Podofilox

Common use

Podofilox topical (for the skin) is used to treat genital warts that appear on the outside of the body, but podofilox topical is not a cure for genital warts. Podofilox prevents the growth of certain types of cells.

Dosage and direction

This medicine is usually applied in the morning and evening for 3 days in a row, followed by 4 days of not using the medicine. This 7-day treatment cycle should be repeated up to 4 times, or until you can no longer see any signs of wart tissue.
Wash your hands before applying podofilox topical. Also wash the skin area to be treated, and allow it to dry completely before applying the medicine. Apply podofilox topical using the cotton applicator provided or with your finger. Apply the medicine only to the wart tissue and avoid getting it on healthy skin. If the genital wart is in a skin fold, spread the skin apart and apply the medicine. Allow the treated skin to dry before releasing the skin fold. Wash your hands again after applying podofilox topical.

Precautions

It is not known whether podofilox topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether podofilox topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Podofilox topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Contraindications

You should not use podofilox topical if you are allergic to it.
Do not use podofilox topical on any warts or skin growths that have not been checked by your doctor.

Possible side effect

Common side effects of podofilox topical may include: mild skin irritation (pain, swelling, burning, redness, itching, tingling, blisters, crusting, dryness, peeling) where the medicine was applied; headache, dizziness; sleep problems (insomnia); unpleasant skin odor; vomiting; or pain during sex.
Wash off the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious skin reaction such as severe itching, burning, oozing, bleeding, or skin changes where the medicine is applied.

Drug interaction

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied podofilox. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Missed dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms may result if you absorb podofilox topical through your skin by applying too much of it. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, confusion, trouble breathing, or seizure (convulsions). Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep away from children.