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Podophyllotoxin

Sounds like 'poh-doff-il-oh-tock-sin'

Key points about podophyllotoxin

Podophyllotoxin is used to treat genital warts.
Podophyllotoxin is also called Condyline®.
Find out how to apply it safely and possible side effects.

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Podophyllotoxin is a plant extract used in adults to treat small external genital warts.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, podophyllotoxin is available as a liquid solution (0.5%) called Condyline® that is applied onto the warts.

Podophyllotoxin works by preventing viral wart cells from dividing and multiplying. Eventually, all the wart cells die, and new healthy cells grow to replace them.

The solution should only be used on warts that can be clearly seen and are easy-to-reach as podopyllotoxin can cause ulceration if it's not applied properly. It isn’t recommended if you have a vagina as it’s difficult to apply and shouldn’t be used on the inner skin of your vagina.

Apply the solution to each wart 2 times a day (in the morning and the evening) for 3 days in a row. This is then followed by 4 days without treatment.

Repeat the 3 days of treatment every week until the wart is gone or until you’ve treated the warts for 5 weeks.

Don’t use podophyllotoxin for more than 5 weeks in a row.

Wash the affected area with soap and water, and dry completely before applying the solution.
Podophyllotoxin solution can irritate healthy skin. To avoid this, apply a protective layer of vaseline or zinc ointment on the area around the wart before applying the solution.
Using one of the supplied cotton-tipped applicators, apply solution to just cover each wart. Make sure the treated area is dry before allowing the treated skin to come in contact with normal, untreated skin.
Take care that the solution doesn't come into contact with the healthy skin. If it does come into contact with healthy skin, flush with water for 15 minutes.
Wash your hands thoroughly after each application.
Always use the solution exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.
Missed dose: If you forget to apply the solution, do it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just apply the next dose at the usual time. Don't apply double the amount.

Here are some things to know when you're using podophyllotoxin. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Sexual contact isn’t generally recommended while you’re treating genital warts. It's best to wait until your warts have gone and your skin has healed.
If you do have sex, limit contact to days when you’re not using the treatment and use a condom. Not only can the warts be passed on to your partner, but the podophyllotoxin can irritate your partner's skin. It’s also advisable to use condoms for a time even after the warts have gone.
Take care not to get the solution in your eyes, nostrils or on your lips. If it does come into contact with these areas, flush with water for 15 minutes.
Let your healthcare provider know if you’re pregnant, plan to become pregnant or you're breastfeeding.
Keep this medicine out of sight and out of reach of children. If you think a child or someone else has taken a medicine that is not for them, call the New Zealand National Poisons Centre(external link) immediately on 0800 764 766 for advice. Read more about what you can do in the event of a poisoning.
Podophyllotoxin contains alcohol and is flammable. Don’t use it near open flames or while smoking. Keep your body away from open flames after you have applied the medicine.
This treatment doesn’t always work for everyone. If it doesn’t help you, contact your healthcare provider to discuss other options.

Like all medicines, podophyllotoxin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Skin redness, itching and burning	This is quite common on the second or third day of application, but tends to be mild. Try to only apply the solution to the warts and not the area around the wart. Tell your doctor if this is severe or the area starts to bleed.