Wartek (Wartec)

podophyllotoxin

Wartec is indicated for the topical treatment of all kinds of genital warts. Wartec is used on the skin to treat warts that are found in the external genital region (penis or vulva) or around the anus. It is used only for adult patients. Wartec contains podophyllotoxin, a plant extract that has antiwart properties. It works by destroying the skin of the wart.

Wartec is clinically more effective than any other self-administration alternative.

What is Wartec?

Podophyllotoxin in Wartec is a plant extract that has antiwart properties. It works by destroying the skin of the wart.

Wartec is a metaphase inhibitor in dividing cells binding to at least one binding site on tubulin. Binding prevents tubulin polymerisation required for microtubule assembly. At higher concentrations, Wartec also inhibits nucleoside transport through the cell membrane. The chemotherapeutic action of Wartec is assumed to be due to inhibition of growth and the ability to invade the tissue of the viral infected cells.

Before taking Wartec

Your doctor may have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using Wartec. Before using Wartec consult your doctor if:

• you have an allergy to podophyllotoxin or you are currently using other preparations containing podophyllotoxin
• you are pregnant/breast-feeding or intend to
• you have had or have any other medical conditions
• you are using other creams, ointments or lotions or taking any other medicine. Including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

How should I take Wartec?

The affected area should be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and dried prior to application. Apply the solution, using only enough cream to just cover each wart, ensure that the solution is applied to the warts only and allow it to dry. Do not wash it off and do not exceed 0.5 ml per day. Apply Wartec twice daily, morning and evening, for 3 days only, followed by 4 days without treatment (one treatment course). If you have any warts remaining 7 days after you started using the solution, repeat the treatment course (twice a day for 3 days followed by 4 treatment-free days).

If you use it less often than you should, it may not resolve your warts. Using it more often than you should may not resolve your warts any faster. If you use Wartec for longer than your doctor tells you, the chance of side effects may increase. Generally a maximum of 4 treatment courses may be applied.

The majority of patients will not require in excess of 30 application loops for each application, however a maximum of 50 loops per application may be applied. Where lesions are greater than 4 cm², it is recommended that treatment takes place under the direct supervision of medical staff.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Wartec side effects

Wartec helps most people with anogenital warts but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. These may occur on the second or third day of treatment as the warts begin to disappear. In most cases these effects are mild and will pass. Local irritation may occur in connection with the onset of wart necrosis. Anyway, you may need medical treatment, so tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects near or on the area you apply Wartec and they worry you: irritation, itching, tenderness, smarting.

Precautions

Do not use a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. In cases of excessive use of Wartec resulting in severe local reaction, the treatment should be stopped, the area washed and symptomatic treatment introduced.

Podophyllotoxin is strongly irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes and requires careful handling. The hands should be thoroughly washed after each application. If you accidentally get Wartec in your eye or mouth, rinse with water and immediately telephone your doctor.

Do not use Wartec on friable, bleeding or open wounds (e.g. after surgical procedures). It should not be used to treat warts that are found inside the anus or urinary canals of the penis or the vulva.

Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment. The use of a condom is no guarantee that anogenital warts will not be transferred to another person.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Wartec. If you have any other questions, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.