Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Salicylic acid may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Salicylic acid

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for 2. Before you use Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel 3. How to use Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel 6. Further information

1. WHAT BAZUKA EXTRA STRENGTH TREATMENT GEL IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

  • Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel is a treatment for warts and verrucas.
  • Warts and verrucas are small excessive growths of skin caused by a type of virus. Warts often occur on the fingers, or on the back of the hands. You can recognise the common wart by the rough 'cauliflower-like' appearance of the surface. Verrucas occur only on the sole of the foot. They can be painful, and often look like a small white ring of skin with black dots in the centre. The virus is very infectious. This means that warts and verrucas can grow and spread, particularly if left untreated. The virus can also be transferred to other parts of the body or from one person to another (see Section 6 for guidance on how this can be avoided).
  • Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel is suitable for use by adults, the elderly and children aged over 2 years. Children under 12 years should be treated by an adult and treatment of infants under 2 years is not recommended.
  • The active ingredient in this product is salicylic acid.
  • The active ingredient works by:
  • softening the hard skin growth, making it easier to remove with a pumice stone or emery board;
  • helping to kill the virus that causes warts and verrucas.
  •  Avoid spillage as this may cause damage to you, your clothing and your possessions (see Section 4):
  • do not fold the tube because this may damage it and make it leak.
  • The product is volatile and highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or ignition sources (eg burning cigarettes or anything else that might ignite it).
  • Avoid inhaling the vapour from the gel. Using other medicines This product is not known to affect, or to be affected by any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. You should not use Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel during pregnancy except for shortterm treatment of a small single wart or verruca. Oral forms (e.g. tablets) of this product class can cause adverse effects in your unborn baby. It is not known if the same risks apply to Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel when it is used on warts and verrucas. Driving and using machinery Using this product is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

How to take it

BAZUKA EXTRA STRENGTH TREATMENT GEL

Only use on warts and verrucas, on sites for which it is recommended. Before you use this tube of gel for the first time, open it as follows:

  • Find a suitable surface, in case of accidental spillage.
  • Hold the tube upright, with the cap uppermost and the base resting on a suitable surface.

Do not use Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to salicylic acid or any of the other ingredients of Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel listed in Section 6.

  •  Do not use the gel if you have diabetes or suffer from poor blood circulation to your hands or feet.
  • Do not use the gel anywhere on or near your face, armpits, breasts, areas of folded skin, bottom or genital (sex) area.
  • Do not use for the treatment of corns and calluses.
  • Do not use the gel on birthmarks, moles (especially pigmented moles), warts with hairs growing from them, facial warts or any other spots. If you are unsure whether you have a wart or verruca that is suitable for treatment with Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel, ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. Take special care when using this product: • Apply the gel carefully, to the wart or verruca only, by squeezing the tube very gently:
  • take care not to apply the gel to surrounding healthy skin, especially on young children's delicate skin, because when used incorrectly it may cause irritation or pain;
  • do not apply excessive amounts of gel.
  • Keep the gel away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, and from broken skin, cuts and grazes.
  • Unscrew and remove the combined white and red nozzle/cap assembly from the tube.
  • Remove the red collar and dispose of it safely.
  • Keep the tube upright for 30 seconds.
  • Then, without squeezing or over-gripping the tube, and with it still held upright and away from your face:
  • replace the white and red nozzle/cap assembly onto the screw thread of the tube (take care to avoid 'cross-threading');
  • tighten the nozzle/cap assembly firmly to pierce the top of the tube;
  • briefly loosen the red cap (to release any slight pressure in the tube) and then retighten.
  • Please note that once in place, a small gap will remain between the base of the nozzle/cap and the top of the tube. To use the gel (adults, children and the elderly): Follow these steps once every day, usually in the evening. Carry on using the gel in this way until the wart or verruca disappears: A. Soak the affected area in warm water for 2 to 3 minutes. B. Dry the area thoroughly, using your own towel if you have a wart or verruca (this will help stop the infection spreading to other people). This towel should be used for the affected area only. Continued overleaf

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2. BEFORE YOU USE BAZUKA EXTRA STRENGTH TREATMENT GEL

D. Carefully apply a thin coating (one or two drops) of the gel to the top of the wart or verruca only:

  • avoid the gel spreading to the surrounding healthy skin. If this does occur, wipe it off straight away with a tissue, and, if necessary, wash the area;
  • allow the gel to dry for a few minutes to form a small white patch that sticks to the treated area and is water resistant;
  • there is no need to cover the treated area with a sticking plaster;
  • always replace the protective red cap after use;
  • wash your hands after touching warts or verrucas. E. The next evening, carefully peel or pick off the white patch of dried gel from the wart or verruca:
  • apply fresh gel as described in steps A to D above;
  • if removal of the white patch is difficult, carefully re-apply the gel directly over it and leave it to dry. This will thicken the white patch and make it easier to remove. F. Once every week, before applying fresh gel, gently rub the wart or verruca with the emery board provided, or a pumice stone. Do not let anyone else use the emery board or pumice stone as the infection may spread to them. G.  The length of treatment will vary depending on the size and resistance of the wart or verruca:
  • some may go in a relatively short time;
  • some warts and verrucas can require up to 12 weeks treatment before they disappear;
  • it is important that you do not give up on the treatment until the wart or verruca has disappeared (unless irritation occurs, see Section 4 below);
  • if the wart or verruca worsens during treatment, or has not disappeared after 12 weeks, ask your doctor for advice. H. At the end of treatment, if the white patch is difficult to remove, you can leave it because it will eventually fall off by itself. If the gel accidentally gets into the eyes or mouth, it may cause damage. Rinse the eyes or mouth with plenty of water. If rinsing one eye, take care to avoid washing product into the other eye. Then seek urgent hospital attention. If you inhale a lot of the vapour from the gel it may make you feel light-headed. If this happens, get plenty of fresh air. If you forget to use Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel Do not worry if you occasionally forget to use this product, just carry on using it when you remember. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel can cause side effects although not everybody gets them:

