This page last updated 26 July 2023
Cantharidin (Ycanth) photo source: Verrica.com
KEY POINTS
- FDA approved 21 July 2023 for topical treatment of molloscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age or older
- Cantharidin has an unknown mechanism of action
- Comes as a topical solution of 0.7% cantharidin which is housed in an applicator that is provided in an outer protective tube to be removed before use
- Dosage is one application delivered topically (not oral, mucosal, or ophthalmic) to each lesion as a single application every 3 weeks as needed
- Healthcare providers are recommended to receive instruction and training prior to preparation and administration
- Person administering the product should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection
- No more than two applicators should be used during a single session
- Treated areas should not be covered with bandages
- Should be removed with soap and water, 24 hours after treatment
- There are many other instructions not listed here that should be observed, listed in the FDA approved label
- No contraindications, but warnings include toxicities associated with inappropriate administration, local skin reactions, and flammability
- ***Life threatening or fatal toxicities can occur if administered orally***
- Most common adverse reactions are local skin reactions at the application site, including vesiculation, pain, pruritus, scabbing, erythema, discoloration, dryness, edema, and erosion
- Cost is not known at time of approval, but anticipated to be high-cost as a newly-approved product
RESOURCES
- Cantharidin (Ycanth) Package Insert
- Safety and Efficacy of VP-102 (Cantharidin, 0.7% w/v) in Molluscum Contagiosum by Body Region: Post hoc Pooled Analyses from Two Phase III Randomized Trials
- Pooled Results of Two Randomized Phase III Trials Evaluating VP-102, a Drug-Device Combination Product Containing Cantharidin 0.7% (w/v) for the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum
- Safety and Efficacy of VP-102, a Proprietary, Drug-Device Combination Product Containing Cantharidin, 0.7% (w/v), in Children and Adults With Molluscum Contagiosum: Two Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trials
- Molluscum Contagiosum – CDC Information Page