Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Cantharidin Topical?
Cantharidin topical (for the skin) is used to treat molluscum contagiosum in adults and children at least 2 years old.
Cantharidin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not be treated with cantharidin topical if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you:
- are using or have used other treatments for molluscum bumps; or
- have other skin problems.
It is not known if cantharidin topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I use Cantharidin Topical
Use Cantharidin Topical (Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
A healthcare provider will apply cantharidin topical as a single dose in a medical setting, but it may be necessary to apply this medicine every 3 weeks as needed.
Allow the medicine to dry completely (approximately 5 minutes) and do not touch the treated areas for 24 hours. You may temporarily see a violet color on the treated areas of your skin.
You may be instructed to take other medicines to help with the pain.
Remove this medicine with soap and water 24 hours after treatment. Do not cover treated skin with a bandage.
On the day of treatment, do not use topical steroids, creams, lotions, or sunscreen in the areas to be treated.
If this medicine gets in contact with any unintended surface, including healthy skin, immediately remove it by wiping with a cotton swab or gauze.
Seek medical help right away and rinse with water for 15 minutes if this medicine gets in your eyes.
Do not allow children to lick or bite the treated areas. This product contains an ingredient that may prevent young children from putting the medicine into the mouth and accidentally swallowing the product.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment to receive cantharidin topical.
Cantharidin Topical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
If cantharidin topical is swallowed or comes into contact with your mouth or eyes, this medicine can cause life-threatening side effects such as kidney failure, paralysis, blood clots, severe damage to your stomach and intestine, or severe eye problems, including blindness.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- pain, swelling, redness, itching;
- scabs or breakdown of the skin;
- changes in skin color; or
- dry skin.
Common side effects may include:
- redness, itching, dryness, or scabbing at the place where the medicine was applied; or
- changes in skin color at the place where the medicine was applied.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Cantharidin Topical?
Cantharidin topical is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke during and after treatment until the medicine is completely washed off of your skin.
Avoid letting treated skin areas come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or genital areas for 24 hours, unless the medicine is completely washed off of your skin.
Avoid using other medicines on the areas of the skin treated with cantharidin topical for 24 hours, unless the medicine is completely washed off of your skin.