Podophyllotoxin

Additional information

Pharmacokinetics and dosing

No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the pharmacokinetics or dosing of podophyllotoxin have been found. No difference between men and women has been shown for transdermal absorption in general [1].

Effects

The efficacy and safety of self-applied 0.5% podophyllotoxin solution has been compared with hospital-applied 25% podophyllin solution for external condylomata acuminata (anogenital warts) (138 men, 67 women). Besides the observation of the superiority of podophyllotoxin, it was also observed that the effect of podophyllotoxin treatment in men was generally superior to that achieved in women; wart clearance was observed in 53% of men and 37% of women after one week and in 86% of men and 72% of women at 5 weeks of podophyllotoxin treatment. However, a higher proportion of podophyllotoxin-treated women had been treated previously for warts, thus possibly indicating a more treatment resistant population. According to the authors, the observed sex difference may relate to the greater easiness of self-applied therapy in men or biological difference in the speed of response to treatment [2].

Adverse effects

No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding adverse effects of podophyllotoxin have been found.

Reproductive health issues

Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).