Sinecatechins are used to treat warts on and around the
genitals and anus. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus
(HPV). Sinecatechins are natural substances found in certain green tea
leaves. It is not known how this medication works.
This medication does not cure warts, but it may help the
infection clear faster. New warts may occur during or after treatment. This
medication does not prevent the spread of warts through sexual contact, and
it may weaken condoms and diaphragms. Talk to your doctor about safer sex
practices.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication on the skin only. Wash your hands
before and after applying. Apply the ointment to all warts as directed by
your doctor, usually 3 times a day. Use your finger to apply a small
amount, about 0.2 inches (0.5 centimeters), to completely cover each wart
with a thin layer. Do not wash off the ointment from the previous treatment
before re-applying. Always re-apply the ointment after taking your usual
baths/showers. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other
waterproof dressings. You may cover the area with cotton gauze or cotton
underwear. Do not use more often or for longer than
prescribed.
Male patients who are not circumcised and who are
treating warts under the foreskin should pull the foreskin back and clean
the area daily, then apply this medication.
Women using tampons should insert the tampon before
applying the ointment. If you need to change the tampon while the ointment
is on the skin, avoid getting the ointment inside the
vagina.
Do not use this medication inside the vagina or anus or
on an open sore. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth while the
ointment is on your finger. If you get this medication in those areas,
flush with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, contact your doctor right
away.
Avoid sexual contact while using this product. This
product may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms. This effect increases
the risk of pregnancy and passing sexually transmitted disease (including
genital warts) to others. Wash the product off before sexual activity. Ask
your doctor about safer sex practices.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. Continue treatment until the warts are gone. Do not use for longer
than 16 weeks unless directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your
condition does not get better or if new warts appear.
Mild skin reactions such as
itching/burning/pain/swelling/reddening of the treated area may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- blistering/oozing/peeling skin in treated area
- open sore in treated area (skin ulcer)
If you are an uncircumcised male who is using this drug
to treat warts on the penis, narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) may
rarely occur. If you notice tightening/pain in your foreskin, tell your
doctor right away.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you are allergic to green tea;
or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- open sores in the area being treated
- recent/unhealed treatment or wound on the wart area (such as
podophyllin, liquid nitrogen, surgery)
- immune system problem
This product may stain clothing and bedding.
Do not expose the treated area to sunlight, tanning
booths, or sunlamps.
Genital/anal warts are caused by a virus called human
papillomavirus (HPV). This product does not destroy the virus but only
helps to get rid of the wart. New warts may form even while you are being
treated.
You may also be able to infect any sexual partner who
comes into contact with the areas of skin infected with HPV. To reduce the
risk of spreading HPV to others, always use effective barrier protections
(such as latex or polyurethane condoms, dental dams) during all sexual
activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
During treatment of genital/anal warts, avoid all sexual
contact while the ointment is on the skin. Condoms, dental dams, and
diaphragms may be weakened by the ointment. They may not work as well to
prevent pregnancy or the spread of HPV or other sexually transmitted
diseases (such as HIV).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
Be sure to keep all medical appointments. HPV can
increase the risk of cancer of the cervix. It is very important that women
exposed to HPV have regular PAP tests to check for cancer.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not
freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.