YCANTH (cantharidin)

YCANTH (cantharidin)

Office-Administration – topical solution

Diagnosis considered for coverage:

• Molluscum contagiosum: Indicated for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

Coverage Criteria:

For diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum:

• Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum; AND
• Patient is 2 years of age or older; AND
• Prescribed by or in consultation with a dermatologist; AND
• Patient has single or multiple, 2- to 5-mm-diameter, flesh-colored to translucent, dome-shaped papules, some with central umbilication; AND
• One of the following: 
  • Patient is treating new lesions that have not previously been treated with Ycanth 
  • Lesions have previously been treated with Ycanth and will not exceed a total of 4 treatments of Ycanth

Coverage Duration:

• 12 weeks

Dosing:

• All healthcare professionals should receive instruction and training prior to preparation and administration of YCANTH.
• Apply a single application directly to each lesion every 3 weeks as needed. 
• Do not use more than two applicators during a single treatment session. 
• Remove with soap and water 24 hours after treatment.

Authorization is not covered for the following:

The use of this drug for indications not listed in this policy does not meet the coverage criteria established by the Western Health Advantage (WHA) Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee.

Additional Information: 

• Ycanth is the first FDA-approved treatment for molluscum.
• Other non-FDA approved management approaches include curettage, cryotherapy, electrodessication and laser therapy, and chemical agents designed to initiate a local inflammatory response.
• Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that can cause white, pink, or flesh-colored bumps that may itch or become irritated, inflamed, or infected.
• Subjects' lesions were treated with either YCANTH or vehicle at intervals of approximately 21 days until complete clearance of the lesion or for a maximum of 4 applications.
• 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.

Policy Updates:

• 03/01/2024 – New policy for Ycanth approved by WHA P&T Committee. (P&T, 02/20/2024)

References:

1.    Ycanth Prescribing Information. Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. West Chester, PA. July 2023. 
2.    American Academy of Pediatrics. Molluscum contagiosum. In: Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, Sawyer MH, eds. Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 32nd ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021: 535-537.