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| Pronunciation |
|
 (be
KAP ler
min) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Regranex® |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Growth Factor, Platelet-derived; Topical Skin Product |
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|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to becaplermin or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Infection at ulcer site,
growth or tumor where the medicine is being
applied.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for the treatment of ulcers of the lower legs.
These ulcers are caused by
diabetes.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Becaplermin helps with repair and healing of skin
ulcers.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Do not take by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes
(may burn).
- Apply once daily to the ulcer or ulcers. Continue until completely
healed.
- Wash hands before and after use.
- Do not touch the tip of the tube to any skin.
- Squeeze the amount of gel on to a piece of wax paper.
- Recap the tube tightly.
- Transfer to the ulcer using a clean cotton swab or tongue depressor.
- Spread gel completely over the ulcer in a thin layer, about 1/16th of
an inch thick.
- Cover the ulcer with a saline-moistened dressing and leave on for 12
hours.
- Remove the dressing after 12 hours and rinse ulcer with saline or
water.
- Cover the ulcer with a clean saline dressing for the rest of the
day.
|
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Apply a missed dose as soon as possible. Return to your regular
schedule.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Change in ulcer. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Any signs or symptoms of infection. This may include a fever greater
than 99 degrees, chills, sore throat, cough, increased sputum or change in
color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, anal itching or
pain.
- Ulcer irritation or
redness.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in the refrigerator. Do not
freeze.
|
|
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| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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