Warticon (podophyllotoxin, also known as podofilox) is a plant-based extract most frequently utilized in the treatment of condylomata acuminate, or  genital warts.

Genital warts are a widespread, sexually transmitted disease brought on by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Warts typically appear around the genitals and anus, but can also be discovered on the uterine cervix, urethra, anal canal and even in the mouth and throat.

There are generally three approaches to managing genital warts:

• Immunologic therapy - using medications to boost the natural immune system;
  
• Surgical excision - physically removing warts;
  
• Chemical or physical destruction - a topical approach to destroy wart cells, such as with liquid nitrogen, lasers, or an ointment.
  

Warticon takes the third approach; chemical destruction. It prevents virally contaminated wart cells from growing and spreading. Ultimately, unable to thrive, the wart dies and is replaced with healthy tissue.

Removing Warts with Warticon:

Warticon is available in two forms; a topical solution or a cream. Both contain the same amount of active ingredient and are applied in the same manner:

• Wash and dry the affected area.
  
• Apply a thin layer of solution or cream directly on warts.
  
• Avoid getting the medication on surrounding healthy tissue.
  
• Wash hands immediately after use to prevent skin irritation.
  
• Repeat twice a day for 3 consecutive days.
  
• If warts do not respond, repeat treatment once a week for up to 4 weeks.
  
• If warts do not respond after 4 weeks, speak with a doctor about alternative options.
  

For most patients Warticon is effective and will eliminate a wart outbreak within a month. There is a chance genital warts will reappear in the future. There is no cure for HPV and once infected, transmission to others is always a possibility.

Advantages of Warticon Versus Other Removal Methods:

There isn't any evidence to suggest any particular therapy for genital warts is substantially better than any other therapy, or more suitable for all affected individuals. Warticon is preferred by many patients for a number of reasons:

• Warticon is considerably less expensive than surgery or immunologic therapies.
  
• It has fewer side effects than many chemical or physical destruction methods.
  
• It does not leave scarring as often happens with laser removal or cryotherapy (freezing).
  
• It's easy to use and can be applied discreetly at home.
  
• It works quickly -- often completely clearing up a wart outbreak in just 2 to 4 weeks.
  

For a small percentage of patients Warticon is not very helpful for wart removal. In such cases it's worth looking into alternative treatments; it's very likely a more effective option can be found.

Adverse Effects: 

The most common complaint associated with Warticon use is skin irritation and soreness. This is usually, but not always, a result of the solution getting on healthy skin around a wart. Most skin irritation is mild and passes within 2 or 3 days, but in some cases pain is relatively severe and patients are unable to sit comfortably. If strong pain persists, seek advice from a doctor.

A very small percentage of patients are allergic to Warticon. An allergic reaction usually produces a rash around the area of application, but may also cause swelling of the area and of the face, tongue, or throat, and may cause difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions call for urgent medical attention.

Warticon should never be used by pregnant or nursing mothers. The small amount absorbed into the skin is enough to cause harm to unborn or nursing babies. Likewise it should be kept out of reach of children.