Cantharidin (Topical application)

Cantharidin topical solution is used to treat molluscum contagiosum (molluscum bumps).

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

It is very important that your doctor closely monitors your progress to ensure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be necessary to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause eye problems if it gets into your eyes. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences blurred vision, blue-green halos around objects, dry eyes, or sensitivity to light.

Skin reactions may happen after using this medicine. Contact your doctor right away if you notice breakdown of the outer layer of skin, dry skin, lightening or darkening of the skin, or small raised blisters filled with fluid or not filled with fluid on or around the treated areas. You may wash the treated area with soap and water 24 hours after application. Do not use a washcloth, abrasive material, or rub vigorously, as it could be painful.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of the medicine against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, the following points should be taken into account:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been conducted on the effects of cantharidin topical solution in children younger than 2 years old. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Geriatric

There is no information available on the effects of cantharidin topical solution in older patients.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if there is a chance of interaction. In these situations, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around meal times or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not everyone will experience these side effects, but if they do occur, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Changes in color of the skin
• Flushing, redness of the skin
• Skin ulcers
• Swelling of the skin
• Unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

• Blurred vision or blue-green halos seen around objects
• Dry eyes
• Sensitivity of the eyes to light

Other side effects not mentioned may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Ycanth

In Canada

• Canthacur
• Cantharone

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Keratolytic

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is applied only on your skin every 3 weeks as needed. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Do not apply topical steroids, creams, lotions, or sunscreen to the affected area.

Allow the medicine to dry for up to 5 minutes. Do not touch or allow the treated area come in contact with your mouth, nose, genital areas, or eyes for at least 24 hours after application or until washing.

Do not allow children to lick or bite the treated areas. Do not inhale vapors from the topical solution during treatment.

Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.

This medicine is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking near lesions during and after treatment until it is washed off of your skin.