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Becaplermin
July 26, 2009 |
If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding
The safety of using becaplermin during pregnancy is not known. The drug should only be used during pregnancy if it is absolutely necessary.
It is not known if becaplermin passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors
Seniors may take this drug without special precaution.Generic Name
Becaplermin (beh-CAP-ler-min)
Brand Name Regranex
Type of Drug Human growth factor.
Prescribed For
Diabetic foot and leg wounds.
General Information
Becaplermin is a type of human growth factor produced in a laboratory. While it is not a substitute for good wound care, becaplermin can stimulate wound tissue to heal taster. Studies of the drug have produced mixed results. In some studies, people using becaplermin were 111.–2 times more likely to have complete healing of their wounds. In another study, the results with becaplermin were the same as those with good wound care alone.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not use becaplermin if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
Becaplermin should not be used to speed the healing of wounds that are healing by themselves.
Becaplermin should not be applied to skin cancer or tumors or exposed bones, joints, tendons, or ligaments because its effect on these body structures is not known.
Becaplermin should not be used for wounds that do not extend to subcutaneous tissue or are caused by poor circulation.
Drug and Food Interactions None known.
Usual•Dose
Adult and Child (age 16 and over): Apply a thin layer to the wound and leave in place for 12 hours. Then, remove the becaplermin bandage, rinse the wound, and cover it with a plain saline-soaked bandage for the rest of the day. Continue this process until the wound has healed completely.
Child (under age 16): not recommended.
Overdosage
Little is known about the effects of accidental ingestion. Call your local poison control center or a hospital emergency room for information. If you seek treatment, ALWAYS bring the prescription container.
Special Information
Call your doctor if your wound worsens or is irritated by becaplermin.
Wash your hands bet43ve -applying becaplermin.
Do not allow the tip of the becaplermin tube to touch any surface, including the wound being treated.
Your doctor should reassess your treatment if the wound is not 30% smaller in 10 weeks and completely healed in 20 weeks.
Applying more becaplermin than recommended will not make your wound heal better or faster.
alone. plus wound care had a eveloping a rash than those who re-
e.
Possible Side Effects
People treated with becaplermin larger risk of developing wound care.