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Overview: Veregen is used to treat genital and anal warts that are on the outside of your body. It comes as an ointment that is applied to the warts. Common side effects include mild skin reactions, such as redness, itching, burning, or discomfort where it is applied. If these side effects are severe, contact your health care provider right away. Veregen can weaken condoms and diaphragms, which can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your health care provider about safe sex and birth control options while using Veregen.

Uses

What is Veregen used for?

Veregen (sinecatechins) is commonly used to treat genital and anal warts on the outside of your body (external) that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is not a cure.

Veregen may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Veregen work (mechanism of action)?

Veregen may have antioxidant activity that may help treat genital and anal warts.

How is Veregen supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Veregen

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 15% topical ointment

How should I store Veregen?

Veregen should be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, up to 77 F (25 C). Store it in a cool, dry place, and do not freeze it. Keep the cap tightly closed when you’re not using it. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Veregen?

The most common side effects of Veregen are skin reactions where it is applied, such as redness, itching, burning, discomfort, swelling, or small sores (see below). Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Veregen that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Veregen?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Veregen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Veregen may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Veregen and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Mild skin reactions, such as redness, itching, and burning, are common with Veregen. But Veregen can also cause severe skin reactions. If you have any of these side effects that are severe, or if you get an open sore where you applied Veregen, remove the ointment by washing the area with mild soap and water. Stop using Veregen and call your health care provider right away. If you are not sure if your reaction is normal or severe, ask your health care provider. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Veregen?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Veregen.

  • Sinecatechins
  • Veregen
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Veregen.

What should I know about Veregen before using it?

Do not use Veregen unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use Veregen. Read and follow the instructions that come with this medicine. Wash your hands before and after you apply Veregen.

Veregen is only used to treat specific warts on the outside of the genitals and anus. Ask your health care provider where to apply it. Do not use it for warts inside the vagina, urethra, anus, or rectum. Do not use it on open wounds or in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about how to use Veregen.

Do not share Veregen with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Veregen out of the reach of children. Since this medicine can be stored in the refrigerator, take special care to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area that you are treating. Wear loose-fitting underwear after you apply this medicine.

While using Veregen, do not expose the treated areas to sunlight, UV light, or tanning beds. 

Genital warts are transmitted by sexual contact, and you may infect your partner (or get them from your partner). Have your partner get checked for warts.

Avoid all types of sexual contact while this medicine is on your skin. Veregen can weaken condoms and diaphragms, which can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your health care provider about safe sex and birth control options. 

This medicine may stain light-colored bedding or clothing. 

If you use tampons, insert the tampon before using Veregen. If you change your tampon while the medicine is on your skin, take care to avoid getting the medicine into the vagina. 

If you are not circumcised and are treating warts under your foreskin, be sure to pull back the foreskin and clean the area every day. 

You should keep using Veregen until your warts completely go away. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for how long to use it. Tell your health care provider if your warts do not go away or come back. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Veregen?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Veregen is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • A weak immune system
  • Open wounds, unhealed skin, or are using other skin products near the area to be treated

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Veregen could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Veregen passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Veregen while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Veregen?

For more information about Veregen, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.veregen.com or call them at 800-308-6755.

Interactions

Does Veregen interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Veregen and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Veregen and alcohol.

Does Veregen interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Veregen and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Veregen?

If you or someone else has used too much Veregen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Veregen?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.