PODOPHYLLUM resin, solution

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    Prescription under medical supervision

     

    Therapeutic action

    • Antiviral, antimitotic, cytolytic agent active against human papillomaviruses (HPVs)

    Indications

    • External genital warts, perianal warts and vaginal warts

    Forms and strengths

    • Podophyllum resin in alcohol or compound benzoin tincture, 10%, 15% and 25% solution for topical application

    Use

    • Always apply a protective layer of vaseline or zinc oxide ointment on the surrounding skin prior to treatment.
    • Apply podophyllum resin to warts:
      • For external warts, leave on the warts for 1 to 4 hours then wash with soap and water.
      • For vaginal warts, allow to dry before removing the speculum.

    Duration

    • Apply once weekly if necessary, for a maximum of 4 weeks.

    Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

    • Do not use to treat genital warts in children.
    • Do not apply to healthy skin or mucous membranes, or to warts > 3 cm, or to cervical, urethral, anorectal or oral warts.
    • May cause:
      • local reactions: erythema, ulceration, pain in area where applied;
      • systemic adverse effects: gastrointestinal disturbances, haematological and neurological disorders (possibly severe) in the event of prolonged or excessive application, or when applied to bleeding lesions.
    • Avoid contact with eyes. In case of eye contact flush immediately with plenty of water.
    • Pregnancy: CONTRA-INDICATED
    • Breast-feeding: CONTRA-INDICATED

    Remarks

    • Use by preference 0.5% podophyllotoxin solution: it is as effective as podophyllum resin, but less irritant and toxic. Another advantage is that the patient may apply the solution to the warts himself; whereas the resin must always be applied by medical staff.
    • When treatment is contra-indicated or has failed after 4 weeks, change treatment method (cryosurgery, electrosurgery, surgical removal).

    Storage

     
    –  Below 25 °C