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ycanth

Ycanth (Cantharidin) is a medication used to treat Molluscum Contagiosum, Warts.

Cantharidin · by Verrica Pharms

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Cantharidin
Form
Solution
Strength
Cantharidin 0.7%
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Verrica Pharms
FDA application
NDA212905

What is Ycanth?

From the FDA label:YCANTH (cantharidin) topical solution is a light violet to dark purple, slightly viscous liquid for topical administration. Each mL of YCANTH topical solution contains 7 mg of active ingredient cantharidin (0.7%), a lipophilic compound. Cantharidin is a white to off-white solid at room temperature and is only very slightly soluble in water. The chemical name for cantharidin is 1,2-dimethyl-3,6-epoxyperhydrophthalic anhydride. The molecular weight is 196.20 g/mol and the molecular formula is C 10 H 12 O 4 . The structural formula for cantharidin is represented below: The inactive ingredients of YCANTH topical solution are acetone, camphor, castor oil, denatonium benzoate, ethanol (32%), gentian violet, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and nitrocellulose. The inactive ingredient denatonium benzoate is an oral deterrent to help mitigate the risk of accidental ingestion. Chemical Structure

How to use

All healthcare professionals should receive instruction and training prior to preparation and administration of YCANTH. ( 2.1 ) For topical use only. Not for oral, mucosal, or ophthalmic use. ( 2.1 ) Apply a single application directly to each lesion every 3 weeks as needed. ( 2.2 ) Do not use more than two applicators during a single treatment session. ( 2.2 ) Remove with soap and water 24 hours after treatment. ( 2.2 ) For additional instructions on preparation and administration of YCANTH, see Full Prescribing Information. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions All healthcare professionals should receive instruction and training prior to preparation and administration of YCANTH. YCANTH is for topical use only. YCANTH is not for oral, mucosal, or ophthalmic use. Avoid contact with the treatment area, including oral contact, after YCANTH treatment. Do not apply YCANTH near the eyes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Overdosage (10) ] . If YCANTH contacts any unintended surface, including healthy skin, immediately remove by wiping with a cotton swab or gauze. Avoid other topical products on treated areas until 24 hours after YCANTH treatment or until washing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Avoid fire, flame or smoking near lesion(s) during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . 2.2 Dosage and Administration Overview Regarding YCANTH…

Side effects

The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Local Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common (incidence ≥1%) adverse reactions are the following local skin reactions at the application site: vesiculation, pain, pruritus, scabbing, erythema, discoloration, application site dryness, edema, and erosion. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-877-837-7422 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Local skin reactions are expected and should be reported if they are severe. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. YCANTH was studied in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials, Trial 1 (NCT03377790) and Trial 2 (NCT03377803) (n = 266, and n = 262, respectively) in subjects with molluscum contagiosum. Most patients received a single 24-hour dermal administration of YCANTH or vehicle for each lesion every 3 weeks for up to 4 treatments. YCANTH Solution or vehicle were removed prior to the 24-hour timepoint in 109/311 (35%) subjects treated with YCANTH Solution and 46/216 (21%) subjects treated with vehicle…

Warnings

Important safety information

Toxicities Associated with Inappropriate Administration: Life threatening or fatal toxicities can occur if administered orally. Avoid contact with the treatment area, including oral contact, after treatment. Ocular toxicity can occur if YCANTH comes in contact with eyes. If YCANTH gets in eyes, flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. ( 5.1 ) Local Skin Reactions : Reactions at the application site have included vesiculation, pruritus, pain, discoloration, and erythema. Avoid application near eyes and mucosal tissue, and to healthy skin. If YCANTH contacts any unintended surface, or healthy skin, immediately remove. If severe local skin reactions occur, remove prior to 24 hours after treatment. ( 5.2 ) Flammability : YCANTH is flammable, even after drying. Avoid fire, flame or smoking near lesion(s) during treatment and after application until removed. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Toxicities Associated with Inappropriate Administration YCANTH is for topical use only. YCANTH is not for oral, mucosal, or ophthalmic use. Life threatening or fatal toxicities can occur if YCANTH is administered orally [see Overdosage (10) ]. Adverse reactions to oral ingestion of cantharidin have included renal failure, blistering and severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract, coagulopathy, seizures, and flaccid paralysis. Advise patients and/or caregivers to avoid oral contact and to avoid touching lesions after YCANTH treatment and to seek medical attention immediately if YCANTH is accidently ingested. Ocular toxicity can occur if YCANTH comes in contact with the eyes. Adverse reactions from contact of YCANTH with the eyes can include corneal necrosis, ocular perforation, and deep ocular injuries. Do not apply YCANTH near or to the eyes. If YCANTH comes in contact with the eyes, flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. 5.2 Local Skin Reactions YCANTH is a vesicant. Local skin reactions at the application site were observed in 97% of subjects treated with YCANTH during clinical trials. Local skin reactions included vesiculation, pruritus, pain, discoloration, and erythema [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Avoid application near the eyes and mucosal tissues, and to adjacent healthy skin. If YCANTH contacts any unintended surface, including healthy skin, immediately remove by wiping with a cotton swab or gauze . Avoid other topical products (e.g. creams, lotions, or sunscreen) on treated areas until 24 hours after YCANTH treatment or until washing. Application of other topical products could spread YCANTH and cause blistering or other adverse reactions to healthy skin. If severe blistering, severe pain or other severe adverse reactions occur, remove YCANTH prior to the recommended 24 hours after administration by washing with soap and water . 5.3 Flammability YCANTH is a flammable liquid, even after drying. Avoid fire, flame or smoking near lesion(s) during treatment and after application until removed.

Who should not take Ycanth

None None

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Oral ingestion of cantharidin has resulted in renal failure, blistering and severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract, coagulopathy, seizures, and flaccid paralysis. In the event that YCANTH topical solution is ingested, patients should seek medical attention immediately and contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Solution

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

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Request a 90-day supply

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Frequently asked questions

What does Ycanth treat?
Ycanth (Cantharidin) may be used to treat molluscum contagiosum, warts, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Ycanth?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Ycanth. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Ycanth?
Ycanth is marketed by Verrica Pharms. You can see Verrica Pharms's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Ycanth a brand-name or generic drug?
Ycanth is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Cantharidin.
Is Ycanth available over the counter?
No. Ycanth is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Ycanth come in?
Ycanth is currently marketed as solution, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Ycanth FDA-registered?
Ycanth is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA212905. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Ycanth safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Ycanth. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Ycanth?
Ycanth's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Local Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common (incidence ≥1%) adverse reactions are the following local skin reactions at the application site: vesiculation, pain, pruritus, scabbing, erythema,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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