Do not use becaplermin topical if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Becaplermin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether becaplermin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether becaplermin passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Use becaplermin topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Becaplermin gel should only be applied once a day. The gel should be spread evenly as a thin layer of approximately 1/16 of an inch thickness over the ulcerated area. The measured length of the gel to be squeezed from the tube should be adjusted according to the size of the ulcer. The amount of becaplermin gel to be applied daily should be recalculated at weekly or biweekly intervals by the physician or wound care giver.
The tip of the tube should not come into contact with the ulcer or any other surface.
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squeeze the calculated length of gel on to a clean, firm, non-absorbable surface (wax paper);
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with a clean cotton swab, tongue depressor, or similar application aid, spread the measured becaplermin gel over the ulcer surface to obtain an even layer;
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cover with a saline moistened gauze dressing;
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after approximately 12 hours, the ulcer should be gently rinsed with saline or water to remove residual gel and covered with a saline moistened gauze dressing (without becaplermin gel).
It is important to use becaplermin gel together with a good ulcer care program, including a strict non-weight-bearing program. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions regarding ulcer care.
Applying more becaplermin gel than directed has not been shown to be beneficial.
Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor or recommended in the package even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Becaplermin gel should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze becaplermin gel. Becaplermin gel should not be used after the expiration date on the bottom, crimped end of the tube.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the regular amount of becaplermin topical. Do not use a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Serious side effects of becaplermin topical use are not expected. Stop using becaplermin topical and see your doctor if you experience unusual or severe blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, swelling, or irritation of the skin.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed.
Becaplermin topical should only be applied once a day. The gel should be spread evenly as a thin layer of approximately 1/16 of an inch thickness over the ulcerated area. The measured length of the gel to be squeezed from the tube should be adjusted according to the size of the ulcer. The amount of becaplermin gel to be applied daily should be recalculated at weekly or biweekly intervals by the physician or wound care giver.
The tip of the tube should not come into contact with the ulcer or any other surface.
Use a cotton swab, tongue depressor, or other application aid to apply becaplermin gel as directed.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn’t allow air circulation. It is important to use becaplermin gel together with a good ulcer care program, including a strict non-weight-bearing program. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions regarding ulcer care.
Avoid using other topicals at the same time unless your doctor approves. Other skin medications may affect the absorption or effectiveness of becaplermin topical
An overdose of becaplermin topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that a much larger than normal dose has been used or that becaplermin topical has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.