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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Podophyllum

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Podophyllum

  • Avoid contact with eyes, nose, face, armpits and other delicate areas of the body.
  • Do not apply to broken skin.
  • Podophyllum is poisonous; it is for external use only.

About podophyllum

Type of medicinePreparation for warts
Used forPlantar warts
Also calledPosafilin, Compound Podophyllin Paint BP
Available asOintment
Paint

Before using podophyllum make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If the wart is bleeding.
  • If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy (temporary numbness, tingling, or pricking sensation).
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus.
  • If you have problems with your circulation.

How to use podophyllum

  • If using the ointment for treatment of plantar warts:
  • Place a corn ring around the wart.
  • Apply a very small amount of ointment to the wart, taking care to avoid normal skin.
  • Cover with a plaster.
  • Repeat daily.
  • When the wart appears soft and spongy, leave it uncovered and let it drop off.
  • If the wart remains, repeat the above.
  • If using the paint for treatment of genital warts:
  • Apply to wart and leave on for 1 - 6 hours before washing off.
  • Do this once a week for as long as your doctor instructs.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Avoid contact with eyes, nose, face, armpits and other delicate areas of the body.
  • Do not apply to broken skin.
  • Do not over-apply.

Can podophyllum cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Inflammation of the skinOnly apply to the affected areas, not to healthy skin.
Shedding of the outer layers of the skinOnly apply to the affected areas, not to healthy skin.
Skin irritationIf this persists or is troublesome, speak to your doctor.

Podophyllum is poisonous; it is for external use only.

How to store podophyllum

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 53rd Edition (March 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. London (link to current BNF).
  • Summary of Product Characteristics; Posalfilin Ointment®, Norgine Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised 27 August 2004, accessed September 2007
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Posalfilin Ointment®, Norigine Ltd, 16 August 2004
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
1471		DocRef:
dils3726		Last Reviewed:
12 Sep 2007		Version:
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