[MattSchtick]

Aldara (imiquimod) - is there a link to myeloma?

by MattSchtick on Sat Apr 12, 2014 8:51 am

I still ponder the 'What caused my myeloma' question and have been thinking back through my medical and work history and seeing what various search engines might throw up.

Since emigrating to Australia I have had 3 basal cell carcinomas (fairly common and relatively harmless skin cancers) removed surgically, but my dermatologist decided to remove a small cluster of them from my upper arm with a cream called Aldara. As I understand it, this cream works by getting your own immune system to target the area to which it is applied and the results are pretty aggressive. It is often used to target genital and other warts also.

A quick search soon threw up these and other links

http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/aldara/myeloma+-+multiple
http://jetblackliving.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/breaking-a-taboo-2/
http://www.aldara1.com/Aldara%20Monograph%20DSC.pdf

all of which started ringing my alarm bells, though the statistics are hardly conclusive. Inputting 'Aldara' into the Beacon's search engine yielded nothing, but I would still be very interested to know if any of you have Aldara in your medical history.

[EGeuzendam]

Re: Aldara (imiquimod) - is there a link to myeloma?

by EGeuzendam on Thu Nov 26, 2015 12:39 pm

I have the same question and history. I used Aldara for a short period about 7 years before I've got MML. I was 52 when I've got the diagnosis. That's very early.

[Little Monkey]

Re: Aldara (imiquimod) - is there a link to myeloma?

by Little Monkey on Fri Nov 27, 2015 2:43 pm

Interesting,

My dad had basal cell carcinoma removed surgically about 10 months before a SBP was found in his spine, I don't know if Aldara was used at any time.

I heard right from a myeloma specialist that there is no direct link between skin cance and myelomar; however, the dr said if you were to compare skin cancer rates between those who have myeloma versus those who do not, those with myeloma would have a slightly higher rate of skin cancer.

Last edited by Little Monkey on Fri Nov 27, 2015 6:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Carol D.]

Re: Aldara (imiquimod) - is there a link to myeloma?

by Carol D. on Fri Nov 27, 2015 3:26 pm

Interesting. I used Aldara in 2005 on my forehead, and it caused a bad infection on my forehead. In 200,7 I had shingles. Diagnosed in 2013 with myeloma.