$Unique_ID{BRK00379}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{A New Treatment for Genital Warts}
$Subject{warts genital treatment interferon}
$Volume{J-14}
$Log{
Genital Warts in a Female*0006403.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A New Treatment for Genital Warts


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QUESTION:  This is a question about a condition that is not generally spoken
about too much, but I am sure that many of your readers would appreciate some
information.  Could you tell us about a new treatment that interferes with the
growth of genital warts?  I read that the FDA just approved its use.

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ANSWER:  I am sure that there are a great many readers who may desire this
information, as a report from the National Disease and Therapeutics Index
reveals that consultations with private physicians about genital warts grew
from 1,149,000 in 1983 to 1,858,000 in 1987.  Genital warts (known medically
as Condylomata acuminata) is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and is
considered the fourth most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the
United States.  Although the condition may be without the symptoms that make
patients aware they are infected, the warts which typically grow around the
anus and urinary passageways, as well as the genital areas, cause itching,
burning and tenderness to the affected areas.  They may appear as single or
multiple lesions, cauliflower-like pink or red growths, that develop rapidly.
The condition is most frequent in younger people, ages 15 to 29, and occurs
with greater frequency in individuals who engage in frequent sexual activity
especially with multiple partners.  Statistics reveal that 12% to 34% of
patients with genital warts also suffer with other types of sexually
transmitted disease.  The new medication you mention is a type of recombinant
interferon, alfa-2b and is called Intron A by the manufacturer, the Schering
Corporation.  The medication is injected directly into the wart, usually three
times a week for three weeks, and may totally clear up the lesion in as many
as half the treated cases.  The medication must be administered by a
physician, and frequently is used when other methods of treatment have failed.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
