Warticon 0.5% Solution

Warticon Solution is a topical solution used to treat genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warticon Solution contains the active ingredient podophyllotoxin, an antiviral compound that stops the multiplication of wart cells in the body.

Warticon Solution is used to treat genital warts. It is used for external warts on the foreskin of the penis in men and external warts on the vagina in women.

Warticon Solution contains podophyllotoxin, a powerful plant extract that targets the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts.

Podophyllotoxin works by binding to tubulin, interfering with microtubule function and preventing the HPV-infected cells from undergoing mitosis, thus stopping their multiplication and causing the wart cells to die.

Warticon Solution normally eliminates genital warts within 4 to 5 weeks of treatment, with the exact time dependent on factors including but not limited to the proper application of the solution and the unique physiology of the affected individual.

Some individuals may find that their genital warts begin to clear in less than 4 weeks of using Warticon Solution. If this is the case, it is advisable to stop using Warticon Solution, as this treatment is specifically formulated to be applied directly to genital warts, and may cause irritation if it is applied to healthy skin.

Individuals who experience genital warts outbreaks after 5 weeks of using Warticon Solution are advised to consult a doctor or GP immediately about additional treatment options.

1. Wash and pat the affected area dry before applying Warticon Solution.
2. For regular-sized genital warts, dip the ‘loop’ end of the applicator into the solution. For larger warts or clusters of smaller warts that are close together, use the ‘spatula’ end.
3. Carefully apply Warticon Solution to the warts using the appropriate applicator, ensuring the solution does not touch other areas of the skin.
4. Allow the solution to dry on the warts.
5. Repeat this process, ensuring the solution has dried thoroughly on the warts before allowing treated areas to touch healthy skin.
6. If the solution comes into contact with healthy skin, wash the skin with warm, soapy water.
7. After finishing, screw the lid on tightly, and wash your hands with soap.
8. Use a new applicator for each subsequent application.

Note: Do not dress the affected area using a plaster or another form of dressing after applying Warticon Solution, as doing so can create a moist environment that encourages bacterial growth, which may subsequently result in an infection.

Apply Warticon Solution to the genital warts once every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days, before pausing treatment for 4 days. If the genital warts are eliminated after this first course of treatment, cease treatment. If the genital warts remain after this first course of treatment, begin your second course of treatment, applying Warticon Solution to the genital warts again using a new applicator, in the same way as before (once every 12 hours, for 3 consecutive days, before taking a 4-day break).

Do not exceed 4 consecutive treatment courses (equivalent to applying Warticon Solution to the genital warts over 4 weeks). If the genital warts remain, cease using Warticon Solution and consult a GP or doctor about additional treatment options.

Warticon Solution is most effective when applied twice a day, in the morning and evening (every 12 hours), for 3 consecutive days. Take a break from applying Warticon Solution for the 4 days following this period, as doing so will not increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Individuals who experience outbreaks of genital warts after this initial 7-day course are advised to repeat the application process each week for 4 weeks. If the genital warts remain after a 4-week course of treatment, seek advice from a doctor or GP.

• You should not use Warticon Solution if you are allergic to the active ingredient, podophyllotoxin, or to any of the other ingredients in the treatment (see the patient information leaflet for a full list of ingredients).
• You should not use Warticon Solution if you have genital warts on areas of broken and/or bleeding skin.

Warticon Solution and Warticon Cream contain the same active ingredient, podophyllotoxin, but in different concentrations. Warticon Solution contains 0.5% podophyllotoxin, while Warticon Cream contains 0.15% podophyllotoxin.

Additionally, Warticon Cream comes in cream form, making it easier to use by some individuals as its consistency allows for more precise application to genital warts using the fingertips, reducing the risk of irritating healthy skin. In comparison, Warticon Solution is a water-based solution which must be applied using an applicator.

As genital warts can be sexually transmitted, you should avoid intercourse until the genital warts have cleared completely and the skin around the affected area has healed.

Warticon Solution is only suitable for external warts on the penis or vagina. For internal genital warts of the vagina, seek advice from your GP.

If your genital warts cover an area larger than 4 centimetres (approximately the size of a postage stamp), seek advice from your GP before applying Warticon Solution.

Warticon Solution can cause skin irritation in some individuals. If you apply Warticon Solution and experience severe skin reactions such as redness, skin discolouration, or a stinging or burning sensation, wash away the solution from the affected area with soapy water as soon as possible. After this, discontinue the treatment and seek advice from your GP.

You should not use Warticon Solution whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your GP for more information.

Warticon Solution is not available for purchase over the counter. It is a prescription-only medicine that can be obtained only with a valid prescription from a healthcare professional.

You can buy Warticon Solution online from Pharmica after completing a quick online consultation to determine suitability for treatment.

Warticon Cream is a suitable alternative to Warticon Solution for the treatment of genital warts. Warticon Solution contains contains 0.5% podophyllotoxin, while Warticon Cream contains 0.15% podophyllotoxin.

Individuals who wish to use a different brand of treatment can also consider Aldara Cream, which contains the active ingredient imiquimod 5%. Imiquimod is an immune response modifier which stimulates the body's immune system to reduce the effects of HPV on the body, clearing genital warts.

Research suggests that imiquimod is more effective at preventing the long-term recurrence of genital warts. With that said, it usually takes longer for Aldara cream to treat genital warts (up to 16 weeks) compared to Warticon Solution, which can treat genital warts in some individuals in as little as 4 weeks.