Condyloma Acuminata Medication

Although not ED medications, the following are listed strictly for educational purposes and to assist readers in understanding and managing potential presenting complications.

Class Summary

Inhibit proliferation of cells at various stages of the cell cycle.

Podophyllum resin (Podocon-25, Pod-Ben-25)

Extract of various plants, which are cytotoxic. Effective in arresting mitosis in metaphase. Expect cure rate of 20-50% if used as single agent.

Podofilox (Condylox)

Purified podophyllotoxin that is antimitotic, cytotoxic, and available for patient's home use. While exact mechanism of action on condyloma is unknown, podofilox results in necrosis of genital condyloma acuminata. Condylox is one agent containing podofilox. Slightly higher cure rates can be expected with podofilox than with podophyllin. Additionally, useful for prophylaxis.

Trichloroacetic acid topical

At various concentrations (up to 80%), these agents rapidly penetrate and cauterize skin, keratin, and other tissues. Bichloracetic acid is one such agent. Although caustic, this treatment causes less local irritation and systemic toxicity. Additionally, has low cost. Response is often incomplete, and recurrence is frequent.

5-Fluorouracil (Adrucil, Efudex, Fluoroplex)

No longer recommended for routine use.

Has antimetabolic and/or antineoplastic and immunostimulative activity. Useful in prevention of recurrence after condyloma ablation if started within 4 wk, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Bleomycin (Blenoxane)

Composed of cytotoxic glycopeptide antibiotics, which appear to inhibit DNA synthesis with some evidence of RNA and protein synthesis inhibition to a lesser degree; used in management of several neoplasms as a palliative measure; may cause a variety of adverse effects; observe patients frequently and carefully during and after treatment.

Imiquimod (Aldara)

Induces interferon production and is a cell-mediated immune response modifier. Has minimal systemic absorption but causes erythema, irritation, ulceration, and pain. Burning, erosion, flaking, edema, induration, and pigmentary changes may occur at application site.

Imiquimod 5% cream comes in single-use packets.

Class Summary

Interferons are not recommended as a primary treatment modality.^[3]

Naturally produced proteins with antiviral, antitumor, and immunomodulatory actions. Alpha, beta, and gamma interferons exist and may be administered topically, systemically, and intralesionally. Topical, systemic, and intralesional interferons are not efficacious.

Interferon alfa-n3 (Alferon N)

Alpha interferon has been approved by FDA for injectional use in refractory condyloma acuminata with some possible benefit. Alferon N is interferon alpha-n3, which has been used effectively for this purpose.

Recurrence rate of 20-40% exists with intralesional interferon, but recurrence rate after successful treatment is lower than with other treatment modalities. Additionally, intralesional interferon is expensive and requires repeat office visits.

Furthermore, numerous adverse reactions may occur, including myalgias, fever, chills, GI symptoms, transient leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, LFT abnormalities, serum lipid abnormalities with intramuscular interferon, and theoretical risk of viral transmission with natural interferon products. Viral symptoms do abate with time, and all adverse effects resolve once therapy is stopped. Viral symptoms can be treated with acetaminophen or NSAIDs in the interim.

Class Summary

Another topical product that has gained FDA approval for genital warts includes kunecatechins.

Kunecatechins (Veregen)

Botanical drug product for topical use consisting of extract from green tea leaves. Mode of action unknown but does elicit antioxidant activity in vitro. Indicated for topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts (condylomata acuminatum) in immunocompetent patients.

Class Summary

A human papillomavirus vaccine is now available for prevention of HPV-associated dysplasias and neoplasia including cervical cancer, genital warts (condyloma acuminata), and precancerous genital lesions. The immunization series should be completed in boys, girls, and young men and women aged 9-26 years.^[4]

Papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil)

Quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) recombinant vaccine.

First vaccine indicated to prevent cervical cancer, genital warts (condyloma acuminata), and precancerous genital lesions (eg, cervical adenocarcinoma in situ; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 1, 2, and 3; vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3; vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3) due to HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Vaccine efficacy mediated by humoral immune responses following immunization series. Indicated for prevention of condyloma acuminata caused by HPV types 6 and 11 in boys, men, girls, and women aged 9-26 years.