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Overview: Podofilox is used to treat genital and anal warts. It comes as a gel or liquid that is applied to the warts. Common side effects include mild skin reactions such as burning, pain, redness, and discomfort where it is applied. If you have swelling, bleeding, or excessive pain, itching, or burning, stop using podofilox and contact your health care provider right away.

Uses

What is podofilox used for?

Podofilox is commonly used to treat genital warts and anal warts that are outside the body and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

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

How does podofilox work (mechanism of action)?

Podofilox is thought to work by killing the wart tissue.

How is podofilox supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Condylox

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5% topical gel
  • 0.5% topical solution

How should I store podofilox?

Podofilox should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, away from excessive heat. Do not freeze podofilox. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of podofilox?

The most common side effects of podofilox are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the product used. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions where it is applied, such as pain, burning, redness, tenderness, itching, and small sores (see below)
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of podofilox 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 podofilox?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Podofilox may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using podofilox 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 burning or pain, are common with podofilox and usually go away within a week of stopping this medicine. However, podofilox can also cause severe skin reactions. If you have bleeding, swelling, excessive pain, burning, or itching, stop using podofilox 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 podofilox?

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

  • Condylox
  • Podofilox
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific podofilox products they stock.

What should I know about podofilox before using it?

Do not use podofilox unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Using the medicine more often will not help it work faster and may cause more side effects. 

Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use podofilox. Read and follow the instructions that come with your product. Wash your hands well with soap and water before and after you use podofilox. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider. 

Podofilox is only used to treat specific warts on the outside of your body. Ask your health care provider where to apply it. Apply it only to the wart, not to normal skin. Do not use it for any other types of warts or skin growths, including warts inside the vagina, urethra, or rectum.

If you are using this medicine in a skin fold, spread the skin apart. This will help you reach the wart better. You can also use a handheld mirror to help you see the area. After applying the medicine, wait for it to dry before letting the skin folds go back to their normal position.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If this medicine gets in your eye, flush your eye with lots of water right away and call your health care provider.

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

Keep podofilox out of the reach of children.

While using podofilox, your warts should change from skin-colored to a dry, crusted, dead appearance, then go away.

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. Do not have sexual intercourse on the days you use this medicine. Condoms may help prevent both giving and getting warts. Talk to your health care provider about safe sex and birth control options. 

Stop using podofilox and tell your health care provider if the warts have not gone away after four weeks of treatment. Also, tell your health care provider if your warts come back. 

You can use podofilox during your menstrual period. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Podofilox liquid comes with disposable applicators. Each applicator is for one use. After you apply the medicine, throw the applicator away. Use a new applicator each time you use the medicine.

Podofilox gel is flammable. Keep it away from flames.

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

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 determine if podofilox is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how podofilox 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 podofilox passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop podofilox.

Interactions

Does podofilox interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect podofilox.

Does podofilox interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between podofilox 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 podofilox?

If you or someone else has used too much podofilox, 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 podofilox?

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.