Compound W (Wart Removal System) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat common skin and foot (plantar) warts. Warts are benign (noncancerous) growths that can develop on your skin and inside your mouth. Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Compound W may also be used to remove corns and calluses. The drug may also be used to treat acne, eczema, dandruff, and seborrhea. The active ingredient in Compound W is the Wart Removal System. The Wart Removal System belongs to a class of medications called Keratolytics. It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together, making it easier to shed the skin cells.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Compound W from Canada manufactured by Advantage Solutions in the strength of 12 application Freeze Off, 14-piece Invisible Pads, 14-piece One Step Pads, 17 %/10 ml Extra Strength Liquid, 17 %/7 gm Gel, 20 piece Plus Plantar Pads, 30 %/10 ml Plus Liquid, and 40 %/16-piece Kids Pads.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Compound W. The most common side effects of Compound W may include the following:
• Peeling;
• Skin redness;
• Slight burning
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Formation of a deep sore at the treatment site;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Signs of infection, such as pus, bloody discharge
These are not all of the side effects of Compound W. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Compound W if you are allergic to Wart Removal System or any ingredient in Compound W. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a skin infection;
• Have diabetes;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease;
• Have poor blood circulation
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Compound W and other medicines, like isotretinoin, other topical medications, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Compound W will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if the Wart Removal System passes into breast milk or if it may harm your nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Compound W comes as a topical medication. This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not let this medication contact your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or any broken skin to avoid irritation. If you get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes. Wash hands after use.
Before using Compound W, First, soak the corn, callus, or wart in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften the treatment area. Dry thoroughly. Your doctor may direct you to use a pumice stone, callus file, or emery board to carefully remove the top dead layers of skin after soaking and before applying the medication. This dead skin removal is only to help the medication work better. Do not try to rub the wart or callus off. If you are using a liquid/gel, apply a few drops or a thin coat of the medication to cover the entire wart, callus, or corn using the applicator if provided. Be careful to apply it only to the affected area, not the surrounding skin. Let dry for 5 minutes. You may cover the area loosely with a bandage. Repeat this procedure 1 to 2 times daily for up to 2 weeks for corns and calluses and 12 weeks for warts or as directed by your doctor. If you are using a medicated pad or bandage, you may need to cut the pad so that it covers the treatment area completely but does not touch the surrounding skin. Peel off the protective covering and place the patch/bandage over the area. Leave in place. Remove and place a new patch/bandage as your doctor has directed. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use Compound W on the face or moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, or genital/anal warts. Store this Compound W at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep away from open flame or high heat. Keep out of the reach of children.