Veregen
Veregen (sinecatechins) topical ointment is a botanical made from green tea extract. It's used to treat warts on the skin surrounding the genital areas (genital and perianal warts) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This medication is only for adults with a healthy immune system. Veregen (sinecatechins) is applied to the affect area(s) three times a day, usually for up to 4 months or as directed by your healthcare team. It can cause some skin-related side effects, such as redness and burning. This medication isn't over-the-counter (OTC) and is only available by prescription from your care team.
What is Veregen (sinecatechins)?
What is Veregen (sinecatechins) used for?
- Treatment of warts outside of the genitals and around the anus in adults
How Veregen (sinecatechins) works
Veregen (sinecatechins) contains sinecatechins, which is made from catechins, a chemical that's found in green tea leaves. It's not clear how this medication works to treat external genital and perianal warts. But green tea catechins have certain activities that might help treat genital warts, including:
- Antiviral activities against human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts
- Activating the immune system to better fight off the virus
- Antioxidant activities that slows or prevents cell damage
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Veregen |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Topical skin product |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Veregen (sinecatechins)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Skin redness (70%)
- Itching (69%)
- Burning (67%)
- Pain or discomfort (56%)
- Skin ulcers (49%)
- Swelling (45%)
- Hardening of skin (35%)
- Small blisters (20%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Peeling skin
- Skin discharge
- Bleeding
- Scar
- Skin irritation
- Rash
The following Veregen (sinecatechins) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
breakdown of skin
burning of skin
cracking of skin
flushing, redness of skin
hardening or thickening of skin
irritation of skin
itching skin
pain or discomfort in skin
swelling of skin
unusually warm skin
Less common
Bleeding of skin
blood in urine
break in the skin, especially associated with blue-black discoloration, swelling, or drainage of fluid
burning or itching around anus
changes in skin coloring
discharge from skin
dryness of skin
increased frequency of urination
increased sensitivity to pain
increased sensitivity to touch
pain or burning during urination
peeling of one area of skin
pelvic pain
problems with foreskin of penis
rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
scarring of skin
skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing
skin rash on the face
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin
tingling in the hands and feet
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Veregen (sinecatechins)
Pros
- Can be stored at room temperature
- Don't need to wash off ointment before next application
- Can be used with tampon (tampon should be inserted before applying Veregen)
Cons
- Needs to be applied 3 times daily
- Can stain clothing and bedding
- Only for adults
Pharmacist tips for Veregen (sinecatechins)
- Wash your hands before and after using Veregen (sinecatechins) to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- It's common to experience some skin reactions, such as skin redness, itching, and burning, at the application site. If the reaction is mild and tolerable, you can continue to use Veregen (sinecatechins). If the reaction is severe, wash ointment off with mild soap and water and let your healthcare team know.
- Don't cover the treated area with a bandage after applying Veregen (sinecatechins) unless directed by your healthcare team. Doing so might affect how much medication gets absorbed, which can raise your risk of side effects.
- Don't wash off the ointment from the applied area before the next application. Apply Veregen (sinecatechins) after your shower or bath.
- It's best to avoid having sex while you're using Veregen (sinecatechins). Because genital warts are spread by skin-to-skin contact, you can still spread HPV to your partner, even if you use a condom. In addition, Veregen (sinecatechins) can weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms, which can cause them to not work as well to protect against pregnancy.
- Avoid exposing the applied area to sun or ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlamps or tanning beds. It's not clear how light exposure can affect Veregen (sinecatechins).
- Ask your healthcare team how long you need to use Veregen (sinecatechins). Typically, you shouldn't use this medication for longer than 4 months. If you still see warts after using this medication for 4 months, your care team can talk with you about next steps.
- Veregen (sinecatechins) should only be used on the outside of the genitals and around the outside of the anus. You shouldn’t use it on wounds, damaged skin, or inside the rectum or vagina.
- If you're uncircumcised and treating warts under the foreskin, make sure to pull back the foreskin and clean the area daily.
- If you're using a tampon, insert it before applying Veregen (sinecatechins). Applying tampons during treatment with this medication might accidentally cause the ointment to get inside the vagina.
- Veregen (sinecatechins) is only for treating current warts, and it won't prevent new warts from developing. If new warts develop during treatment, you can treat them with this ointment as well.
- Veregen (sinecatechins) can stain your clothes and bedding. It's a good idea to use a pad in your underwear or lay a towel under you while you're sleeping to protect your bed sheets or clothing from getting stained.
- Store Veregen (sinecatechins) in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Don't freeze this medication.
Risks and warnings for Veregen (sinecatechins)
Veregen (sinecatechins) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For external warts only
Veregen (sinecatechins) should only be used on warts on the outside of the genitals and around the outside of the anus. Don't use this medication on the inside of your genitals or rectum. This is because Veregen (sinecatechins) isn't the right treatment for warts around those areas. Don’t put Veregen (sinecatechins) in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. Avoid applying this medication on wounds or damaged skin.
Veregen (sinecatechins) dosage
Tube of ointment| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30g of 15% | 1 tube | $1,543.34 | $1,543.34 |
Interactions between Veregen (sinecatechins) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Veregen (sinecatechins) cost?
$1,543.34
What are alternatives to Veregen (sinecatechins)?
Veregen (sinecatechins) images
