Glutaraldehyde

About Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde is used to remove warts and verrucas on the hands and feet. Warts and veruccas are caused by the human papilloma virus. Glutaraldehyde works by inactivating the virus and stops it spreading by drying the wart and the surrounding skin.

Glutaraldehyde is available in solution form.

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

Before using Glutaraldehyde

Before using Glutaraldehyde make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• 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 Glutaraldehyde

• Use Glutaraldehyde exactly as directed by your doctor. Only apply to warts and veruccas, do not apply to any moles, birthmarks or spots.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Apply this preparation to the warts or verrucas twice a day, as directed.
• Glutaraldehyde 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 Glutaraldehyde.
• Only apply Glutaraldehyde 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 before applying the Glutaraldehyde. Rub the wart gently with a file or pumice stone before application to remove any hard skin. You may need to use this preparation for up to three months for complete removal.
• Do not allow Glutaraldehyde to come into contact with the face, eyes, or mucous membranes (eg. mouth, vagina, inside of nose etc.).
• Glutaraldehyde can stain the skin brown. This should disappear soon after your treatment has finished.
• Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside Glutaraldehyde.

Can Glutaraldehyde cause problems?

Glutaraldehyde occasionally causes skin irritation such as rashes, redness, itching, or a burning sensation.

This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using Glutaraldehyde 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 Glutaraldehyde

• 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: 19/07/2005