$Unique_ID{BRK01466}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Podophyllum Dangerous}
$Subject{warts genital podophyllum genitourinary podophyllin venereal
condylomata acuminata std venereal diseases vd cytotoxic podofilox treatment
wart genitals treatments medication medications sexually transmitted disease
condyloma acuminatum topical solution}
$Volume{R-14,R-15}
$Log{
Sexually Transmitted Disease:  Venereal Warts*0006403.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Podophyllum Dangerous


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QUESTION:  I have an embarrassing question, that I know you will handle well
and perhaps answer in the column.  I have warts on my member, and a friend
tells me that a doctor can take them off with something called "Podof" or
something with a name like that.  He warned me it could be dangerous, but I
must do something.  Do you have any information about this that you can give
me?  Thank you very much.

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ANSWER:  The name you are looking for is "podophyllum" sometimes spelled
"podophyllin".  It is a resin made from the dried roots of mandrake or May
apple plants.  This resin is prepared as a topical solution that is applied
directly to venereal warts (Condylomata acuminata), usually with excellent
results.  Since the solution has a potential toxicity, it must be applied by a
physician.  The podophyllum is cytotoxic (poison to cells) and since it can be
absorbed into the body, it must be used with caution.  However it is an
excellent treatment for these warts.  Marked improvement may be noticed after
but a few weeks, but the liquid must be applied frequently and over a long
period of time.  A newer preparation, called podofilox, is considered safer
and still quite effective and can be applied locally by the patient.  Though
there are local reactions and irritation, they are usually mild.  However,
even after successful treatment the warts may return.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.