Becaplermin (1 brand name, 1 dosage form, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: GEL.
Routes of administration: TOPICAL.
Brand Names
- REGRANEX
Indications and Usage
REGRANEX is indicated for the treatment of lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers that extend into the subcutaneous tissue or beyond and have an adequate blood supply, when used as an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, good ulcer care practices including initial sharp debridement, pressure relief and infection control. Limitations of Use: The efficacy of REGRANEX has not been established for the treatment of pressure ulcers and venous stasis ulcers [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] and has not been evaluated for the treatment of diabetic neuropathic ulcers that do not extend through the dermis into subcutaneous tissue [Stage I or II, International Association of Enterostomal Therapy (IAET) staging classification] or ischemic diabetic ulcers. The effects of becaplermin on exposed joints, tendons, ligaments, and bone have not been established in humans [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)]. REGRANEX is not intended to be used in wounds that close by primary intention.
Dosage and Administration
REGRANEX is for topical use; it is not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use. The amount of REGRANEX to be applied depends upon the size of the ulcer area. To calculate the length of gel to apply to the ulcer, measure the greatest length of the ulcer by the greatest width of the ulcer in either inches or centimeters. To calculate the length of gel in inches, use the formula shown below in Table 1, and to calculate the length of gel in centimeters, use the formula shown below in Table 2. Table 1: Formula to Calculate Length of Gel in Inches to Be Applied Daily Tube Size INCHES Formula 15 g tube length × width × 0.6 Using the calculation, each square inch of ulcer surface will require approximately 2/3 inch length of gel squeezed from a 15 g tube. For example, if the ulcer measures 1 inch by 2 inches, then a 1 1/4 inch length of gel should be used for 15 g tubes (1 x 2 x 0.6 = 1 1/4). Table 2: Formula to Calculate Length of Gel in Centimeters to Be Applied Daily Tube Size CENTIMETERS Formula 15 g tube length × width ÷ 4 Using the calculations for ulcer size in centimeters, each square centimeter of ulcer surface will require approximately a 0.25 centimeter length of gel squeezed from a 15 g tube. For example, if the ulcer measures 4 cm by 2 cm, then a 2 cm length of gel should be used for a 15 g tube [(4 x 2) ÷ 4 = 2]. The amount of REGRANEX to be applied should be recalculated by the physician or wound caregiver at weekly or biweekly intervals depending on the rate of change in ulcer area. The weight of REGRANEX from 15 g tubes is 0.65 g per inch length and 0.25 g per centimeter length. To apply REGRANEX, the calculated length of gel should be squeezed on to a clean measuring surface, e.g., wax paper, and measured to the correct length with a ruler. The measured REGRANEX is transferred from the clean measuring surface using an application aid and then spread over the entire cleaned ulcer area to yield a thin continuous layer of approximately 1/16 of an inch thickn
Contraindications
REGRANEX is contraindicated in patients with known neoplasm(s) at the site(s) of application.
Drug Interactions
It is not known if REGRANEX interacts with other topical medications applied to the ulcer site. The use of REGRANEX with other topical drugs has not been studied.
Overdosage
There are no data on the effects of REGRANEX overdose.