General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Ycanth
CANTHARIDIN
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE YCANTH is indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. YCANTH is indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1 )
Medically reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board, Licensed Pharmacists & Physicians ·
Brand names:YCANTH
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- CANTHARIDIN
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- YCANTH
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Ycanth?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE YCANTH is indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. YCANTH is indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1 )
Ycanth (CANTHARIDIN) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Ycanth. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Ycanth with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Ycanth is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE YCANTH is indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
YCANTH is indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION All healthcare professionals should receive instruction and training prior to preparation and administration of YCANTH. ( 2.1 ) For topical use only. Not for oral, mucosal, or ophthalmic use. ( 2.1 ) Apply a single application directly to each lesion every 3 weeks as needed. ( 2.2 ) Do not use more than two applicators during a single treatment session. ( 2.2 ) Remove with soap and water 24 hours after treatment. ( 2.2 ) For additional instructions on preparation and administration of YCANTH, see Full Prescribing Information. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions All healthcare professionals should receive instruction and training prior to preparation and administration of YCANTH. YCANTH is for topical use only. YCANTH is not for oral, mucosal, or ophthalmic use. Avoid contact with the treatment area, including oral contact, after YCANTH treatment. Do not apply YCANTH near the eyes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Overdosage (10)
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Local Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common (incidence ≥1%) adverse reactions are the following local skin reactions at the application site: vesiculation, pain, pruritus, scabbing, erythema, discoloration, application site dryness, edema, and erosion.
- ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- at 1-877-837-7422 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
- Local skin reactions are expected and should be reported if they are severe.
- 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
- YCANTH was studied in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials, Trial 1 (NCT03377790) and Trial 2 (NCT03377803) (n = 266, and n = 262, respectively) in subjects with molluscum contagiosum.
- Most patients received a single 24-hour dermal administration of YCANTH or vehicle for each lesion every 3 weeks for up to 4 treatments.
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Toxicities Associated with Inappropriate Administration: Life threatening or fatal toxicities can occur if administered orally.
- Avoid contact with the treatment area, including oral contact, after treatment.
- Ocular toxicity can occur if YCANTH comes in contact with eyes.
- If YCANTH gets in eyes, flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
- ( 5.1 ) Local Skin Reactions : Reactions at the application site have included vesiculation, pruritus, pain, discoloration, and erythema.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Toxicities Associated with Inappropriate Administration: Life threatening or fatal toxicities can occur if administered orally. Avoid contact with the treatment area, including oral contact, after treatment. Ocular toxicity can occur if YCANTH comes in contact with eyes. If YCANTH gets in eyes, flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. ( 5.1 ) Local Skin Reactions :
How Ycanth Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of cantharidin in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Ycanthwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature], protect from light.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ycanth side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Ycanth
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.