Prescription skin cancer cream Aldara has horrific side effects...

[Julie]

Hi Richard,
Thank you, good to hear from you! I had mentioned I was more worried with no reaction, than I would have been had I had a reaction, and what you have explained is why I am worried. I ended up calling the Doctor today, and I have an appointment on Monday after explaining to the assistant what my concerns were. They want to re-evaluate me...I'll let you know what goes. Not sure what the re-evaluation process will be. I'll be mentioning the cytokines. I have this odd feeling that I may be one of those with the over stimulated immune systems, and may not be a good candidate for Aldara. I mean, I know I had the BCC. I find it hard to believe that all the cancer cells may have been removed between the biopsy and the cauterization (sp). I don't know. Will let you know., Oh, thanks for the e-address!~ Julie

[Norman]

I have been using Aldara for nearly 2 weeks my EGW seems to have got more red in colour....
does it have to get worse before it gets better?

Michael.....how long did yours take to get rid of?

[lucy]

i have been using aldara for 3 weeks and i dont see anything wrong with my body

[Julie]

Hi Richard,
Went to the Derm yesterday, after the exam, she said to stop using Aldara, she believes that there are no other cells left to treat. Which is great news! But she wants to see me back in December. That's fine. Told her about me side effects, she said they should subside. I still have rawness in my mouth and a funny taste, but we'll see what happens. That's all from here, have a great fourth! Lobsters and fireworks all around, for our celebration...Judi

[lori]

cynthia wrote:

my 16 year old son has 28 planters warts on 1 foot. his pcp wrote script for this x3 a week. told us to go to a podiatrist. The podiatrist said... use it 7 days a week. He has been using it for 2 weeks and the warts are going away with no side effects! Cost is high but company has a rebate program so I pay $60 for 30 days supply and they send me $25 back as rebate. So far so good!

where do you get the rebate form from?

[Bonnie]

My doctor prescribed Aldara for "possible" pre-cancer cells on my face and chest. I used it once a day for two weeks and my face, thank goodness, didn't react. I used it on two very small spots on my chest and the reacted area was bigger than the size of a grapefruit. I have experienced horrific side effects and was completely unaware that they were a result of the use of Aldara. I have experienced trouble breathing, heart palpitations, severe flu symptoms, depression, emotional instability, sinus problems, severe headaches and body aches, fever, chills, blood pressure problems, loss of energy, dizziness and that is just the things that pop off the top of my head. My doctor told me to continue using the Aldara. After seven weeks I cannot take it any more!!!!! I would rather deal with surgery later for possible skin cancer than to deal with the horrific side effects of this drug. It might not have been so bad had I been informed and knew what to expect. It took researching online to even discover that the things I was experiencing were due to this drug. My question to anyone out there is simply how long until I feel normal again. I am still experiencing depression and the obvious physical side effects as well as a greatly reduced level of energy.

[SF Rebecca]

Kitty, I have a friend in Arizona who has almost died from the cream. It affected her immune system and clotting factors. She almost bled out (bled to death)when she started her period. In the hospital they gave her 8 pints of blood, and 3 of clotting factors. She was in the hospital for several days before she was stable. That was a few weeks ago. She's back in the hospital now with immunological problems. 7/4/09.

[Sandy]

Hi Mandi, I too am a victim of Aldara, I have been seriously ill now for 2.5 years and getting worse, all same physical problems as other describe. I would love to be included if anyone starts a lawsuit or wants to exchange information. My email is [e-mail]. My heart goes out to all those damaged and suffering from this very dangerous drug, how can we stop these negligent Drs from using it

[Samekamaal]

I used aldara cream for 6 weeks for my bowenoid papulosis spots which were diagnosed as SCC in situ.
All the lesions went away in this time...had mild urinary incontinence...lots of anxiety, swelling, redness and burning in the area....but this drug is magic!

[e-mail]

[SanePerson]

I have been a physician for over forty years, and am treating BCC and AK on my face with Aldara. It has worked before and is working again, with typical side effects...the areas are small, fortunately. I am appalled by all the nasty negative litigious comments on this site, so I am going to stop -- reading, that is (hehe).

[Tracy Virgin Islands]

After I was prescribed Aldara and read this blog about the horrible side effects I was freaked out to even look at it. I wanted to make sure to post that I (happily) can say that I have been using it for over 3 weeks now on 5 places on my back and shoulder with NO side effects what so ever. Oh the areas look red and scabby but they don't itch, burn or bother me at all. My doctor said that she has prescribed Aldara alot with only 1 person having a mild side effect.

