Podofilox solution is used to treat warts on the outside
of the genitals. It stops the growth of the wart and the wart eventually
falls off. Podofilox belongs to a group of drugs called
antimitotics.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used for a skin infection called
molluscum contagiosum.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using podofilox solution and each time you
get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Only apply
this medication to the genital warts that your doctor has identified for
you. Do not use this medication on warts around the anus or on the mucous
membranes (such as in the urethra, rectum, and vagina), inside your body,
or on any other skin growths.
Use this medication usually twice daily (once in the
morning and once in the evening, every 12 hours), for 3 days in a row,
followed by no treatment for the next 4 days. If the warts do not go away,
you may repeat this 7-day cycle up to a total of 4 treatment weeks in a
row. Follow your doctor's directions exactly.
First wash the area to be treated with soap and water,
and dry thoroughly. Use an applicator that comes with this product, dip it
into the solution just enough to wet it, but not so much that solution is
dripping from the tip. Apply this medication only to the warts your doctor
has directed you to treat. Do not apply it to the area surrounding the
warts. It may help to use a hand mirror.
For warts within skin folds, pull the skin fold open and
apply the medication. Let the medication dry before allowing the skin folds
around the warts to return to their normal position.
Only use the applicator once. Do not dip it into the
solution again. Throw it away in a safe place after use. Wash your hands
with soap and water after each application.
Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other
waterproof dressings. Covering the area with cotton gauze, or cotton
underwear for the genital area, is permitted.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Avoid getting this medication in the eyes/nose/mouth, on
healthy skin, or on other areas as mentioned above. If the medication gets
on healthy skin, wipe it off right away and wash the area thoroughly with
soap and water and rinse off. If the medication gets in your eyes, nose, or
mouth, flush the area with plenty of water for 15 minutes and contact your
doctor.
Do not apply a large amount of this medication or apply
it to a large area. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details. Do not use
it more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not
improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will
increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts after 4 weeks
of treatment, or if it gets worse, or if new growths appear during
treatment. Genital warts often return after treatment.
Redness, itching, burning, and pain may occur in the
treated area. If any of these effects last or get worse, or if you have
bleeding, severe swelling, or severe pain, wash the medication off with
soap and water. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using podofilox, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history.
This medication is not a cure for genital warts. These
warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Podofilox
does not destroy the virus. It only helps to remove the warts, but new
warts may form or old warts may return, during and after
treatment.
Do not have sexual intercourse on the days you have
applied this medication.
Genital warts are spread by sexual contact. Condoms
(such as latex or polyurethane types) may help prevent the spread of
genital warts to your partner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It
may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control
with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell
your doctor right away.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This product may be harmful if swallowed. If too much of
this medication is applied to the skin, wash it off with plenty of soap and
water. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing
out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center
right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, trouble breathing, seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all medical appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from high heat and open
flame. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.