Becaplermin, Topical be-KAP-ler-min

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: human-platelet-derived growth factor

Generic and brand names: becaplermin, topical; Regranex

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a gel put on the skin to treat skin ulcers on the legs and feet of people with diabetes.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction becaplermin, parabens, or any other medicines
• skin cancer

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying this medicine.

Use this medicine only once a day. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the exact amount your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not use more or use it more often than prescribed. The amount you apply may be changed every 1 or 2 weeks as your ulcer heals.

1. Squeeze the proper amount of the gel onto a piece of wax paper.
2. Using a cotton swab or tongue depressor, spread a thin layer of gel over the ulcer.
3. Cover the ulcer with a wet dressing as recommended by your healthcare provider.
4. After 12 hours, remove the dressing, rinse the ulcer with water or saline solution to remove any remaining gel, then apply a clean dressing (without gel) for the rest of the day. Wash your hands after applying the gel.

Keep the medicine away from your nose, eyes, mouth, and vagina. Do not allow the tip of the tube to come in contact with the ulcer or any other surface. Put the cap on tightly after use.

If you do not understand how to apply this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.

Do not use the gel after the expiration date at the bottom of the tube.

Use this medicine along with good ulcer care (cleaning, pressure relief, and infection control).

This treatment takes several weeks or months. Do not stop using the medicine until your healthcare provider tells you to.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

People treated with 3 or more tubes of this medicine had an increased risk of death from cancer. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

As the ulcer heals, your healthcare provider will remeasure it and change the amount to be used each day. Keep all your appointments for checkups.

Do not use this medicine on any other wounds or skin rashes unless approved by your healthcare provider.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report this to your healthcare provider): Any new irritation or worsening of the skin ulcer.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any other medicines (including nonprescription products) on the ulcer without your healthcare provider's approval.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine in the refrigerator, but do not let it freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.