Warticon Cream

What is Warticon Cream?

Warticon is a cream that contains the active ingredient podophyllotoxin; this plant extract is part of a group of medicines known as 'antivirals'.

Warticon Cream is commonly prescribed as a treatment for genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warticon attacks the virus and helps to kill the wart cells, which will effectively clear the problem.

You must have a prescription to buy Warticon Cream.

What is Warticon used to treat?

Warticon is suitable for treating smaller warts in the early stages of infection. Warticon is a commonly prescribed cream used to treat genital warts in both men and women.

Warts are generally caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The active ingredient in Warticon fights HPV, which causes the cells within the warts to die. This means healthy tissue is able to replace the wart cells within a matter of weeks.

Warticon Cream vs Warticon Solution

Both the cream and solution versions of Warticon contain the same active ingredient, podophyllotoxin. Therefore, they work in the same way. One version of the medication will not work noticeably faster than the other and it is down to the patient to decide which they would prefer to use.

However, Warticon Cream may be more suitable for women as it is often easier for them to apply than the solution. At the same time, men suffering from genital warts will normally be recommended the solution, as it comes with an applicator that makes it easier to apply the treatment to individual warts around the penis.

How does Warticon cream work?

Warticon cream should be applied directly to the warts. The active ingredient, podophyllotoxin, works to fight the human papillomavirus (HPV) rather than just working to fight wart tissue. This means that Warticon gets to the root of the problem to stop HPV from keeping genital warts alive. This stops the virus from spreading and will kill the warts.

In time, the wart tissue will be eradicated and replaced by healthy new tissue.

Who can use Warticon?

Warticon is a very effective treatment for genital warts, but it is not suitable for everyone to use.

You should not be using Warticon if any of these apply to you:

• You have warts on areas of broken, bleeding or damaged skin
• You are already using any other medicine that contains podophyllotoxin
• You are allergic to podophyllotoxin or any of the other ingredients contained in Warticon

If your warts cover an area larger than 4cm, your treatment may need to be applied by a doctor or nurse.

Warticon is for external use only, it should not be applied to the inside of the penis, vagina or anus.

Do not put any kind of dressing, such as a bandage or plaster, over the affected area while using Warticon.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of precautions to take.

Can you buy Warticon Cream over the counter?

You cannot buy Warticon Cream unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Can you buy Warticon Cream online in the UK?

Yes, you can order Warticon Cream online from regulated pharmacies like Medicine Direct. However, as this is a prescription-strength treatment, you will first need to complete a simple and confidential online consultation. This requires you to fill out a questionnaire about your medical history and condition, which will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors, pharmacists or prescribers to make sure Warticon is suitable for you.

Next day delivery is available if you place your order by 2pm.

Warticon Cream alternatives

Warticon Solution may be more suitable for males who are suffering from genital warts. This solution works in the same way as Warticon Cream and will provide effective treatment in a similar length of time. However, as it comes with an applicator, men may find it easier to apply the solution to individual warts.

Condyline also contains podophyllotoxin as its active ingredient. Like Warticon, this solution should be applied to the effective area in the same way.

Another cream treatment for genital warts is Aldara. This cream will kill the cells within the warts and will normally clear the problem in 8 weeks.

Warticon Indications and Dose

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Wartion Cream.

Apply Warticon Cream twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

The cream should be applied every 12 hours for three days.

After this, do not use the cream for the next four days. These seven days equate to one treatment cycle. If you still have warts after this seven day period, you can repeat the same cycle of treatment up to four times.

How to apply Warticon cream

1. Use soap and water to wash the affected area. After washing the area, dry it gently with a clean towel.
2. Apply Warticon Cream with your fingertip; apply enough to cover each wart. Only use enough to cover the wart and do not apply to healthy skin.
3. Rub the cream into the wart.
4. After applying the cream to all warts, wash your hands with soap and water.
5. Screw the cream’s lid back on tightly after use.

Read the patient information leaflet before using Warticon Cream for the first time. Here, you will find full instructions on how to apply the cream.

Warticon Cream Side Effects

As with all medicines, Warticon cream comes with the risk of certain side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

If you suffer from any of the below, you should stop using the cream and speak to your doctor as soon as possible:

• Irritation of the application site, including redness or an itching/burning sensation
• Wearing away of the top layers of skin
• Bleeding, stinging, burning or swelling of the treated skin

You should speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• You have an allergic reaction to the medication (pain, bleeding, swelling etc.)
• You develop skin ulcers
• Your skin has scabbing, discolouration, dry skin or blisters

This list of side effects may not be exhaustive; refer to the patient information leaflet for the full list of possible side effects.

Warticon Cream Warnings and Drug Interactions

Warticon may interact with other medicines; this can increase your chances of suffering from side effects and hinder the effectiveness of the treatment.

You must always make sure you inform your doctor of any medicines you are already using before you start to take Warticon; this includes both prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

You are advised to not have sex while being treated for genital warts, as HPV is contagious and can be passed on through skin-on-skin contact. If you do have sex while being treated for warts, ensure you use a condom to stop your partner from coming into contact with the warts.

Only apply this treatment to external areas of your body. It should not be applied to warts inside the penis, vagina or anus.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Warticon cream is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant.

It is not recommended that Warticon is used by women who are breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you are currently breastfeeding before you start to use Warticon or any other medicine that contains podophyllotoxin. They may suggest a more suitable medication to treat your warts.

Find out more on the BUMPS website.

Warticon Cream Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Podophyllotoxin

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.