Can't Find Podofilox? You Still Have Options

If you've been prescribed Podofilox (Condylox) for genital warts but can't find it at your pharmacy, you're not alone. Supply issues have made this medication difficult to locate for many patients in 2026. The good news is that several effective alternatives exist — both at-home treatments and in-office procedures.

In this article, we'll explain what Podofilox is, how it works, and walk you through the best alternatives so you can have an informed conversation with your healthcare provider.

What Is Podofilox?

Podofilox is a prescription topical medication used to treat external genital warts caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). It's available as a 0.5% topical solution and a 0.5% gel, sold under the brand name Condylox.

It's one of the most commonly prescribed at-home treatments for genital warts because patients can apply it themselves without needing to visit a doctor's office for each treatment session. A typical treatment cycle involves applying Podofilox twice daily for three days, then taking four days off, for up to four cycles.

For a complete overview of the medication, see our post on what Podofilox is and how to use it.

How Does Podofilox Work?

Podofilox belongs to a class of drugs called antimitotic agents. It works by binding to a protein called tubulin inside cells. Tubulin is essential for cell division — without it, cells can't form the structures they need to split into two new cells.

When you apply Podofilox to a wart, it stops the rapidly dividing wart cells from multiplying. Over time, the wart tissue breaks down and the wart shrinks or disappears. The surrounding healthy skin is less affected because those cells divide much more slowly.

For a deeper explanation, read our article on how Podofilox works.

Alternatives to Podofilox for Genital Warts

If Podofilox isn't available or isn't right for you, here are the most common alternatives your doctor may recommend:

1. Imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara)

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier available as a topical cream. Rather than directly killing wart cells like Podofilox, Imiquimod works by stimulating your body's own immune system to fight the HPV virus that causes the warts.

• How it's used: Aldara (5% cream) is typically applied three times per week at bedtime for up to 16 weeks. Zyclara (3.75% cream) is applied once daily.
• Pros: Can be applied at home. May reduce recurrence rates because it boosts immune response. Available for both genital and perianal warts.
• Cons: Treatment takes longer than Podofilox (weeks vs. days per cycle). Can cause significant local skin reactions including redness, swelling, and erosion.
• Cost: Generic Imiquimod is widely available and typically costs $30 to $150 with a discount card.

2. Sinecatechins (Veregen)

Sinecatechins is a botanical ointment derived from green tea extract. It's the only FDA-approved botanical drug for genital warts.

• How it's used: Apply a thin layer of 15% ointment three times daily to external genital and perianal warts for up to 16 weeks.
• Pros: Natural, plant-based treatment. Can be applied at home. Approved for perianal warts (unlike Podofilox solution).
• Cons: Longer treatment duration. Can cause local reactions like redness, itching, and burning. May be more expensive.
• Cost: Cash price can range from $200 to $600+ without insurance, though discount programs may help.

3. Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)

Cryotherapy involves freezing genital warts with liquid nitrogen. It's performed by a healthcare provider in an office setting.

• How it's used: A provider applies liquid nitrogen directly to the wart using a spray or cotton swab. Sessions are typically repeated every 1 to 2 weeks until the warts are gone.
• Pros: Effective for most wart sizes. Immediate treatment — no waiting for medication to arrive. Can treat areas where topical medications aren't appropriate.
• Cons: Requires office visits. Can be painful during and after treatment. May cause blistering. Multiple sessions usually needed.
• Cost: Typically $100 to $300 per session, often covered by insurance as an in-office procedure.

4. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

TCA is a chemical agent applied directly to warts by a healthcare provider. It causes a controlled chemical burn that destroys wart tissue.

• How it's used: A provider carefully applies 80-90% TCA solution to the wart surface. Treatments are repeated weekly as needed.
• Pros: Safe during pregnancy (one of the few options for pregnant patients). Inexpensive. Effective for small warts.
• Cons: Must be applied by a provider. Can be painful. Risk of damage to surrounding tissue if not applied carefully. May require multiple sessions.
• Cost: Typically $75 to $200 per session when done in-office.

How to Decide Which Alternative Is Right for You

The best alternative to Podofilox depends on several factors:

• Do you prefer at-home treatment? Imiquimod and Sinecatechins are both applied at home.
• Are you pregnant? Podofilox is contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X). TCA is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
• How many warts do you have? Small, few warts may respond well to cryotherapy. Larger or more numerous warts may benefit from topical treatments.
• What can you afford? Generic Imiquimod tends to be the most affordable at-home option.
• How fast do you need results? Cryotherapy and TCA can show results more quickly, though they require office visits.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your preferences, budget, and medical history to find the best fit.

Don't Give Up on Finding Podofilox

Before switching to an alternative, it's worth trying to locate Podofilox. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability in your area. You might find it at an independent pharmacy or a location you hadn't considered. Check out our guide on how to find Podofilox in stock near you for more tips.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Podofilox prescription is frustrating, but it doesn't mean you have to go without treatment. Imiquimod, Sinecatechins, cryotherapy, and TCA are all proven alternatives that can effectively treat genital warts.

Work with your healthcare provider to choose the option that's best for your situation, and use tools like Medfinder to stay on top of medication availability. For more about the supply situation, see our article on why Podofilox is so hard to find.