Green Tea against Genital Warts

Products

The green tea preparation was approved as a medicinal product in many countries by Swissmedic in March 2012 in the form of an ointment (Veregen, 10%, formerly: polyphenon E).

Ingredients

The brown ointment contains a purified dry extract of green tea leaves (Camelliae sinensis extractum siccum raffinatum), which contains catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate and epigallocatechin. It also contains gallic acid, caffeine and theobromine in small amounts.

Effects

Green tea leaf extract (ATC D06BB12) has antitumor, local growth inhibitory, antioxidant, antiviral, and immunostimulant properties. The exact mechanism of action is unknown.

Indications

For local treatment of external genital and perianal genital condylomata (Condylomata acuminata).

Dosage

According to the professional information. The ointment is applied three times daily until the lesions have healed, but for no longer than 4 months in total. Hands should be washed before and after application.

Contraindications

The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity. Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

There are no known interactions with other drugs. Concurrent topical treatment is not indicated.

Adverse effects

The most common potential adverse effects include local reactions at the application site such as redness, itching, burning, pain, oedema, ulceration, induration, and vesiculation.