Avoca Caustic Pencil 40% w/w is a cutaneous stick containing silver nitrate 40% w/w. It is used for removing warts, verrucas and excess tissue, including tissue that can form during wound healing.

Silver nitrate acts as a caustic agent, destroying unwanted tissue at the surface of the treated area. The pencil is designed for direct, controlled topical application after moistening the tip as instructed.

For wart treatment, apply once daily for up to 3 days. For verruca treatment, apply once daily for up to 6 days. If the condition does not improve after the recommended number of applications, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Avoca is a pharmacy medicine and a pharmacist may provide advice where appropriate.

Patient Information Leaflet

Main ingredients: Silver nitrate 40% w/w. Excipients: Potassium nitrate.

Avoca Caustic Pencil 40% w/w is used topically for removing warts, verrucas and excess tissue.

For warts: Apply once daily for up to 3 days.

For verrucas: Apply once daily for up to 6 days.

Before use, place a single drop of clean water on a clean, non-absorbent surface. Do not use saline solution or water known to contain salt or chlorides.

Place the tip of the pencil in the drop of water and gently move it in the water for approximately 20 seconds. The tip and the drop of water will then contain dissolved Avoca.

Protect the healthy skin surrounding the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Use the tip to transfer the water onto the whole area being treated.

Do not rub the tip against the skin and do not apply pressure to the tip. Avoid contact with healthy skin, clothing, furniture and other surfaces.

Allow the treated area to dry. The treated skin will become black. After approximately 24 hours, the black surface may be filed away using a coarse nail buffer or fine emery board before treating the remaining wart or verruca again.

If the wart has not improved after 3 applications, or the verruca has not improved after 6 applications, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget an application, do not apply a double dose to make up for it.

Do not use Avoca if you are allergic to silver nitrate or potassium nitrate.

Do not use near the eyes, on genital warts or on other sensitive areas of the body.

Avoca is caustic and can burn healthy tissue. Protect the surrounding healthy skin with petroleum jelly and follow the application instructions carefully.

Avoca can cause black or grey staining. Water containing Avoca can stain skin, clothing, furniture and other surfaces. Staining of some materials may be permanent.

The product is intended for single patient use only.

No paediatric dosing data are provided in the SmPC.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or may use any other medicines. No formal interaction studies have been performed.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Avoca.

No effects on driving or the ability to use machinery are stated.

If you use too much Avoca or swallow it accidentally, seek medical attention immediately and take the medicine pack with you. Excessive topical use may cause burning or stinging.

If swallowed, symptoms may include pain in the mouth, increased saliva, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, black-stained vomit, loss of consciousness or fits.