Becaplermin, rh-PDGF skin gel

What is becaplermin skin gel?
BECAPLERMIN (Regranex®) is for treating skin ulcers, usually on the lower leg, in patients with diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Becaplermin stimulates the wound to heal. It is important to use other methods for good skin ulcer care when using becaplermin. Generic becaplermin is not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive becaplermin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to becaplermin, parabens, metacresol, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• cancer at the site of the ulcer
• wounds that show exposed joints, tendons, ligaments, or bone
• wounds that are closed manually by your health care professional
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?
Before using becaplermin, you should understand how and when to use this medicine and what effects may be expected. Your health care provider will provide you with details about the use of becaplermin. Read all the information carefully.

To make sure you apply your medicine correctly, follow the steps below:
1) Wash your hands before preparing your dose.
2) The proper dose depends on the size of the tube you are using and the size of the skin ulcer. You should expect the dose to change each week or every other week, depending on the rate your skin ulcer changes in size. Measure the proper amount carefully onto a clean surface such as wax paper. Then, transfer the medicine to your skin ulcer by using an applicator aid, such as a cotton swab or tongue depressor.
3) Spread the medicine on your skin ulcer as a thin (about 1/16th of an inch), even, continuous film.
4) After wetting a gauze pad with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Irrigation USP, apply it on top of your medicated skin ulcer.
5) After 12 hours, remove the medicine left on the skin ulcer with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Irrigation USP or water.
6) Keep the ulcer from becoming too dry. When changing the dressing, the existing bandage may need to be wetted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Irrigation USP to help remove the bandage and prevent injury to the healing ulcer.
7) Wet a new gauze pad with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Irrigation USP. Apply it on top of your skin ulcer that no longer has the medicine on it and wait 12 hours before applying the medicine again.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with becaplermin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are using or taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving becaplermin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• reddened skin near ulcer
• skin rash near ulcer

What should I watch for while taking becaplermin?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. As your skin ulcer changes in size, your prescriber or health care professional may change your dose weekly or every other week. If your skin ulcer is not reduced in size in 10 weeks or does not improve after 20 weeks, discuss with your prescriber or health care professional whether you should continue becaplermin.

Becaplermin works best when used with other methods for good skin ulcer care such as not bearing weight on the leg that has the skin ulcer.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in the refrigerator; do not freeze. Throw away any unused portion after the expiration date.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.