(be KAP ler min TOP ik al) Brand: Regranex
• You must not use this medicine if you are allergic to becaplermin or parabens, or if you have skin cancer affecting your foots. Do not apply becaplermin over any wound or surgical incision that has been closed with stitches, staples, or surgical tape.
• A becaplermin doze is measured by the length of a ribbon of gel squeezed from the medication pipe. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or wound care counselor if you have any questions about how to measure your becaplermin dose.
• You will need to recalculate your doze about each week or two as the size of your ulcer changes. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Do not apply becaplermin gel more than once for day and never use more than your predesigned doze. Using more of the medicine will not create it work faster and may reason unwanted side effects.
• Use this medicine for the full predesigned length of time. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using becaplermin topical.
• Becaplermin topical is only part of a complete ulcer care treatment program that may also include routine foot exams and avoiding weight on the affected foot. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
• Some people who used 3 or more courses of treatment with becaplermin topical have developed cancer. However, it is not known whether this medicine actually causes cancer. Conversation with your doctor about your own specific cancer risk.
• Becaplermin contains a human growth factor that helps your body heal. It works by promoting the growth of cells that help in wound healing.
• Becaplermin topical (for the skin) is used to treat diabetic foot ulcers.
• Becaplermin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medicine guide.
• You must not use this medicine if you are allergic to becaplermin or parabens, or if you have skin cancer affecting your foots. Do not apply becaplermin over any wound or surgical incision that has been closed with stitches, staples, or surgical tape.
• FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether becaplermin will harm an unborn child. Speak your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
• It is not known whether becaplermin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing child. Do not use this medicine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Do not use this medicine on a baby younger than 16 years old.
• Some people who used 3 or more courses of treatment with becaplermin topical have developed cancer. However, it is not known whether this medicine actually causes cancer. Conversation with your doctor about your own specific cancer risk.
• Use exactly as predesigned by your doctor. Do not use in larger or less amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Using more of this medicine will not create it work faster and may reason unwanted side effects.
• A becaplermin doze is measured by the length of a ribbon of gel squeezed from the medication pipe. To calculate the proper doze, measure the length and width of your ulcer and use one of the next formulas:
· When using a 15-gram pipe of becaplermin gel: multiply length x width x 0.6. For example, 2 inches x 1 inch x 0.6 = 1.25 inches of gel.
· When using a 2-gram pipe of becaplermin gel: multiply length x width x 1.3. For example, 2 inches x 1 inch x 1.3 = 2.75 inches of gel.
· To measure the doze in centimeters: Multiply length x width and divide by 4 if using a 15-gram pipe, or divide by 2 if using a 2-gram pipe. For example, 4 centimeters x 2 centimeters / 4 = 2 centimeters of gel from the 15-gram pipe; or 4 centimeters x 2 centimeters / 2 = 4 centimeters of gel from the 2-gram tube.
· Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or wound care counselor if you have any questions about how to measure your becaplermin dose.
• Create certain you are aware of which pipe size you are using when calculating your becaplermin topical doze. Always check your refills to create certain you have received the correct pipe size predesigned by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medication you receive at the pharmacy.
• You will need to recalculate your doze about each week or two as the size of your ulcer changes. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Wash your hands till and after using this medication.
• To apply becaplermin topical gel:
· Squeeze a ribbon of gel (in the correct length for your ulcer) onto a clean, company surface that will not absorb the gel such as wax paper.
· To hold the tip of the medication pipe from getting contaminated, do not let the tip to touch any surface, including your fingers, the company surface, or the ulcer you are treating.
· Use a cotton swab, tongue depressor, or another disposable applicator to lift the gel from the company surface
· Spread the gel evenly in a thin layer (about 1/16 of an inch thick) over the ulcerated skin area.
· Cover the treated skin area with a cotton gauze bandage that has been moistened with saline. Leave this gauze dressing on for the following 12 hours.
· After 12 hours have passed, remove the gauze and rinse the ulcer with saline or water to remove the gel. Moisten a new gauze bandage with saline and cover the ulcer without applying any becaplermin gel.
• Do not apply becaplermin gel more than once for day and never use more than your predesigned dose.
• Use this medicine for the full predesigned length of time. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using becaplermin topical.
• Becaplermin topical is only part of a complete ulcer care treatment program that may also include routine foot exams and avoiding weight on the affected foot. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
• Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Hold the medication pipe tightly capped when not in use. Do not use becaplermin gel past the expiration date on the tube.
• Apply the missed doze as soon as you remember. Skip the missed doze if it is nearly time for your following scheduled doze. Do not use extra medication to create up the missed dose.
• Search abnormal medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.
• Avoid using another medications on the areas you treat with becaplermin unless your doctor tells you to.
• Get abnormal medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your person, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using becaplermin topical and call your doctor at once if you have severe itching, redness, blistering, peeling, or another skin irritation.
• This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may message side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
• It is not likely that another drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied becaplermin. But much drugs can interact with every another. Speak your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal commodity. Do not start a new medicine without telling your doctor.
• Your pharmacist can provide more information about becaplermin topical.
Remember, hold this and all another medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.
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