kunecatechins

kunecatechins

(koo-ne-kat-chinz) kunecatechins,

Veregen

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: none assigned
Pharmacologic: catechins
Pregnancy Category: C

Indications

Treatment of external genital and perianal warts in immunocompetent patients.Contains catechins and other components extracted from green tea leaves.

Action

Action in the treatment of warts may be due to anti-oxidative properties.

Therapeutic effects

Clearance of warts.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Assumed to be minimal.Distribution: Unknown.Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
topwithin daysunknownunknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; Use on open wounds.Use Cautiously in: Obstetric: Use during pregnancy only if maternal benefit outweighs fetal risk; Pediatric: Safe use in children <18 yr not established.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Genitourinary

  • phimosis

Local

  • burning (most frequent)
  • edema (most frequent)
  • erosion (most frequent)
  • erythema (most frequent)
  • itching (most frequent)

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

None noted.

Route/Dosage

Topical (Adults) Apply three times daily to warts; treatment should not exceed 16 weeks.

Availability

Ointment: 15% in 15 g tubes

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess genital and perianal area prior to and periodically during therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Risk for infection (Indications)

Implementation

  • Apply 0.5 cm strand to each wart using fingers, dabbing it on to ensure complete coverage and leaving a thin layer of ointment on warts. It is not necessary to wash ointment from treated area prior to next application. Do not bandage or cover with occlusive dressing Loose-fitting undergarments should be warn during treatment.
    • Do not apply to open wounds.
    • Do not apply into vagina or anus.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient on proper application technique. Inform patient that ointment may stain clothing and bedding. Darker colored undergarments are recommended. Advise patient to read Patient Information sheet before starting treatment and with each prescription refill.
  • Emphasize the importance of washing hands before and after application and avoiding contact with eyes. Advise patient not to use more cream than was prescribed. Missed doses should be applied as soon as possible; then return to regular schedule.
  • Inform patient that ointment is not a cure and new warts might develop during or after course of therapy. If new warts develop during treatment, treat with kunecatechins.
  • Uncircumcised males treating warts under the foreskin should retract foreskin and clean area daily.
  • Instruct patient to avoid genital, oral, or anal sexual contact while the ointment is on the skin. Wash ointment off before engaging in sexual activities. Inform patient that oils in the ointment weaken latex contraceptive devices, such as cervical caps, condoms, and diaphragms.
  • Advise female patients using tampons to insert tampon before applying ointment. If tampon is changed while ointment is on skin, accidental application of ointment into vagina should be avoided.
  • Inform patient that local skin reactions (erythema, erosion, edema, itching, burning) are common and treatment should be continued. If severe reactions occur, remove ointment by washing with mild soap and water and notify health care professional promptly.
  • Advise patient to avoid exposure of genital and perineal area to sun or UV light.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional before taking any Rx, OTC, or herbal products.
  • Advise patient to avoid use of other topical medications on same treatment area unless recommended by health care professional.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Healing of genital or perianal warts. Treatment is continued until wart is healed or up to 16 wk.