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What does it do?

Podophyllotoxin is used to treat genital warts.

How should you use it?

Wash the affected area of skin and allow to dry. Wash and dry your hands, then dip the end of the plastic stick applicator with the hole in it into the liquid and just fill the hole. Carefully put the liquid onto the wart. Continue doing this until you have covered all the warts in the liquid. Allow it to dry fully. Wash your hands again when you are finished.

Take care not to put the liquid on to healthy skin. Applying a barrier cream such as petroleum jelly or zinc ointment on the healthy skin surrounding the warts may help protect it.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Redness and swelling of the foreskin (if applying near this area)

Tell your doctor

Red, itchy, burning, sore skin

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Take care not to get any podophyllotoxin in your eyes. If you get some in your eyes, rinse immediately with water.
  • This product is flammable. Avoid fire, flames and heat (e.g. smoking, using a hair dryer) while applying it and immediately afterwards.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2020

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed