Becaplermin (On the skin)

be-KAP-ler-min

Helps heal diabetic skin ulcers.

Drug classes

Wound Care Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Becaplermin is used to treat skin ulcers, usually on the lower leg, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by stimulating the wound to heal. It is important to use other methods for good skin ulcer care when using becaplermin.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Gel/Jelly

Use this medicine only on your skin and only on the area prescribed by your doctor. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not apply this medicine on any other rashes, sores, or cuts. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Depending how quickly your skin ulcer heals, your doctor may change the dose of your medicine. Use of more medicine than your doctor prescribes will not help your skin ulcer heal more quickly.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

Squeeze the gel onto a clean surface that will not absorb the medicine, such as a piece of waxed paper. Do not apply the medicine directly from the tube onto the skin.

Use a cotton swab, tongue depressor, or other applicator aid to spread an even layer of gel over the surface of the skin ulcer.

Cover the skin ulcer with a gauze dressing that has been moistened with saline solution. Leave the skin ulcer covered for 12 hours. After 12 hours, remove the gauze. Carefully rinse the skin ulcer with saline or water to remove any medicine that remains. Then put another saline-moistened gauze dressing on the area for the next 12 hours.

Do not let the tip of the tube touch the skin ulcer or any other object. Close the tube tightly after each use.

Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use other medicines on your skin ulcer at the same time, unless instructed by your doctor.

Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to becaplermin, or if you have skin cancer or tumors at the site of the skin ulcer.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have poor blood flow to your lower legs and feet, or you have any type of cancer.

Only use the prescribed amount of medicine. Too much of this medicine may increase your risk for cancer. Your doctor will decide if you should continue to use this medicine based on how well your skin ulcer heals.

Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Pain, redness, warmth, burning, or swelling around the skin ulcer

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Regranex

There may be other brand names for this medicine.