  • While the gel is working you may feel a slight tingling sensation and/or some mild tenderness at the treated area. This is usually temporary, and in rare cases may appear as a temporary blemish on the skin.
  • If you mistakenly allow the gel to spread onto and remain in contact with areas of normal skin (see precautions in Section 2), it may cause irritation.
  • If you spill the product on your clothes, fabrics, jewellery or metal and polished surfaces it may damage them permanently.
  •  Stop using this product and tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
  • you experience unacceptable discomfort or if irritation persists, or
  • any of the side effects get serious, or you notice any other side effects not mentioned in this leaflet. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report

Possible side effects

directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

BAZUKA EXTRA STRENGTH TREATMENT GEL

  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Do not use Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel after the expiry date shown on the fold of the tube and on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • Do not store above 25°C.
  • Always replace the cap tightly after use.
  • The product is highly flammable. Keep it away from flames or ignition sources.
  • Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT BAZUKA EXTRA STRENGTH TREATMENT GEL What Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel contains: The active ingredient is salicylic acid 26.0% w/w. The other ingredients are camphor, povidone, pyroxylin, ethanol, acetone and isopropyl alcohol. What Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel looks like and contents of the pack The product is a clear colourless gel. The product is available in a tube containing 6g of gel. The tube has a special applicator nozzle. Each pack also includes an emery board. Warts and verrucas can spread to other parts of the body, or to other people. To help avoid this:

  • Always wash your hands after touching warts or verrucas. •K  eep the emery board provided, or a pumice stone, and a separate towel for use on the affected area. Do not use them anywhere else, and do not let anyone else use them. The Marketing Authorisation holder is Diomed Developments Ltd, Tatmore Place, Gosmore, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 7QR, UK. The Manufacturer is Aeropak, Viking Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0NU, UK. This leaflet was last revised in September 2024. To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio, please call free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only). Please be ready to give the following information: Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel 00173/0405 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

WD30/24/1 202713

C. Taking care to avoid squeezing the tube, remove the protective red cap, leaving the white nozzle attached to the tube.

Frequently asked questions about Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel

How do I take Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel?

Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel comes as gel. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel?

The active substance in Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel is salicylic acid.

Are there equivalent medicines to Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Bazuka Extra Strength Gel. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Salicylic acid (21 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

For the topical treatment of warts and verrucas.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

For adults, the elderly and children over 2 years. Children under 12 years should be treated by an adult, and treatment of infants less than 2 years is not recommended.

Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel should be applied once daily. The gel should be applied once every night. Treatment can take up to 12 weeks for resistant lesions to disappear and it is necessary to persevere with the treatment.

1. Every night, soak the affected site in warm water for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Dry thoroughly with the patient's own towel; this towel should be used for the affected site(s) only.

3. Carefully apply one or two drops of the gel to the lesion and allow to dry over its surface. Take care to avoid surrounding normal skin. No adhesive plaster is necessary.

4. The following evening, carefully remove and discard the elastic film formed from the previous application, and re-apply the gel (repeat steps 1 to 3). Occasionally, if removal of the elastic film proves difficult, carefully re-apply the gel over it and allow to dry. This should help thicken the film to assist removal. If necessary, such re-application may be made on two or three successive days. Hands should be washed after touching warts or verrucas.

5. Once a week, gently rub away the treated surface using an emery board, as provided, or pumice stone used only for this purpose, before re-applying the gel.

6. The wart or verruca may take up to 12 weeks to disappear and it is important to persevere with the treatment.

7. If the wart or verruca has not disappeared after 12 weeks of treatment, further advice should be sought from a doctor or pharmacist.

8. At the end of treatment, if the elastic film is difficult to remove, it may be allowed to remain on the skin until it sheds.

4.3. Contraindications

Not to be used on or near the face, neck, intertriginous or anogenital regions, or by people with diabetes or individuals with impaired peripheral blood circulation.

Not to be used on moles, birthmarks, hairy warts or on any other skin lesions for which the gel is not indicated.

Not to be used in cases of sensitivity to any of the ingredients.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Keep away from the eyes, mucous membranes and from cuts and grazes.

The gel should be applied carefully to the wart or verruca only, to avoid possible irritation of surrounding normal skin.

Not to be used for the treatment of corns and calluses.

Do not use excessively.

Some mild, transient irritation may be expected, but in cases of more severe or persistent pain/irritation, the treatment should be suspended and/or discontinued. See also Section 4.8.

Avoid inhaling vapour, and keep cap firmly closed when not in use.

Contact with clothing, fabrics, plastics and other materials may cause damage, and should be avoided.

For external use only.

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

None known.

4.6. Pregnancy and lactation

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel during pregnancy.

Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel should not be used during pregnancy, except for short-term treatment of a small single wart or verruca.

It is not known if the systemic Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel exposure reached after topical administration can be harmful to an embryo/fetus.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, systemic use of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors may induce cardiopulmonary and renal toxicity in the fetus. At the end of the pregnancy prolonged bleeding time in both mother and child may occur, and labour can be delayed.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

None known.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The product may be irritant in certain patients, which in rare instances may appear as a temporary blemish on the skin. See also Section 4.4.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

4.9. Overdose

Any excessive use of the product could cause irritation of the skin. If this occurs, the product should be used more sparingly or applied less frequently.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Bazuka Extra Strength Treatment Gel. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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