This medication is used on the skin to treat
pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths. Talk to your doctor about the
risks and benefits of ingenol, as well as alternative treatments for your
condition.
This drug has been withdrawn from the Canadian market
due to problems with safety.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication
and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
Use this medication only on the skin as directed by your
doctor. Do not use on irritated skin or skin that has not healed from other
treatments or surgery. Do not apply right after taking a shower or less
than 2 hours before bedtime.
The strength prescribed and treatment time depends on
the application site. For use on the face or scalp, apply to the affected
area(s) once a day for three days in a row. For use on your body, arms,
hands, or legs, apply to the affected area(s) once a day for 2 days in a
row. After spreading evenly on the treatment area, let the medication dry
for 15 minutes. Wash your hands right away with soap and water. Avoid
getting the drug on other areas, including near the eyes, lips, or mouth.
If you accidentally get ingenol in your eyes, flush them well with large
amounts of water and get medical care right away. Avoid washing and
touching the treated area, or doing activities that cause excessive
sweating, for 6 hours after application. After this time, you may wash the
area with a mild soap.
Use a new tube of gel for each use. Throw away any open
tube after use even if there is medication still left in
it.
Even after washing your hands, the medication can remain
on your hands and be transferred to your skin or eyes. Care should be taken
when applying make-up or inserting contact lenses.
The treated area commonly becomes red or irritated
during treatment. Skin reactions will usually improve after 2 to 4 weeks.
Do not cover the area with bandages or other dressings.
Do not use more ingenol than you need to cover the
treatment area or use it more often than directed. Your condition will not
clear faster, and the risk of skin reactions will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Skin redness, itching, irritation, flaking/peeling,
crusting, pain, or swelling commonly occur at the site of application.
Eye/eyelid, nose, or throat irritation or headache may also occur. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- blisters/pus/ulcers at the application site
- new or changed skin growths
- new scaly red patches on your skin
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- painful rash (especially on one side of the face or
body)
- vision changes (including increased sensitivity to light,
vision loss)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using ingenol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if
you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other skin problems (including sunburn) in the treatment
area
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all dermatology appointments, as regular check-ups
are needed for your skin condition.
Discard any unused medication when the treatment is
finished. Do not use it for any other skin conditions unless directed to do
so by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.