|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (be
KAP ler
min) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Regranex® |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Growth Factor, Platelet-derived; Topical Skin Product |
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
| 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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|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
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The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.
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