Regranex (Becaplermin) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) »

Diabetes facts

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose.
Absence or insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes.
The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent).
Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst and hunger as well as fatigue.
Diabetes is diagnosed by blood sugar (glucose) testing.
The major complications of diabetes are both acute and chronic.
- Acutely: dangerously elevated blood sugar, abnormally low blood sugar due to diabetes medications may occur.
- Chronically: disease of the blood vessels (both small and large) which can damage the eye, kidneys, nerves, and heart may occur
Diabetes treatment depends...

Read the Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) article »

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Regranex Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Regranex

Generic Name: becaplermin topical (Pronunciation: be KAP ler min TOP ik al)

What is becaplermin topical (Regranex)?

Becaplermin contains a human growth factor that helps your body heal. It works by promoting the growth of cells that aid in wound healing.

Becaplermin topical (for the skin) is used to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

Becaplermin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of becaplermin topical (Regranex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using becaplermin topical and call your doctor at once if you have severe itching, redness, blistering, peeling, or other skin irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about becaplermin topical (Regranex)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to becaplermin or parabens, or if you have skin cancer affecting your feet. Do not apply becaplermin over any wound or surgical incision that has been closed with stitches, staples, or surgical tape.

A becaplermin dose is measured by the length of a ribbon of gel squeezed from the medicine tube. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or wound care counselor if you have any questions about how to measure your becaplermin dose.

You will need to recalculate your dose about every week or two as the size of your ulcer changes. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not apply becaplermin gel more than once per day and never use more than your prescribed dose. Using more of the medication will not make it work faster and may cause unwanted side effects.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using becaplermin topical.

Becaplermin topical is only part of a complete ulcer care treatment program that may also include routine foot exams and avoiding weight on the affected foot. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Some people who used 3 or more courses of treatment with becaplermin topical have developed cancer. However, it is not known whether this medication actually causes cancer. Talk with your doctor about your own specific cancer risk.

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