[mandi]

Sandy wrote:

Hi Mandi, I too am a victim of Aldara, I have been seriously ill now for 2.5 years and getting worse, all same physical problems as other describe. I would love to be included if anyone starts a lawsuit or wants to exchange information. My email is [e-mail]. My heart goes out to all those damaged and suffering from this very dangerous drug, how can we stop these negligent Drs from using it

I will email you sandi. I have just returned home from another week in hospital. unfortunately, even though my immune system is over stimulated, when i pick something up, the problems that I have post aldara, knock me around and i become very ill very quickly.I don't have any answers yet. I have just started a new treatment and will talk to you about it. it will take a long time until we know if it works or not. The reaction from the specialist who looks after me when i am hospitilised, was "why not..there isn't anything else that we have found that will help you." It is worth anything to try to resume a normal life again. If anyone needs to know about the treatment you are welcome to email me. I won't detail it on this site.Hope everyone else who has been affected by aldar is going ok. The northern hemishere is in summer so I hope it is a little easier for you. drop me a line if you have time. would love to hear how you are going.

[mandi]

If anyone is interested in sharing information regarding positve treatments to try to reverse the damage done by aldara cream please email me [e-mail].
Maybe we might be able to find some solutions to the problems that are being experienced after using aldara cream. thanks.

[Sherri]

Shirley Schjott wrote:

I am currently using Aldara Cream as recommended by my dermatologist. I am experiencing the following symptons: Headaches, heart palpitations, fatigue,burning in throat, tightness in throat, flu-like symptons and severe acid reflux symptons.
I have used this cream ( now I understand it is an Acid) on Open sores as many have described above and am very concerned that this product may, very likely, be the cause of my current problems!!!
Tomorrow ( 4-21-08) I am having an "Endoscopy" to determine if I have an Ulcer,Hiatus Hernia or infection that is causing these symptons.
Has any one reading these comments, regarding Aldara cream, had any of the same problems that I have eperienced above---especially the throat and heart issues---- please respond.
My husband told me to quit using this product as he could see the relatiopn to the start of my treatment to the start of my using this product!!
After reading the above comments---I sincerely believe this product may well be the cause of my severe discomrort.

Hi I had the exact same symptoms as you after using the product for 5.5 weeks. I am so angry that the doctor did not tell me about the contoversy surrounding this product. I would have been happy to surgically remove the spot on my arm. Did your symptoms ever go away? Please let me know. thanks!

[lisa]

Hello Sherri,

I have not used Aldara Cream since Sept.08, and still continue with the same symptoms. I used mine on my scalp and have lots of Neuro problems...Neuropathy,Tinnitus . I've been to many well known medical facilities trying to figure out whats wrong with me. The one thing we have in common is that wretched drug Aldara. Other readers, don't be fooled on how this a marketed and prescribed. It's a powerful Chemo drug, that alters your immune system. It may kill the cancer cells, but it can also permantly alter your life. If you have a choice, opt for the surgery.

[mandi]

Hi Cherrie. I too haven't used aldara since 2001. I am still trying to cope with the numerous symptoms left from Aldara. I have had many Endoscopies to try to sort out why I have acute and chronic pancreatitis. Have been diagnosed with a small hiatus hernia, heart murmours, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica,greater trochanter bursitis. Where there is a joint or a muscle i hurt and have for the last 8 years. I used aldara twice and have felt severely unwell ever since.I sleep sitting up on a lounge as I can't lie down due to reflux and pain. I constantly feel like I have the flu and constant headaches. I am starting a new treatemt at the moment which is making me really unwell but may help in the long run. My email address is posted above. If you want to cantact ,me to discuss further, do by email.

[Rodney]

I have completed the eight weeks and I have applied the Aldara cream three times a week, as instructed by my dermatologist, and I am fortunate to say that the cream has worked very well, there is only one little spot left, and my basal cell carcinoma was the size of a silver dollar so I am relieved that it is almost gone. I am meeting with my dermatologist this Friday.

[Sherri]

mandi wrote:

Hi Cherrie. I too haven't used aldara since 2001. I am still trying to cope with the numerous symptoms left from Aldara. I have had many Endoscopies to try to sort out why I have acute and chronic pancreatitis. Have been diagnosed with a small hiatus hernia, heart murmours, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica,greater trochanter bursitis. Where there is a joint or a muscle i hurt and have for the last 8 years. I used aldara twice and have felt severely unwell ever since.I sleep sitting up on a lounge as I can't lie down due to reflux and pain. I constantly feel like I have the flu and constant headaches. I am starting a new treatemt at the moment which is making me really unwell but may help in the long run. My email address is posted above. If you want to cantact ,me to discuss further, do by email.

I have been off the Aldara for 7 days now and have noticed improvement. I am seeing my dermotologist this Friday and I have a lot to tell her! I have decided to see an onocologist to make sure the cancer is gone and question what Ican do about the long term effects of the drug. Sorry I couldn't see your email address but please feel free to reply. I hope you find some good news on your progress. I can't imagine how tis drug is still on the market? Talk too you soon Sherri

[mandi]

Sherie my email is [e-mail].

[Sherri]

mandi wrote:

Sherie my email is [e-mail].

Thanks so much I will email you over the weekend after I see the specialist. Stay well!