Podofilm is a resin of a herbaceous plant used for the removal of benign growths, such as certain kinds of warts. This drug works by destroying the tissue of the growth. The wart becomes blanched a few hours after podophyllum is applied to a wart.
The death of the tissue happens in 24 to 48 hours. The wart begins to slough or come off and gradually disappears after about 72 hours. This drug should only be applied only in a clinic due to its toxicity and side effects if not used properly. You will be educated on how to apply this drug at home. This drug requires a prescription.
Before using Podofilm, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.
This drug is not anticipated to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults. It is still unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults. This drug is not anticipated to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.
Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as crumbling or bleeding warts or warts that have recently had surgery on them.
To use Podofilm properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This drug can poison you and it is recommended prevent any contact with mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes, such as the inside of the nose, mouth, or vagina.
This drug may cause severe irritation. Immediately flush your eyes with water for 15 minutes if accidental contact happens. The skin must be washed with soap and water to remove the drug if accidental contact happens. Swabbing with rubbing alcohol may be more effective in removing the drug.
Using this drug near heat, near an open flame, or while smoking is not recommended since it is flammable. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Do not apply this drug on moles or birthmarks to prevent any severe irritation.
Applying this drug to crumbling or bleeding warts or to warts that have recently had surgery on them is not recommended since it can have a risk of absorption through the skin. Apply the drug only around the affected area to prevent the drug from spreading to the normal skin.
A toothpick or a cotton-tipped or glass applicator must be used to apply this drug. 1 drop must be applied at a time, allowing time for drying between drops, until the affected area is covered.
The drug must be allowed to remain on the affected area for 1 to 6 hours as directed by your healthcare professional. Then, remove the drug by thoroughly washing the affected area with soap and water. Your hands must be washed to remove any drug that may be on them immediately after applying this drug. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.
The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults and children with venereal warts are advised to apply to the affected area of the skin and leave on the skin for one to six hours.
Treatment may be repeated every week for up to six weeks. Adults and children with other warts or benign growths are advised to apply to the affected area of the skin once a day. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.
Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
In using Podofilm, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Check with your healthcare professional if your skin problem does not improve or if it becomes worse within 4 weeks.
The powder or spray powder form of this drug may be used each day after bathing and carefully drying the affected area to help prevent reinfection after the period of treatment with this drug.
Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Podofilm to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear.
Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
