Becaplermin (Topical)

Brand Names : Regranex

Proper Use of This Medicine

To make using becaplermin as safe and reliable as possible, you should understand how and when to use this medicine and what effects may be expected. A paper with information for the patient will be given to you with your filled prescription and will provide many details concerning the use of becaplermin. Read this paper carefully and ask your health care professional for any additional information or explanation.

It is important to prevent the tip of the tube from touching the skin ulcer or any other object to keep the medicine from becoming impure and a possible source of infection.

There are several important steps that will help you apply your medicine properly .

• Wash your hands before preparing your dose.
• The proper amount to measure 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.
• Spread the medicine on your skin ulcer as a thin (about 1/16th of an inch), even, continuous film.
• After wetting a gauze pad with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Irrigation USP, apply it on top of your medicated skin ulcer.
• After 12 hours, remove the medicine left on the skin ulcer with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Irrigation USP or water.
• 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.
• 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. Therefore, the medicine is reapplied every 24 hours, with a change in the wound dressing in between applications.

Dosing - The dose of becaplermin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of becaplermin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical dosage form (gel):
  • For skin ulcers caused by diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes):
    • Adults and children 16 years of age and over - Apply an amount of gel once a day and leave it on for twelve hours. The amount applied will change each week or every other week, depending on the changing size of the skin ulcer.
    • Children up to 16 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in the refrigerator. However, keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.