Actikerall® to treat warts

Actikerall® is a clear solution to be applied to the affected area of skin – 1g of Actikerall® contains 5mg fluoroucil, which destroys some skin cells and 100mg salicylic acid, which makes skin shed more easily. Its full name is Actikerall® 5mg/g + 100mg/g cutaneous solution.

In adults, Actikerall® is used to treat a skin condition called actinic keratosis.

At Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), we use Actikerall® to treat very stubborn warts – a common kind of skin growth – which have failed to respond to more conventional treatments. Actikerall® is ‘unlicensed’ for use in children. You can be assured that your doctor has only prescribed an ‘unlicensed’ medicine because he or she thinks that the medicine will benefit your child and no licensed alternative is available.

Actikerall® is usually applied directly to the affected areas of skin, once a day for up to 12 weeks or so. Before applying to your child’s skin, you check that the liquid has not dried up or formed crystals. If the liquid looks different or you can see crystals, please do not use it and return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

• Shake the bottle well.
• Take the top off the bottle and remove excess liquid from the brush by wiping it on the neck of the bottle.
• Apply the liquid to the wart and a very small area of surrounding skin.
• Leave to dry to a white film without covering.
• Put the top back on the bottle and tighten.

People with the following conditions should discuss using Actikerall® with their doctor:

• Hypersensitivity to Actikerall® or any of its ingredients.
• Pregnant, could be pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Existing kidney problems.

Side effects tend to occur where the liquid is applied and can include:

• redness
• inflammation
• itching
• bleeding
• flaky skin
• scab formation

Some medicines can react with Actikerall®, altering how well it works. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicine, including medicines on prescription from your family doctor (GP), medicines bought from a pharmacy (chemist) or any herbal or complementary medicines. The following medicines are known to react with Actikerall®:

• anti-virals including brivudine
• phenytoin – anti-epileptic 

• Keep all medicines in a safe place where children cannot reach them, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Actikerall® is flammable, that is, it can catch fire if used near a naked flame. Never apply it to your child by candlelight, near an open fire or while smoking a cigarette. Once the lquid has been applied to your child’s skin, they should also avoid naked flames, such as candles or open fires.
• Actikerall® can stain fabrics or acrylic surfaces, such as acrylic baths.
• Actikerall® should only be used for three months after opening – write the date you opened the bottle on the label to remind you. 
• If your doctor decides to stop treatment with Actikerall® or the medicine passes its expiry date, return any remaining medicine to the pharmacist. Do not flush it down the toilet or throw it away.