On this page
YCANTH
Cantharidin · Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantharidin | 3.2 mg/.45mL | 244521 | — |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryRegulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212905-001 | YCANTH | SOLUTION | CANTHARIDIN | Prescription | — | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookCodes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Patents and exclusivity
Source: Orange Book| Patent | Expires | Product | Substance | Use code | Submitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11052064 | May 28, 2035 | 001 | No | U-3665 | August 15, 2023 |
| 11052064 | May 28, 2035 | 001 | No | U-3663 | August 15, 2023 |
| 12233042 | August 22, 2038 | 001 | No | U-3663 | March 26, 2025 |
| 11147790 | August 22, 2038 | 001 | No | U-3663 | August 15, 2023 |
| 11147790 | August 22, 2038 | 001 | No | U-3664 | August 15, 2023 |
| 12290651 | February 19, 2041 | 001 | No | May 16, 2025 |
| Code | Expires | Product |
|---|---|---|
| NCE | July 21, 2028 | 001 |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer | Approved | July 21, 2023 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20241113). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE YCANTH is indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. YCANTH is indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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 dosage and administration: Use nitrile or vinyl gloves and eye protection during preparation and administration. Apply topically as a single application to cover each lesion. Use no more than two YCANTH applicators during a single treatment session. Remove with soap and water 24 hours after treatment. Administer YCANTH every 3 weeks as needed. Do not cover any treated lesions with bandages. If severe blistering, severe pain, or other severe adverse reactions occur, remove YCANTH with soap and water prior to 24 hours after treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Regarding use of the YCANTH applicator and break tool: Do not reuse the applicator. The applicator is for a single treatment session only. Do not attempt to use a clogged applicator. Do not cut or modify the applicator in any way; doing so could reduce dispensing control. Do not remove the applicator cap prior to breaking the glass ampule. If any damage or leaks are observed on the applicator, applicators should be discarded in a sharps container and handled in accordance with accepted medical practice and applicable law. The YCANTH Break Tool should be managed as solid waste and placed in plastic recycling containers or the general trash. 2.3 Dosage and Administration Instructions Instructions for preparing the YCANTH Applicator and administering the YCANTH Solution are presented below. YCANTH includes the following components [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.1) ] : Outer Protective Tube The YCANTH Applicator The YCANTH Break Tool Step 1. Put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Put on gloves and eye protection. Step 2. Remove the YCANTH Applicator from Outer Protective Tube Use pull ring to remove purple end cap out of white outer protective tube. DO NOT remove the applicator cap. Slide the YCANTH Applicator out of the outer protective tube. Step 3. Remove the Paperboard Sleeve Completely remove the white paperboard sleeve so that the glass ampule is visible. DO NOT remove the applicator cap prior to breaking the glass ampule. Step 4. Inspect for Damage Inspect the YCANTH Applicator for the following types of damage: Broken glass ampule Cut or cracked applicator tube No damage (for reference) If any damage is observed, dispose of the YCANTH applicators in a sharps container and handle in accordance with accepted medical practice and applicable law. Step 5. Break Ampule using the YCANTH Break Tool Set the YCANTH Break Tool on a horizontal surface. Ensure the applicator cap is in place. Place the YCANTH Applicator in the YCANTH Break Tool with the ca …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Topical solution 0.7%: Each mL of YCANTH contains 7 mg (0.7%) of cantharidin in a light violet to dark purple, slightly viscous liquid. Topical solution: 0.7% cantharidin. ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 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.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 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 due to treatment-emergent adverse events. Table 1 presents the percentage of subjects with selected adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) by the most severe grade reported during Trial 1 and Trial 2. Adverse reactions were primarily local skin reactions at the application site. Local skin reactions at the application site were observed in 97% of subjects treated with YCANTH during both trials. Table 1. Percentage of Subjects with Selected Adverse Reactions (Incidence ≥1%) by Severity in Trial 1 and Trial 2 (Safety Population) YCANTH N=311 Vehicle N=216 Preferred Term Name Mild Moderate Severe Mild Moderate Severe Application site vesicles 60% 32% 4% 27% 2% 0% Application site pain and pain 41% 20% 2% 16% 1% 0% Application site pruritus and pruritus 47% 8% 1% 30% 7% 0% Application site scab and scab 39% 9% 0% 20% 1% 0% Application site erythema and erythema 24% 21% <1% 20% 7% 0% Application site discoloration 28% 4% <1% 12% 1% 0% Application site dryness 19% 2% 0% 14% 1% 0% Application site edema 7% 3% 0% 3% 1% 0% Application site erosion 6% 1% 0% 1% 0% 0% Contact dermatitis 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% There were no serious adverse reactions reported in the two controlled trials. The discontinuation rate due to an adverse reaction was 2.3% among subjects treated with YCANTH and 0.5% among subjects treated with vehicle.