What is imiquimod used for?

Imiquimod 5% cream is FDA-approved to treat actinic keratosis on the face or scalp, external genital and perianal warts, and certain biopsy-confirmed superficial basal cell carcinomas. It works by stimulating the skin's local immune response.

Do I need a prescription for imiquimod?

Yes. Imiquimod 5% cream is a prescription medication in the United States. A licensed provider must review your health information and prescribe it before a pharmacy can dispense it.

How do I apply imiquimod cream?

Apply a thin layer to the affected area at bedtime on the schedule your provider prescribes, then leave it on for the labeled number of hours before washing with mild soap and water. Wash your hands before and after applying, and do not cover the area with occlusive bandages unless directed.

How long does imiquimod take to work?

Treatment length depends on the condition — up to 16 weeks for actinic keratosis and genital warts, and 6 weeks for superficial basal cell carcinoma. Skin reactions like redness and flaking are common during treatment; your provider will assess your response.

Is imiquimod the same as Aldara?

Yes. Aldara is the brand name for imiquimod 5% cream. Generic imiquimod 5% cream contains the same active ingredient and is used the same way.

How does ordering and shipping work?

After you submit your prescription or complete a provider review, a licensed U.S. pharmacist verifies the order before it ships. Your medication is dispensed from a licensed U.S. pharmacy and delivered to your address.

What should I avoid while using imiquimod?

Avoid or minimize sun exposure and tanning beds, since imiquimod can increase sun sensitivity in treated skin. Do not apply it inside the vagina, anus, urethra, eyes, or mouth, and note that it may weaken condoms and diaphragms.

Imiquimod 5% Cream

Name: Imiquimod 5% Cream
Brand: All Family Pharmacy
SKU: imiquimod-5-cream
Availability: InStock

Generic For: Aldara

4.8 Google Star Rated · 200,000+ Orders Shipped

Imiquimod 5% Cream — All Family Pharmacy

Imiquimod 5% cream (brand name Aldara) is a prescription topical immune response modifier. It is FDA-approved to treat actinic keratosis, external genital and perianal warts, and certain superficial basal cell carcinomas. After a licensed provider reviews your prescription, your order ships from a licensed U.S. pharmacy.

Select Quantity *

24 Packets 48 Packets 72 Packets

8-day supply · $1.88/packet

How It Works

Select your medication
Licensed providers review & prescribe
Our licensed U.S. pharmacists fill your prescription
Delivered to you as soon as the next day

Price: $45.00

HSA/FSA Eligible

Get Started

*Doctor visit fee & delivery cost not included in price. Refills at provider discretion.

Pharmacist Support Fast Shipping Licensed U.S. Pharmacy

Buy Imiquimod 5% Cream (Aldara) Online

A topical immune response modifier for actinic keratosis, genital warts, and superficial basal cell carcinoma

Medically reviewed by David Paul Mackarey, RPh, Pharmacist-in-Charge

Imiquimod 5% Cream Quick Facts

Drug class	Topical immune response modifier
Treats	Actinic keratosis, external genital warts, superficial basal cell carcinoma
Form	Cream
Typical dosing	Apply a thin layer to affected area three times weekly at bedtime. Leave on for 6-10 hours then wash off with soap and water. Use as directed.
Prescription required	Yes — prescription only

What Is Imiquimod 5% Cream?

Imiquimod is a topical cream that works by stimulating the body's local immune response in the skin rather than acting on cells directly. It is sold under the brand name Aldara and is available only with a prescription. Providers prescribe imiquimod for actinic keratosis on the face or scalp, external genital and perianal warts, and biopsy-confirmed superficial basal cell carcinoma in appropriate patients. It is applied at home in thin layers on a set weekly schedule and left on the skin for a period of hours before washing off.

What Does Imiquimod 5% Cream Treat?

Actinic keratosis on the face or scalp
External genital warts
Perianal warts
Superficial basal cell carcinoma (biopsy-confirmed, in adults)

Imiquimod 5% Cream Dosage

Actinic keratosis: Apply thin layer to affected area 2 times per week at bedtime; leave on ~8 hours, then wash off; continue for 16 weeks.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma: Apply to lesion 5 times per week at bedtime for 6 weeks; leave on ~8 hours, then wash off.
External genital/perianal warts: Apply 3 times per week at bedtime until clearance, up to 16 weeks; wash off after 6–10 hours.

Your prescriber will determine the dose and duration that are right for you. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.

Imiquimod 5% Cream Side Effects

Common side effects

Redness at the application site
Itching or burning
Flaking, scaling, or dryness
Scabbing or crusting
Swelling at the application site
Skin erosion or weeping
Headache
Flu-like symptoms

Serious side effects

Stop taking this medication and seek medical attention right away if you experience:

Severe local skin reactions (blistering, ulceration, open sores)
Signs of systemic reaction (fever, chills, body aches, swollen lymph nodes)
Severe flu-like illness requiring a dosing pause
Worsening or new skin lesions in the treated area
Signs of infection at the application site

Warnings & Interactions

For external use only; avoid eyes, lips, nostrils, and internal (vaginal, anal, urethral) use
Intense local skin reactions may require rest periods from treatment
Avoid or minimize sun exposure and UV light during treatment; use sun protection
Not recommended until skin has healed from prior treatments or surgery
May weaken condoms and diaphragms when used for genital warts
Safety in pregnancy not established; discuss with your provider
Not studied for use on areas larger than those specified in labeling

Tell your prescriber about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting imiquimod 5% cream.