I posted about 2 mos ago while feeling very lost and depressed after dealing with a rapidly spreading case of HPV/genital warts. I wanted to just pop back in and say that I have been on the Imiquad (generic version of Aldara) for almost 2 mos now and my goodness, what a difference. The area is almost clear with the exception of a few stubborn little f*ckers but I'm sure they will be gone eventually. I bought an 8 weeks supply but will get twice that time if necessary bc I used each packet for 2 treatments. I also am taking Echinachea and vitamins A,D and E every day.
The cream is
veeeery strong but luckily I went in forewarned w/ other people's horror stories and knew to use it
sparingly and did not have any really horrific side effects. Not to say it was comfortable-- far from it-- but nothing that I could not handle, esp once i saw that it was working. I could not drive with it though, I had to pretty much walk gingerly and take it easy around the house. I used it 3 days a week for 5-6 hours at a time, usually in the afternoon from about 4 PM to 10 PM. Honestly I think leaving it on all night would just be too long if you are treating a fairly large area, as i was-- maybe this leads to some of the bad problems that some folks have..?
My advice to anyone newly diagnosed w/ this--
do not wait too long to start the Aldara!!!! If $ is an issue, as it was for me, send your prescription to Canada and it will cost you only $112 for an 8 week supply (which can last for twice that time). I truly regret all the time I wasted trying to use apple cider vinegar/tea tree oil/aspirin paste etc to kill these things.... my genital warts spread aggressively and I ended up having a very severe case w/ pain and itching. For anyone who complains of Aldara causing itching, you don't know how it feels to have a really bad case of GW!!!! The itching from them had gotten so intense i was in tears almost every night, unable to sleep, really barely unable to function as a normal person. I was mortified at how hideous the area looked and how uncomfortable I was 24/7. I could not imagine having sex again, the thought just made me cringe. It had taken over my life and I had gotten into quite a severe depression.
Thank you to the makers of Imiquad for giving me back my life!! And thanks also to my wonderful BF who was/is so supportive and patient w/ me throughout this whole process. He is a gem.
So this was my little update and my advice, FWIW.
I am sending good vibes to all of you newly diagnosed folks-- your life will return to normal one day soon! Get your Aldara and use it wisely!!
