Type of medicine: proteinase
Generic and brand names: collagenase clostridium histolyticum, injection; Xiaflex
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to treat Dupuytren’s contracture.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Read the Medication Guide before you receive this medicine and each time you get an injection.
This medicine is given by your healthcare provider. It is injected into the cord that causes your finger to bend.
Do not straighten or bend the fingers of the injected hand until your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Do not try to straighten the treated finger by yourself. You will be given a splint to wear on the treated finger. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
The day after the injection, you will return to your healthcare provider for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Your healthcare provider may try to straighten the treated finger and give you exercises to do.
You may receive more than one treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
You will need to do finger exercises each day as instructed by your provider. You will also need to wear a splint. Ask your provider about daily activities with the hand that was injected with this medicine.
This medicine may cause serious problems, such as ruptured tendons or ligaments. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble bending your injected finger after the swelling goes down or if you have problems using your treated hand after your follow-up visit.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
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; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat.)
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Increased swelling, numbness, tingling, or pain in your finger or hand; any signs of infection such as fever, chills, redness, or warmth; unusual bruising or bleeding; pain or swelling in the lymph nodes (glands) in the elbow or underarm.
Other: Pain or swelling at the injection site; itching.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
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.
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.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
