What is podofilox topical?
Podofilox topical is a skin medication used to remove genital warts. The exact way that
podofilox topical works is not known.
Podofilox topical is used to treat genital warts on the outside (external) skin of the penis and
vagina. Podofilox topical gel is also used to treat genital warts on the skin between the rectum and
the genitals.
Podofilox topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking podofilox topical?
Talk to your doctor before using podofilox topical if you have allergies to medications, other
medical conditions, or if you take or use other medications. You may not be able to use podofilox
topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Podofilox topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use podofilox topical without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Use of effective birth
control is recommended during treatment with podofilox topical.
It is not known whether podofilox topical passes into breast milk and if it will be
harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use podofilox topical without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take podofilox topical?
Use podofilox topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Podofilox topical is intended for topical (on the skin) use only. Do not take this
medication by mouth.
Do not use podofilox topical to treat genital warts inside the rectum, vagina, or penis. It
should only be applied to genital warts on the outside (external) skin of the penis and vagina.
Podofilox topical gel is also used to treat genital warts on the skin between the rectum and the
genitals.
Only apply podofilox topical to the lesions pointed out by your doctor.
Apply the medication using the applicator provided or a cotton-tipped applicator. Apply the
medication to affected skin only. A hand mirror may be helpful to identify lesions. Avoid contact
with healthy surrounding skin. If the genital wart is in a skin fold, spread the skin apart so you can
reach the wart. Allow the treated skin to dry before coming in contact with healthy skin. Throw
away the applicator after one use. Do not reuse an applicator.
Do not use this medication on any warts or skin growths other than those identified by
your doctor.
Wash your hands after application of this medication.
Podofilox topical is usually applied twice a day, morning and evening for 3 days in a row
followed by 4 days with no treatment. This is called a "treatment week". Your doctor may prescribe
3 or 4 continuous treatment weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Mild skin burning and/or pain is expected with the use of podofilox topical. If the lesions
being treated are bleeding or swollen or if there is excessive pain, burning or itching, stop applying
the medication and contact your doctor.
Do not wash the medication off of treated genital warts unless there is excessive pain or
burning.
If the medication comes into contact with healthy skin, wash the area with soap and water. If
the medication comes into contact with the eyes, rinse them with water and seek medical attention.
It is important to use podofilox topical regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not use this medication more often or for longer than is prescribed by your doctor.
Excessive use of the medication will not make the medication work better, but may result in
increased side effects.
Your doctor may want you to have additional doctor visits during or following treatment
with podofilox topical to monitor progress and side effects.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided on days podofilox topical is used.
Genital warts are contagious. You can give them to or get them from a sexual partner. Make
sure sexual partners are checked for genital warts also. Condoms may help prevent the spread of
genital warts during sexual contact.
Store podofilox topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of podofilox topical?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not use a double dose of
the medication.
Where can I get more information about podofilox topical?
Your pharmacist has information about podofilox topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of podofilox topical?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using podofilox topical
and seek emergency medical attention of contact your doctor immediately
-
an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives); or
-
excessive burning, stinging, or pain or bleeding or swelling
of treated skin.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
use podofilox topical and talk your doctor if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about podofilox topical?
Podofilox topical is intended for topical (on the skin) use only. Do not take this
medication by mouth.
Do not use podofilox topical to treat genital warts inside the rectum, vagina, or penis. It
should only be applied to genital warts on the outside (external) skin of the penis and vagina.
Podofilox topical gel is also used to treat genital warts on the skin between the rectum and the
genitals.
Do not use this medication more often or for longer than is prescribed by your doctor.
Excessive use of the medication will not make the medication work better, but may result in
increased side effects.
This medication contains alcohol and is flammable. Do not use it near heat, open flame,
or while smoking.
What should I avoid while taking podofilox topical?
Sexual intercourse should be avoided on days podofilox topical is used.
Genital warts are contagious. You can give them to or get them from a sexual partner. Make
sure sexual partners are checked for genital warts also. Condoms may help prevent the spread of
genital warts during sexual contact.
This medication contains alcohol and is flammable. Do not use it near heat, open flame,
or while smoking.
What other drugs will affect podofilox topical?
Do not use other topical products on the same area being treated with podofilox topical
unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Other topical products may affect treatment with podofilox
topical.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with podofilox topical. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of podofilox topical?
