- CONDYLOX (podofilox)
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- BRAND NAMES:
In the U.S.
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- Other commonly used names are:
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- Description
Podofilox (po-do-FIL-ox) is used to remove certain types of warts on the outside
skin of the genital areas (penis or vulva). The gel is used also to treat warts between
the genitals and the rectum, the solution is not. Neither the gel nor the solution is used
to treat warts that occur inside the rectum, vagina, or urine passageways inside the penis
(male) or the vulva (female). Podofilox works by destroying the skin of the wart.
- This medicine is available only with your doctor's
prescription, in the following dosage form(s):
- Gel (U.S.)
- Solution (U.S.)
Proper Use of This Medicine
A paper with information for the patient will be given to you with your filled
prescription and will provide many details concerning the use of podofilox. Read this
paper carefully and ask your health care professional if you need additional
information.
Also, keep podofilox away from the eyes and mucous
membranes, such as the inside of the penis, rectum, or vagina. This medicine may cause
severe irritation. If you get this medicine in your eyes or on one of these areas,
immediately flush the area with water for 15 minutes.
Use podofilox only as directed, no more than 3 days a
week and no more than 4 treatment cycles. Do not use more of it, do not use it more
often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase
the chances that this medicine is absorbed into the body and that side effects could
occur.
Do not apply the medicine to any other wart until you
discuss it with your doctor. The total dose of podofilox used on all warts should not
exceed that which would cover an area measuring 1.6 square inches (10 square centimeters),
about the size of a dollar coin.
To use:
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- To apply the solution, use the applicators that come with
the solution or a cotton-tipped applicator. To apply the gel, use a cotton-tipped
applicator or your finger. Never reuse an applicator or dip a used applicator into the
bottle.
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- Apply podofilox only to the wart(s) discussed with your
doctor.
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- Podofilox can cause severe irritation of normal skin. If
you get medicine on normal skin, wash it off immediately.
-
- Make sure the treated area is dry before allowing the
treated skin to come in contact with normal, untreated skin.
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- Immediately after applying this medicine, wash your hands to
remove any medicine. Properly discard used applicator(s).
Dosing - The dose of podofilox will be different for
different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The
following information includes only the average doses of podofilox. If your dose is
different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
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- For topical dosage form (gel):
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- For warts on penis or vulva (genitals) or on skin between
genitals and rectum:
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- AdultsApply to the wart(s) two times a day for three days in
a row using an applicator tip or finger. Skip four days by not applying any medicine for
four days in a row. If the wart can still be seen, this application cycle may be repeated
each week for up to four weeks, until the wart is gone. No more than 0.5 grams of gel
should be used each day of treatment.
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- ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by the doctor.
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- For topical dosage form (solution):
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- For warts on penis or vulva (genitals) only:
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- AdultsApply to the wart(s) two times a day (every twelve
hours) for three days in a row using applicator tip. Skip four days by not applying any
medicine for four days in a row. If the wart can still be seen, this application cycle may
be repeated each week for up to four weeks, until the wart is gone. No more than 0.5
milliliters of solution should be used each day of treatment.
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- ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by the doctor.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine,
apply it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage - To store this medicine:
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- Keep out of the reach of children.
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- Store away from heat and direct light.
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- Keep top tightly closed.
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- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the
good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For podofilox, the
following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any
unusual or allergic reaction to podofilox. Also tell your health care professional if you
are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy - Podofilox has not been studied in
pregnant women. However, studies in rats have shown that podofilox causes problems during
pregnancy when injected at high doses. Topical podofilox may be absorbed into the skin at
certain doses. Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant
or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether topical
podofilox passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small
amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this
medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children - Studies of this medicine have been done
only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of podofilox in
children with use in other age groups.
Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied
specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the
same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in
older people. There is no specific information comparing use of podofilox in the elderly
with use in other age groups.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should
not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the
dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are
using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Podofilox may not be able to prevent previously healed warts from reappearing or stop new
warts from growing.
This medicine contains alcohol and therefore may be
flammable. Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not
all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
- Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the
following side effects occur:
- More common
- Bad odor (solution only), bleeding of treated skin,
blistering, crusting, or scabbing of treated skin, bloody urine (solution only), burning
feeling of treated skin, dizziness (solution only), headache (gel only), itching of
treated skin, pain during sexual intercourse (solution only), pain of treated skin,
problems with foreskin of penis (solution only) , redness or swelling of treated skin,
scarring of treated skin (solution only), skin ulcers of treated skin, vomiting (solution
only)
- Symptoms of overdose
- in order of occurrence
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea , chills, fever, sore throat,
unusual bleeding or bruising , oral ulcers
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need
medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to
the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects
continue or are bothersome:
- More common
- Dryness of treated skin, peeling of treated skin, soreness
or tenderness of treated skin , stinging or tingling of treated skin, trouble in sleeping
(solution only)
- Less common
- Changes in color of treated skin (gel only), skin rash (gel
only)
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some
patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. Last Reviewed:
06/27/1998
