Becaplermin
About Becaplermin
Becaplermin belongs to the class of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) used to treat diabetic foot ulcers in people with good blood flow in the legs and feet. A diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes. Ulcers are formed due to the break down of skin tissue and exposure to underneath layers. Diabetic foot ulcers commonly develop under the big toes and balls of the feet. Also, they can affect the feet down to the bones.
Becaplermin contains Becaplermin which works by stimulating the growth of cells involved in wound healing. Thereby, it helps to treat ulcers of the legs or foot in people with diabetes.
Becaplermin is only for external use. Use Becaplermin as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Becaplermin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Some people may experience burning at the site of application and red skin rash. Most of these side effects of Becaplermin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects worsen or persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Becaplermin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before using Becaplermin. Avoid using Becaplermin if you have a skin tumor at the site of the application. The size of the ulcer must be checked by your doctor every 1 to 2 weeks so that the dose may be adjusted according to the size of the ulcer.
Uses of Becaplermin
Medicinal Benefits
Becaplermin contains Becaplermin used to treat diabetic foot ulcers in people with good blood flow in the legs and feet. Becaplermin stimulates the growth of cells involved in wound healing. Thereby, it helps to treat ulcers of the legs or feet in people with diabetes. Becaplermin is used along with other ulcer care practices such as good wound care to treat diabetic foot ulcers.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Becaplermin
- Burning at the site of application
- Red skin rash
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Becaplermin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid using Becaplermin if you have a skin tumor at the site of the application. The size of the ulcer must be checked by your doctor every 1 to 2 weeks so that the dose may be adjusted according to the size of the ulcer. You are recommended to cover the treated area with a gauze dressing moistened with saline. Avoid contact of Becaplermin with mouth, eyes, or vagina. Do not touch the tip of the tube to the ulcer or any other surface. In case Becaplermin comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before using Becaplermin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have cancer, skin tumor or poor blood flow to lower legs and feet, please inform your doctor before taking Becaplermin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Becaplermin with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Becaplermin.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Becaplermin is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Becaplermin is excreted in human milk. Therefore, Becaplermin is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedBecaplermin usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Becaplermin in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Becaplermin in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeBecaplermin is not recommended for children below 16 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not put weight on the affected leg and foot.
- Adequately trim your toenails but not too short.
- Regularly change your socks and wear proper-fitting shoes.
- Keep your feet dry and moisturized.
- Regularly wash your feet.
- Consult a doctor if you have corn and also for callus removal.
- Wear shoe inserts to prevent calluses and corns.
- Wear foot braces, compression wraps or casts to protect your feet.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetic foot ulcers: It is a common complication of diabetes. Ulcers are formed due to the breakdown of skin tissue and exposure of underneath layers. Diabetic foot ulcers commonly develop under the big toes and balls of the feet. Also, they can affect the feet down to the bones. The primary sign of diabetic foot ulcer is drainage from the foot that stains socks or leaks out in the shoe. Other symptoms include redness, irritation, unusual swelling, and odors from 1 or both feet. Sometimes, there may be no symptoms until the ulcer has become infected. Treatment includes medication and surgical procedures.
FAQs
Becaplermin contains Becaplermin, a platelet-derived growth factor that works by stimulating the growth of cells involved in wound healing. Thereby, it helps to treat ulcers of legs or foot in people with diabetes.
Becaplermin is not recommended to treat pressure ulcers or ulcers caused due to poor blood flow. Becaplermin is only used to treat diabetic foot ulcers in patients with a good blood supply.
You are recommended to use Becaplermin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the size of the ulcer is not a minimum of 1/3rd smaller in size after using Becaplermin for 10 weeks or if the ulcer is not healed completely after 20 weeks, please consult a doctor.
Becaplermin may cause red skin rash as a temporary side effect. However, if the rash persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Becaplermin is not recommended for patients suffering from skin cancer at the site of application. Therefore, if you have cancer, inform your doctor before using Becaplermin.
