Becaplermin topical

Indications

Becaplermin topical is used for: Diabetic Neuropathic Ulcers

Adult Dose

Diabetic Neuropathic Ulcers Indicated for treatment of lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers that extend into the subcutaneous tissue or beyond and have an adequate blood supply; use adjunctively to, and not a substitute for, good ulcer care practices including initial sharp debridement, pressure relief, and infection control Amount to be applied will vary depending upon size of ulcer area Formula in inches per tube size 15 g tube: Length of ulcer × width × 0.6 = Length of gel (inches) 2 g tube: Length of ulcer × width × 1.3 = Length of gel (inches) Formula in centimeters per tube size 15 g tube: Length of ulcer × width ÷ 4 = Length of gel (cm) 2 g tube: Length of ulcer × width ÷ 2 = Length of gel (cm)

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

Topical Administration Squeeze calculated length of gel onto clean surface, then spread evenly over ulcer using cotton swab, tongue depressor or similar implement Cover gel with saline-moistened dressing for 12 hr; then rinse off residual gel with saline and apply new saline-moistened dressing (no gel) Remeasure ulcer weekly or biweekly to adjust dosage If ulcer size not decreased 30% in 10 weeks, or not healed in 20 weeks, reassess continued treatment with becaplermin

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity Neoplasm at application site

Precautions

Malignancies distant from the site of application have occurred in patients using becaplermin gel a clinical study and in postmarketing use contains becaplermin, a recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor, which promotes cellular proliferation and angiogenesis; evaluate benefits and risks before prescribing in patients with known malignancy If application site reactions occur, the possibility of sensitization or irritation caused by parabens or m-cresol should be considered; consider interruption or discontinuation and further evaluation (eg, patch testing) according to clinical circumstances

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy No data are available Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted Lactation No data are available; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the lactating woman’s clinical need for the drug and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from becaplermin

Interactions

Side Effects

Side effects of Becaplermin topical : 1-10% Erythema Skin rash <1% Ulcer infection Tunneling of ulcer Skin ulceration Local pain

Mode of Action

Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor; promotes chemotactic recruitment and proliferation of cells involved in wound repair and enhances granulation tissue formation