podophyllum resin (topical)

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

What is podophyllum resin topical?

Podophyllum resin is made from the extracts of certain plants (such as American mandrake, May apple, Duck's foot, Indian apple).

Podophyllum resin topical (for the skin) is used to treat genital and anal warts in adults. This medicine is for use only on warts outside the genitals and around the outside of the anus. Podophyllum resin topical is not for use inside the vagina, cervix, rectum, or urethra (the tube for passing urine out of your bladder).

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

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using podophyllum resin topical?

• diabetes;
• circulation problems;
• if you are using steroid medicine; or
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Your doctor may perform a Pap smear or other medical tests to make sure this medicine is the right treatment for your condition.

To make sure podophyllum resin topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• HIV/AIDS, or a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);
• circulation problems caused by diabetes; or
• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome.

How should I use podophyllum resin topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your doctor may want to give your first dose of this medicine in a clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur. Stronger doses of podophyllum resin topical must be applied by a healthcare professional and not at home.

If you use this medicine at home, be sure you understand and follow all directions for safe use.

Apply the medicine using the applicator provided, or with a clean cotton swab. Use a hand mirror if needed to see where you are applying the medicine. Apply directly to the wart and not the skin around it.

You can apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the skin around the wart to keep the medicine from getting onto healthy skin. Allow the treated wart to dry completely before dressing.

Your doctor will tell you how long to leave this medicine on a treated wart. Leave the medicine on for the full treatment time. Then immediately wash off with soap and water, or a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol.

A treated wart should turn pale or white within a few hours after you first apply podophyllum resin topical. Then the wart should turn dark and possibly black within 24 to 48 hours, and shed off after about 72 hours.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Your skin can absorb large amounts of this medicine if you apply too much, which may cause life-threatening side effects. Early signs may include confusion, hallucinations, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination, fever, sore throat, and unusual bleeding or bruising.

What should I avoid while using podophyllum resin topical?

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, vagina, or urethra.

Avoid allowing healthy skin to come into contact with a genital wart. Always wash your hands after touching a genital wart or applying this medicine.

Using podophyllum resin topical will not prevent you from passing genital or anal warts to another person during skin-to-skin contact or sexual intercourse. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent transmission of genital warts during sex.

What are the possible side effects of podophyllum resin topical?

• change in your mental state, confusion, agitation, seizure (convulsions), loss of consciousness;
• drowsiness or light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);
• weak or shallow breathing;
• severe constipation, little or no urinating;
• weakness, numbness, tingling in your arms or legs;
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• upper stomach pain, loss of appetite; or
• chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath.

Some side effects of podophyllum resin topical may not happen right away, and some may last for a week or longer.

Common side effects may include:

• swelling, redness, or tenderness of treated skin;
• itching; or
• burning pain.

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 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 each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about podophyllum resin topical.