cantharidin 0.7 % topical solution with applicator

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Medication name

Generic name:
Cantharidin - topical

Pronunciation
(kan-THAR-i-din)

Brand name(s)
Ycanth

Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain viral skin infection (molluscum contagiosum).

How to use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using cantharidin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the skin only. It is applied to the affected area by a healthcare professional as directed by your doctor, usually every 3 weeks as needed. It should not be applied inside the nose, mouth, or vagina, or in or near the eyes. The treated area should not be covered with bandages. After the medication is applied, do not touch, bite, or lick the treated area. Make sure the treated areas of the skin do not come in contact with the mouth, nose, eyes, or genital areas. If you do get the medication in those areas, rinse with plenty of water and get medical help right away.

This medication is flammable. Avoid fire, open flame, or smoking near the treated areas of the skin.

The medication should be washed off with soap and water as directed by your doctor, usually 24 hours after treatment. It may be washed off earlier if severe pain or blistering occurs on the treated area. Ask your doctor for more details.

Avoid applying other products to the treated areas of the skin until at least 24 hours after the treatment or until the treated area is washed off.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side effects

Blistering, pain, itching, swelling, or change in skin color may occur at the treated area. 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:

  • severe pain/blistering/swelling at the treated area

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.

Precautions

Before using cantharidin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

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

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.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful, possibly fatal, 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. Symptoms of overdose or swallowing may include: severe stomach/abdominal pain, seizures, weakness, unusual bleeding/bruising, change in the amount of urine.

Notes

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Missed dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is applied in a clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised October 2024.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.