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data with use of YCANTH in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies were not conducted with cantharidin. Given that systemic exposure to cantharidin following topical administration is low, maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Avoid application of YCANTH topical solution to areas with increased risk for potential ingestion by or ocular exposure to the breastfeeding child. There are no data on the presence of cantharidin in either human or animal milk, or the effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the child to the drug due to the low systemic absorption of YCANTH following topical administration [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for YCANTH topical solution and any potential adverse effects on the breastfeeding child from YCANTH topical solution or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Risk Summary The safety and effectiveness of YCANTH for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum have been established in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. The use of YCANTH in pediatric patients is supported by results from adequate and well-controlled trials in patients 2 years of age and older; although the safety and efficacy of drug use for longer than 12 weeks has not been established [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. The safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established . 8.5 Geriatric Use Risk Summary YCANTH has not been studied in geriatric patients.
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of cantharidin in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum is unknown.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION 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
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE 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.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/ STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied YCANTH topical solution is supplied in a sealed glass ampule contained within a single-use applicator and enclosed in a protective paperboard sleeve. Each ampule of YCANTH contains approximately 0.45 mL of 0.7% cantharidin solution. Each mL of YCANTH contains 7 mg cantharidin (0.7%). A YCANTH Break Tool is co-packaged as 2 units per each 6 count and 12 count carton of applicators and 1 unit per each 1 count carton with 1 applicator. A listing of the available carton packages is provided in Table 3. Table 3. Available Carton Configurations for YCANTH Dosage Strength Single-Use Applicator Single Applicator NDC (Each) Number of YCANTH Applicators (Each) per Carton YCANTH Break Tool Part Reference Number Number of YCANTH Break Tools (Each) per Carton NDC 0.7% (7 mg/mL) 1 each 71349-070-01 1 71349-000-01 1 71349-070-11 6 71349-000-01 2 71349-070-06 12 71349-000-01 2 71349-070-12 Individual YCANTH Break Tools are available separately (Part Reference Number 71349-000-01). To request additional YCANTH Break Tools, contact Verrica Pharmaceuticals at 1-973-298-1390. 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature], protect from light.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CANTHARIDIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71349-070-01 | 71349-070 | Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 APPLICATOR in 1 PACKAGE (71349-070-01) / 1 AMPULE in 1 APPLICATOR / .45 mL in 1 AMPULE | July 21, 2023 |
| 71349-070-06 | 71349-070 | Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 6 PACKAGE in 1 CARTON (71349-070-06) / 1 APPLICATOR in 1 PACKAGE (71349-070-01) / 1 AMPULE in 1 APPLICATOR / .45 mL in 1 AMPULE | July 21, 2023 |
| 71349-070-11 | 71349-070 | Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 PACKAGE in 1 CARTON (71349-070-11) / 1 APPLICATOR in 1 PACKAGE (71349-070-01) / 1 AMPULE in 1 APPLICATOR / .45 mL in 1 AMPULE | July 21, 2023 |
| 71349-070-12 | 71349-070 | Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 12 PACKAGE in 1 CARTON (71349-070-12) / 1 APPLICATOR in 1 PACKAGE (71349-070-01) / 1 AMPULE in 1 APPLICATOR / .45 mL in 1 AMPULE | July 21, 2023 |
| 71349-999-01 | 71349-999 | Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 APPLICATOR in 1 PACKAGE (71349-999-01) / 1 AMPULE in 1 APPLICATOR / .45 mL in 1 AMPULE | July 21, 2023 |
| 71349-999-06 | 71349-999 | Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 6 PACKAGE in 1 CARTON (71349-999-06) / 1 APPLICATOR in 1 PACKAGE (71349-999-01) / 1 AMPULE in 1 APPLICATOR / .45 mL in 1 AMPULE | July 21, 2023 |
| 71349-070 | 71349-070 | Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | July 21, 2023 |
| 71349-999 | 71349-999 | Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | July 21, 2023 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.