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The Side Effects of Cantharidin

Cantharadin is a topical medication used in the treatment of warts in users. The medication works by drying out the blister on the skin, which in turn causes the wart to become removed once the blistered skin peels off. As is the case with most wart medications, there are a number of side effects associated with using this drug.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • As mentioned, there are certain side effects associated with using this medication. Some of these side effects include tender skin, a tingling sensation, itching, burning at the application site, blistering, severe pain under the skin and increased sensitivity. While these are considered the most common side effects associated with using Cantharidin, they only affect a small number of users.

    Severe Side Effects

    • Some severe side effects include allergic reaction, tightening of the chest, skin rash, closing of the throat, hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue and throat. These side effects are very rare and do not affect a large number of users.

    Important Safety Information

    • While Catharidin is used to treat warts that do not respond to normal treatment methods, the medication has not been approved by the FDA for quality or effectiveness. As a result, it is strongly recommended to consult with a doctor and take extreme caution before using this drug. There is a low risk of scarring as a result of using this medication, so please be aware of this possibility before beginning treatment.

    Use

    • Always use this medication in direct conjunction with your doctor's orders and never in dosages larger than what has been recommended on the label. Cantharidin is administered as a topical cream and should be applied evenly over the affected area and rubbed in until it has been thoroughly absorbed by the skin. After application, the wart should be covered with a bandage until the blister peels off. Always store this medication at room temperature and away from sources of moisture.

    Warning

    • If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

      If an overdose is suspected, contact the poison control center and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

      Cantharidin is meant in the treatment of wart removal only and should never be used for any other medical purpose unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.

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