Warticon wart treatment

Warticon contains the active ingredient podophyllotoxin. This cream is used to stop the wart from growing and usually clears warts in 4 weeks for most people.

Using Warticon wart treatment

Apply 2 times a day, in the morning and evening (every 12 hours) for 3 days. For the next 4 days, do not apply any Warticon. Do this for 4 weeks.

Wash your hands after using Warticon and screw the lid back on tightly.

Side effects

There are some side effects associated with Warticon, including skin irritation, rash, soreness or ulceration around the areas where you apply the cream.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

Effectiveness

Most patients find their warts disappear after 4 weeks, but some patients need to apply the treatment for longer. If warts still remain after 4 weeks of treatment, contact us via your Patient Record or see your GP.

Do not use a double dose of Warticon – this will not make it work any better or faster.

For Warticon to be effective, it must be used as prescribed. It is quite likely that the warts will reappear after treatment.

Warticon wart treatment works

The active ingredient in Warticon (podophyllotoxin) belongs to a group of medicines called 'antivirals'. It's applied directly to the warts and works to burn away the affected tissue.

Important information about Warticon wart treatment

If your warts cover an area larger than a 2-pence piece (or a postage stamp) we may not be able to prescribe you Warticon. This is because a large area of warts needs a doctor or nurse to assess and treat the area in person.

Genital warts are contagious and can be transmitted during sex. If you still plan to be sexually active while you still have warts, you should apply Warticon after sex, not before, and use condoms.

Warticon will not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Safety: taking other medicines

You should be able to use Warticon alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Warticon safely.

Alternative treatments

We can also prescribe Aldara wart cream (containing imiquimod), which treats for both soft and hard warts, as well as those around the anus.

Other stronger creams may contain the active ingredient trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These can only be administered by a medical professional as it can cause physical damage and pain if incorrectly applied.

In some instances, having warts physically removed may be appropriate, either through excision, cryotherapy, electrosurgery or laser surgery.