Condyline

Condyline is a topical solution that treats genital warts, which is applied directly to soft warts. The active ingredient in Condyline is podophyllotoxin, which is a plant extract. You can only use Condyline on small warts that cover an area less than 4cm by 4cm.

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are lumps or growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which are found in the genital area (the vulva, penis, scrotum or anus) or inside the anus or vagina. They are generally not dangerous for your health and do not hurt, but they can cause distress.

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on by any skin to skin contact. This means they can be passed on by vaginal, anal sex and even non penetrative sex. In very rare cases, genital warts can be passed on by oral sex.

Condyline is a topical solution that contains the active ingredient podophyllotoxin, which is applied directly to a wart. It works by entering the nucleus of a wart cell and preventing them from growing and dividing, killing the wart and stopping it from spreading across the skin. When the wart cells are killed off by Condyline, it allows the body to grow healthy skin cells in its place.

Condyline is a treatment for genital warts, but it is not a cure and does not prevent new warts from growing in the future. Genital warts are caused by HPV, and may come back even if treated with Condyline. It cannot stop you from having HPV, but it can prevent the warts caused by the virus from growing and spreading.

How long does it take Condyline to work?

Condyline works best on softer warts. It usually works within a couple of weeks of your first treatment, but you may need more than one course of treatment before you see an improvement. In rare cases, Condyline does not work despite additional treatments.

How effective is Condyline?

Treatments using podophyllotoxin to treat genital warts are 92% effective at completely clearing warts.

Always follow the instructions from your doctor when applying Condyline:

1. Start the treatment in the morning
2. Wash the warts with soap and water, and then dry them
3. Using your applicator stick, dip the end that has a hole in it into the bottle so that the hole is filled with the solution
4. Apply the solution onto a wart and let it dry
5. Repeat the process for each wart: dipping the applicator and applying the solution to each one at a time
6. Do not use more than 50 dips of solution
7. Wash your hands
8. After 12 hours, repeat steps 1 to 6
9. Then repeat the treatment twice a day for two more days, so you have 6 treatments in 3 days

Only 6 treatments should be used in the first week. If other treatments are required, your doctor can advise you to treat the warts again over four consecutive weeks.

What should I do if I use too much Condyline or put it in the wrong place?

If you apply too much Condyline or get it in the wrong place, wash the area with soap and water. If it is in your eyes, bathe them with water and seek medical advice right away.

Can I have sex while using Condyline?

No, you should avoid having sex while you are using Condyline to treat genital warts. If you have sex, use a condom to reduce the chance of passing the HPV virus to your partner.

You need a prescription to use Condyline. You can buy Condyline for Superdrug Online Doctor without a face-to-face consultation in the following simple steps:

1. Fill in our online questionnaire and upload photos of the warts
2. A doctor will review your situation and confirm that it is safe to prescribe you Condyline
3. Collect your treatment from a Superdrug store of your choice or receive it through the post
4. We use discreet packaging for your complete privacy
5. You can message our doctors for advice at any time

You can make sure the site you are using to buy medication operates legally and safely with the government’s online checker.

Can I get Condyline over the counter?

No, you cannot buy Condyline over the counter because you need a prescription for it.

Can I get Condyline on the NHS?

You can get Condyline on the NHS following a consultation with a GP or sexual health clinician. Our doctors at Superdrug Online Doctor can prescribe you Condyline discreetly and quickly.

As with all medicines, it is possible to get side effects but not everyone will experience them. The following side effects are reported from using Condyline:

• mild irritation of the warts after applying the solution (itching, burning, redness)
• irritation of the vagina
• inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis

If you experience side effects and they worsen or persist, talk to your doctor.

In very rare cases, people experience an allergic reaction to podophyllotoxin with severe redness and irritation. Seek medical attention immediately if this happens to you.

You cannot use Condyline if you are:

• pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending to get pregnant
• allergic to podophyllotoxin

Condyline is only for external use and should not be used on inflamed, bleeding or broken skin. Make sure you only use Condyline on the specific area that needs treating and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

If you have used Condyline on large areas for a long time, you must tell your doctor as this can cause serious problems.

If Condyline does not work for you, there are two other medications that you can try to treat genital warts:

Warticon contains podophyllotoxin like Condyline, but it is a cream rather than a solution. Warticon is applied to the infected area twice a day (with 12 hours between applications) for 3 days. If there are warts remaining 7 days after you started the treatment, you can repeat the cycle 4 times yourself. After that, you should consult your doctor.

Aldara is an imiquimod cream that you apply directly to the warts 3 times a week before bed and then wash off 6 to 10 hours later. It can take between 4 to 12 weeks to work. It can be used on a larger area than Warticon and Condyline and is also used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma. You can reduce your risk of getting genital warts by:

• using a condom each time you have sex (including oral)
• washing sex toys before use