What is the most important information I should know about becaplermin topical?
You should not use becaplermin topical if you have cancer affecting the skin where you will apply this medicine.
Some people using becaplermin have developed cancer. However, it is not known whether this medicine actually causes cancer.
What is becaplermin topical?
Becaplermin topical (for the skin) is used to treat diabetic foot ulcers in people with normal blood flow in the legs and feet.
This medicine is not for use in treating pressure ulcers (bed sores) or ulcers caused by poor circulation.
Becaplermin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using becaplermin topical?
You should not use becaplermin if you are allergic to it, or if you have cancer affecting the skin where you will apply this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- cancer; or
- blood circulation problems in your lower legs.
Some people using becaplermin have developed cancer. However, it is not known whether becaplermin actually causes cancer. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Becaplermin topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.
How should I use becaplermin topical?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Wash your hands before applying this medicine.
Use a cotton swab, tongue depressor, or other disposable applicator to apply becaplermin topical to your skin.
To keep the tip of the medicine tube from getting contaminated, do not allow the tip to touch any surface, including your fingers or the ulcer you are treating.
It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Use this medicine daily and call your doctor if your foot ulcer is not at least one-third smaller in size after 10 weeks, or if it is not completely healed after 20 weeks.
Becaplermin is only part of a complete ulcer care program that includes not putting weight on your leg and foot that is affected by an ulcer. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Your doctor will need to check your foot ulcer on a regular basis.
Store the medicine in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly capped when not in use. Do not use becaplermin topical past the expiration date.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of becaplermin topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using becaplermin topical?
Avoid putting weight on the foot affected with a diabetic ulcer.
Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with becaplermin unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
What are the possible side effects of becaplermin topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- an increase in the size of the ulcer, or worsening symptoms;
- severe itching;
- skin redness; or
- blistering or peeling skin.
Common side effects may include:
- red rash; or
- burning where the medicine was applied.
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 other drugs will affect becaplermin topical?
Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about becaplermin topical.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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