Condylox® (Podophyllotoxin)

Condylox® contains the active ingredient podophyllotoxin (0.5%) and is used to treat external genital warts (condylomata acuminata, venereal warts). Podophyllotoxin is a plant-derived active ingredient from the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) that inhibits the division of wart cells.

Unlike Aldara® (imiquimod), Condylox® has a direct cytostatic (cell-killing) effect and does not act via the immune system. Treatment is given in cycles of 3 days of application followed by a 4-day break.

Mechanism of action:

• Podophyllotoxin inhibits mitosis (cell division) in metaphase
• Binds to tubulin and prevents spindle formation
• Wart cells can no longer divide
• Leads to necrosis (death) of the wart tissue

Comparison with imiquimod:

• Faster onset of action
• Direct cell destruction instead of immunomodulation
• Higher recurrence rate (approx. 30–50%)
• Shorter treatment cycles

Onset of action: The warts begin to die off after the first treatment cycle.

Condylox® is suitable for:

• Adults with external genital warts
• Small to medium-sized wart areas
• Self-treatment at home

Not suitable for:

• Internal warts (vaginal, anal, urethral)
• Large wart areas (> 10 cm²)
• Children
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Open wounds, inflamed skin

Treatment cycle:

• 3 days of application, then a 4-day break = 1 cycle (1 week)
• Apply twice daily (morning and evening)
• Maximum of 4 cycles (4 weeks)

Amount to apply:

• Maximum of 0.5 ml per application
• Maximum treatment area of 10 cm²
• Apply only to the warts, avoiding healthy skin

Cycle schedule:

• Days 1–3: Apply twice daily
• Days 4–7: Break
• Repeat for up to 4 cycles if needed

Application: 1. Clean the wart area and let it dry 2. Apply Condylox® precisely to the warts (use the applicator) 3. Avoid healthy skin as much as possible 4. Let it dry 5. Wash your hands thoroughly

Important notes:

• Use only on external genital warts
• Not on mucous membranes
• Healthy skin can be protected with petroleum jelly
• Interrupt the cycle if severe irritation occurs
• No sexual intercourse immediately after application

Condylox® must not be used in:

• Hypersensitivity to podophyllotoxin
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Children
• Open wounds in the application area
• Internal genital warts

Use with caution in:

• Extensive wart involvement
• Immunosuppressed patients
• Concurrent use of other topical wart treatments

Very common (> 10%):

• Local irritation: redness, burning, pain
• Erosion and ulceration at the application site

Common (1–10%):

• Itching
• Skin changes (lesions) at the application site
• Tenderness
• Inflammation of the glans and foreskin (balanoposthitis)

Frequency not known:

• Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin) in men

Note: The local reactions are part of how the medication works. In case of unbearable pain, shorten the cycle and seek medical advice.

Alcohol:

• Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Condylox®. Alcohol can massively intensify the side effects.

Other podophyllin-containing preparations:

• Simultaneous treatment with other podophyllin-containing preparations increases the risk of toxicity, as these also contain podophyllotoxin. It should be avoided.