A green-tea extract ointment for external genital warts
Sinecatechins
An ointment made from green-tea extract, used on the skin to treat external genital and anal warts.
What is Sinecatechins?
Sinecatechins is an ointment made from a purified extract of green-tea leaves, used to treat external genital and around-the-anus warts in adults. It is applied directly to the warts and works gradually over a course of several weeks. The most common effect is local skin reaction where it is applied, such as redness, itching, soreness or small sores, which is expected and usually a sign it is working. It can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so other contraception is needed while using it, and it is avoided in people whose immune system is weakened.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Sinecatechins — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Sinecatechins is a topical medicine made from a standardised, purified extract of green-tea leaves. It is used to treat external genital warts and warts around the anus in adults, which are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It comes as an ointment that is applied to the warts themselves over a course of treatment, allowing the skin to clear gradually. It is used on the outside of the body only, not inside the vagina, urethra or anus, and treatment continues until the warts clear or for the maximum length of time advised.
How it works
The exact way sinecatechins works is not fully understood, but it is thought to act on the wart tissue and the local immune response, including antioxidant effects from the green-tea catechins it contains, helping the body clear the warts. It works gradually rather than removing warts instantly, which is why it is applied regularly over a course of several weeks. Because it acts on the skin where it is applied, it commonly causes a local reaction such as redness or soreness, which is part of the expected process as the warts respond.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A topical medicine used in the UK to treat external genital and around-the-anus warts, made from a purified extract of green-tea leaves.
Practical use
How to take Sinecatechins
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the external warts as directed, usually spread across the day, and wash your hands afterwards.
- Use it on external warts only — do not put it inside the vagina, urethra or anus.
- Expect some local redness, itching or soreness where you apply it; this is common and usually settles, but report a severe reaction.
- Do not rely on latex condoms or diaphragms while using it, as the ointment can weaken them; use another form of contraception.
- Continue the course as advised until the warts clear or for the maximum recommended time, and avoid airtight dressings over the area.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Sinecatechins
Advantages
- A treatment you can apply yourself at home for external genital and anal warts.
- Made from a purified plant extract and used directly on the affected skin.
- Works gradually to clear warts over a course of treatment.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes local skin reactions such as redness, itching, soreness or small sores.
- Can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so other contraception is needed.
- Not suitable for internal warts or for people whose immune system is weakened.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important thing to expect is a local skin reaction where the ointment is applied — redness, itching, burning, soreness or small sores — which is common and usually a sign the treatment is working rather than a reason to stop, although severe reactions should be reviewed. A crucial practical point is that the ointment can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so they may not protect against pregnancy or infection while you are using it; another form of contraception is needed and sexual contact while the ointment is on the skin is best avoided. It is for external warts only and should not be put inside the vagina, urethra or anus. It is not recommended in people whose immune system is weakened, for example through HIV or immune-suppressing medicines, as it has not been shown to be safe and effective in that situation. Wash your hands after applying it and do not cover the area with airtight dressings.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to sinecatechins or green-tea extract should not use it.
- It is not recommended for people whose immune system is weakened, such as those with HIV or on immune-suppressing medicines.
- It is avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a doctor advises otherwise, and is for external warts only.
Monitoring
- Reviewing how the warts respond and whether the skin reaction is tolerable.
- Watching for severe local reactions that may mean treatment should pause or stop.
- Checking that it is being used correctly on external skin only and for no longer than advised.
Side effects
- Local skin reactions where it is applied, such as redness, itching, burning, soreness or small sores.
- Swelling, blistering or peeling of the treated skin in some people.
- Rarely, more troublesome skin reactions or, very rarely, signs of an allergic reaction, which should be reviewed.
Key interactions
- It can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so they cannot be relied on for contraception or protection while using it.
- Other creams, ointments or wart treatments on the same area should only be combined on medical advice.
- There are few well-established medicine interactions, but tell your prescriber about everything you use.
Available as: An ointment applied to the skin.
Answers
Sinecatechins: frequently asked questions
What is sinecatechins used for?
It is an ointment made from green-tea extract used to treat external genital warts and warts around the anus in adults.
Why does the skin go red and sore?
A local reaction such as redness, itching or soreness where you apply it is common and usually a sign the treatment is working, though a severe reaction should be reviewed.
Can I use condoms while using it?
The ointment can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so they may not protect against pregnancy or infection; use another form of contraception while treating.
Can I put it inside the vagina or anus?
No. It is for external warts only and should not be applied inside the vagina, urethra or anus.
Can anyone use it?
It is not recommended for people whose immune system is weakened, such as those with HIV or on immune-suppressing medicines, as it has not been shown to be safe and effective for them.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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