Wartek - Wartec

podophyllotoxin

Wartek (Wartec) is used to treat warts on the outside of the genitals. It causes the wart to die and eventually peel off. It acts by preventing viral wart cells from dividing and multiplying. This results in the healthy growth of tissue. It has mild side effects and is well-suited for treatment at home.

Wartek contains podophyllotoxin in a white cream base for topical application. Podofilox is a metaphase inhibitor of dividing cells. It prevents cell division in the virus-infected cells of the condylomata acuminata.

Wartek is applied directly to genital warts, twice daily, morning and evening, for 3 consecutive days followed by 4 days without treatment. The affected area should be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and dried prior to application. Applied cream should be allowed to dry and not washed off.

The majority of patients will not require in excess of 30 loops for each application; however, a maximum of 50 loops per application may be applied. Treatment should be limited to less than 10 cm of wart tissue and to no more than 0.5 mL of solution per day. The recommended method of application, frequency of application and duration of treatment should not be exceeded.

Local irritations might occur on the second or third day of application associated with the start of wart necrosis. In the majority of cases the reactions are mild and they will disappear in a few days.

Podofilox is a potent vesicant and is to be used only as directed by a physician. It is for topical use only. Extreme care should be taken to avoid contact with eyes, tongue or mucosal tissue of the vagina or cervix. If the solution is accidentally spilled on healthy skin, wipe off at once, wash vigorously with soap and water and rinse well. The solution should not be applied to any open cuts or abrasions. Self-treatment of genital warts with surface areas greater then 10 cm should not be permitted.