What is podophyllum resin (topical)?
Podophyllum resin topical is a skin medication made from a powdered mixture of extracts
from a plant called Mandrake, or May apple.
Podophyllum resin topical is used to treat genital warts on the outside of the penis or
vagina, or on the skin between the rectum and the genitals.
Podophyllum resin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking podophyllum resin (topical)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to podophyllum resin topical.
Before using podophyllum resin topical, tell your doctor if you have:
-
diabetes;
-
circulation problems;
-
Raynaud's syndrome;
-
if you use steroid medications such as prednisone,
fluticasone (Advair), mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol)
and others; or
-
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
podophyllum resin topical, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects.
Do not
use
podophyllum resin topical if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you
become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this
medication.
It is not known whether podophyllum resin passes into breast milk or if it could harm
a nursing baby. Do not use this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take podophyllum resin (topical)?
Use podophyllum resin topical exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in
larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Using more of the medication than prescribed
will not make it work better, and may increase your risk of unpleasant side effects. Follow the
directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Apply the medication using the applicator provided, or using a clean cotton swab. You
may need to use a hand mirror to guide you in applying the medicine directly to the wart. Throw
away the applicator after one use. Do not reuse an applicator.
Apply podophyllum resin topical only to the wart and avoid getting it on the surrounding
skin.
Allow the treated wart to dry completely before dressing or allowing treated skin to come
into contact with healthy skin.
Do not use this medication to treat genital warts inside the rectum, vagina, or penis.
It should only be applied to the outside (external) skin.
Do not apply podophyllum resin topical to warts or surrounding skin that is bleeding,
swollen or irritated. Do not use on moles, birthmarks, or any wart your doctor has not instructed
you to treat with podophyllum resin.
You may need to use podophyllum resin topical only on certain days of the week. It is
important to use the medication regularly to get the most benefit. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Your doctor may want to check your progress at regular intervals while you are using this
medication. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of podophyllum resin (topical)?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about podophyllum resin (topical)?
Your pharmacist has information about podophyllum resin (topical) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of podophyllum resin (topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
severe burning, stinging, itching, redness, swelling, or skin
changes where the medicine was applied;
-
numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;
-
easy bruising or bleeding, weakness;
-
fever; or
-
severe constipation or stomach cramps.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about podophyllum resin (topical)?
This medication can cause birth defects.
Do not use if you are pregnant.
Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during
treatment.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to podophyllum resin topical.
You may not be able to use podophyllum resin topical if you have certain conditions. Tell
your doctor if you a pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have diabetes, circulation problems,
Raynaud's syndrome, or if you use steroid medications.
Do not use podophyllum resin topical in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Using more of the medication than prescribed will not make it work better, and may increase
your risk of unpleasant side effects.
Do not use this medication to treat genital warts inside the rectum, vagina, or penis.
Do not apply to bleeding, swollen or irritated skin. Do not use on moles, birthmarks, or any wart
your doctor has not instructed you to treat with podophyllum resin.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. It can cause severe irritation. If the
medication does get in your eyes, rinse with plenty of water and call a doctor right away.
Genital warts are contagious. Avoid having unprotected sex if you have genital
warts. Using podophyllum resin will not prevent you from passing genital warts to other people.
Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing transmission during sex, such as using a
condom.
What should I avoid while taking podophyllum resin (topical)?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. It can cause severe irritation. If the
medication does get in your eyes, rinse with plenty of water and call a doctor right away.
Genital warts are contagious. Avoid having unprotected sex if you have genital
warts. Using podophyllum resin will not prevent you from passing genital warts to other people.
Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing transmission during sex, such as using a
condom.
What other drugs will affect podophyllum resin (topical)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically
applied podophyllum resin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about
all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of podophyllum resin (topical)?