Podophyllin for Sexually Transmitted Infections

INDICATIONS: Podocon-25 ® (25% podophyllin in benzoin tincture) is indicated for the removal of soft genital (venereal) warts (condylomata acuminata) (4) .

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: PODOCON-25 ® IS TO BE APPLIED ONLY BY A PHYSICIAN. IT IS NOT TO BE DISPENSED TO THE PATIENT. SHAKE WELL. Thoroughly cleanse affected area. Use supplied applicator to apply Podocon-25 ® sparingly to lesion. Avoid contact with healthy tissue. Allow to dry thoroughly. Only intact (no bleeding) lesions should be treated. As podophyllin is a powerful caustic and severe irritant, it is recommended the first application of Podocon-25 ® be left in contact for only a short time (30-40 minutes) to determine patient’s sensitivity. To avoid systemic absorption, time of contact should be minimum time necessary to produce the desired result (1 to 4 hours, depending on condition of lesion and of patient), the physician developing his/her own experience and technique. Large areas or numerous warts should not be treated at once. After treatment time has elapsed, remove dried Podocon-25 ® thoroughly with alcohol or soap and water.

WARNINGS: Podophyllin is a powerful caustic and severe irritant. Keep away from the eyes; if eye contact occurs, flush with copious amounts of warm water and consult physician or poison control center immediately for advice.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The use of topical podophyllin has been known to result in paresthesia, polyneuritis, paralytic ileus, pyrexia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, coma and death (5) . Pregnancy: There have been reports of complications associated with the topical use of podophyllin on condylomata of pregnant patients including birth defects, fetal death and stillbirth (6) . In the absence of controlled safety studies, podophyllin remains contraindicated for use on pregnant patients. Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether podophyllin is excreted in human milk following topical application. In the absence of controlled safety studies, podophyllin remains contraindicated for use on nursing patients.