Formaldehyde

About Formaldehyde

This belongs to the group of medicines known as keratolytics.

Formaldehyde is used to remove warts and verrucas on the hands and feet. Warts and veruccas are caused by the human papilloma virus. Formaldehyde works by destroying the infected tissue.

Formaldehyde is available in gel form.

It is also sometimes known as Veracur. You may notice the use of either name on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Formaldehyde

Before using any of this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from diabetes or circulation problems such as Raynaud's disease
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to use Formaldehyde

• Use this preparation exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Apply this preparation to the warts/verrucas twice a day, as directed.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Avoid broken skin when applying formaldehyde.
• Only apply this preparation to the warts or verrucas and try to avoid the surrounding skin. You can protect the healthy skin by applying white soft paraffin around the wart or verruca. Rub the wart gently with a file or pumice stone once a week to remove the dead skin. You may need to use this preparation for up to three months for complete removal.
• Do not allow formaldehyde to come into contact with the face, eyes, ears, or mucous membranes (e.g. mouth, vagina, inside of nose etc.).
• Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside formaldehyde.

Can Formaldehyde cause problems?

Formaldehyde occasionally causes skin irritation such as redness, itching, or a burning sensation. This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using formaldehyde and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Formaldehyde

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 27/06/2005