritation.
Since warts are caused by the HPV virus there’s still a risk that you’ll pass the virus on during sex, so taking precautions in the form of appropriate contraceptives like condoms is important. And remember, Aldara won’t protect you from HIV other sexually transmitted infections.
You should only use Aldara externally on genital and anal warts. Avoid using the cream internally on the vagina, urethra (the tube that passes urine) or rectum as it’s not designed for internal use and could cause irritation.
If you’re using the cream near your foreskin pull it back and wash under it every day. If not, it could get tight or swell and become harder to pull back. If this happens you should stop treatment immediately and speak to your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Aldara, don’t stress, just apply it on your next scheduled day. It’s important not to double up doses to make up for the missed one as this could irritate your skin. Stick to your regular three-times-a-week schedule to stay on track. Consistency is key, so try setting reminders on your phone or computer to help you stick with your treatment plan for best results.
While Aldara is an effective treatment for genital warts it’s not a cure. Even when an outbreak has died down the virus lies dormant in your body and can flare up in future.
However, as Aldara works to boost your own immune defences regular use may reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Stress can trigger a flare up so staying consistent with treatment and maintaining good immune health is important to minimise the chances.
Yes, if you use condoms or a diaphragm, Aldara can weaken them, making them less effective. If you are having sex, it’s important to use other contraception too. This is because the cream damages their durability.
Speak to your healthcare provider about other forms of contraception that can work. Taking precautions during an outbreak and when using Aldara is essential to minimise the risks to both you and your partner.
You should only use Aldara for a short period, typically 8-12 weeks up to a maximum of 16 weeks. It’s not designed for long-term use and may increase your risk of skin irritation or other side effects without any significant benefit in treating the warts.
If you’re thinking about extended use it’s essential, you speak to your doctor to discuss the options and suggest alternatives if needed.
Aldara is unlikely to cause scarring when you use it correctly, but some people may experience mild skin reactions like redness, irritation, or flaking. It’s nothing to be too concerned about - these are usually temporary and part of the healing process.
You might notice some skin discolouration over the application area too. While this doesn’t last forever for most people, some may find it becomes permanent. To minimise any risk, follow the application instructions carefully and avoid using it on broken skin. If you’re worried at all, speak to your doctor.
Try not to worry if you notice some mild side effects like redness, itching or irritation – they’re quite common and usually go away on their own over time and as your skin heals. Remember to keep the area clean and dry, use moisturiser sparingly and wear loose clothes.
If the reaction is severe or you’re not sure, stop using the cream and speak to your healthcare provider for advice. They can guide you on whether they need to adjust your treatment or explore alternatives. Always listen to your body if something doesn’t feel right.
Start with one of our discreet, online consultations which take just three minutes. As Aldara is a prescription-only medication you’ll need to answer a few questions for a doctor to review. Once approved, your prescription is processed, and the treatment is delivered discreetly to your door. It’s simple, confidential, and convenient.
Always consult with a licensed medical professional before starting any new treatment.
Dr Don Grant is The Independent Pharmacy's original online prescriber and has advanced in his role to become the Clinical Advisor, using his wealth of experience to advise on our clinical polices and prescribing guidelines.
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
treats both genital and anal warts effectively with a simple cream application
Free standard delivery on orders over £40Spend £40.00 more for free delivery
Fast, discreet delivery
100% UK-based pharmacy
Free advice and support
We're rated 4.9 out of 5
We maintain the highest possible regulation for a UK online pharmacy, ensuring your experience is safe, and confidential.
