ingenol topical

What is the most important information I should know about ingenol topical?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is ingenol topical?

Ingenol topical (for the skin) is used to treat actinic keratosis (warty overgrowths of skin) on the face, scalp, arms, and legs.

Ingenol topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ingenol topical?

Tell your doctor if you have ever been treated for actinic keratosis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you apply ingenol topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

How should I use ingenol topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not apply ingenol topical less than 2 hours before bedtime. Do not apply the medicine right after taking a shower.

For 0.015% gel: To treat actinic keratosis on the face and scalp, ingenol topical is usually applied once daily for 3 days in a row.

For 0.05% gel: To treat actinic keratosis on the arms and legs or trunk, ingenol topical is usually applied once daily for 2 days in a row.

Allow the skin to dry for at least 15 minutes after applying ingenol topical.

Avoid touching or washing the treated skin for 6 hours after applying ingenol topical. Avoid activities that may cause heavy sweating. After 6 hours have passed, you may wash the treated skin with a mild soap.

Each tube of ingenol is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include skin reactions.

What should I avoid while using ingenol topical?

If contact does occur, rinse your eyes with water and call your doctor.

Avoid getting this medicine in your mouth or vagina.

What are the possible side effects of ingenol topical?

• severe skin redness, flaking, scaling, crusting, swelling;
• blisters, pus, ulcers, or skin breakdown; or
• (if this medicine gets in your eye) eye pain, redness, burning, swelling around the eye, drooping eyelid.

Ingenol topical may cause scars or changes in skin color where the medicine was applied.

Common side effects may include:

• a skin reaction where you applied the medicine;
• pain, itching, irritation, or infection where the medicine was applied;
• swelling around the eyes;
• headache; or
• nose and throat irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ingenol topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ingenol topical.