What is becaplermin topical?
Becaplermin contains a human growth factor that helps your body heal. It works by promoting
the growth of cells that aid in wound healing.
Becaplermin topical (for the skin) is used to treat diabetic foot ulcers.
Becaplermin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking becaplermin topical?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to becaplermin or parabens, or if you
have skin cancer affecting your feet. 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 is harmful to an unborn
baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether becaplermin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child 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 medication actually causes cancer. Talk with
your doctor about your own specific cancer risk.
How should I take becaplermin topical?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Using more of this
medication will not make it work faster and may cause unwanted side effects.
A becaplermin dose is measured by the length of a ribbon of gel squeezed from the medicine
tube. To calculate the proper dose, measure the length and width of your ulcer and use one of the
following formulas:
Make sure you are aware of which tube size you are using when
calculating your becaplermin topical dose. Always check your refills to make sure you have received
the correct tube size prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about
the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.
You will need to recalculate your dose about every week or two as the size of your ulcer
changes. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Wash your hands before 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, firm surface that will not absorb the gel such as wax paper.
-
To keep the tip of the medicine tube from getting
contaminated, do not allow the tip to touch any surface, including your fingers, the firm surface,
or the ulcer you are treating.
-
Use a cotton swab, tongue depressor, or other disposable
applicator to lift the gel from the firm 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 next 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 per day and never use
more than your prescribed dose.
Use this medication for the full prescribed 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 this medication in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. Keep the medicine
tube tightly capped when not in use. Do not use becaplermin gel past the expiration date on the tube.
What happens if I miss a dose of becaplermin topical?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
use extra medicine to
make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about becaplermin topical?
Your pharmacist has information about becaplermin topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of becaplermin topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using becaplermin topical and call your doctor at once if you have severe itching,
redness, blistering, peeling, or other 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 report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about becaplermin topical?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to becaplermin or parabens, or if you
have skin cancer affecting your feet. Do not apply becaplermin over any wound or surgical incision that
has been closed with stitches, staples, or surgical tape.
A becaplermin dose is measured by the length of a ribbon of gel squeezed from the medicine
tube. 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 dose about every week or two as the size of your ulcer
changes. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not apply becaplermin gel more than once per day and never use more than your
prescribed dose. Using more of the medication will not make it work faster and may cause unwanted
side effects.
Use this medication for the full prescribed 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 medication actually causes cancer. Talk with
your doctor about your own specific cancer risk.
What should I avoid while taking becaplermin topical?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get into any of these
areas, rinse with water.
Avoid using other topical medications on the same treatment area unless your doctor has
prescribed them.
What other drugs will affect becaplermin topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied
becaplermin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription
and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of becaplermin topical?
