Regranex
Regranex (becaplermin) is a platelet-derived growth factor. It's a topical gel that's FDA-approved to treat diabetes sores (ulcers) in the legs or feet of people ages 16 years and older who still have good blood supply to these regions. Regranex (becaplermin) works best if it's used along with good ulcer and wound care. This medication is applied once daily to the ulcers, then rinsed off after 12 hours. Typically, treatment continues until the ulcers are completely healed. The most common side effect is red rashes. Regranex (becaplermin) must be stored in the refrigerator when not in use.
What is Regranex (becaplermin)?
What is Regranex (becaplermin) used for?
How Regranex (becaplermin) works
Regranex (becaplermin) is a platelet-derived growth factor. When you put it on sores and ulcers, it helps repair damaged skin. It helps to speed up the wound healing process by gathering your healing cells together in order to repair the open wound (ulcer).
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Regranex |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Topical skin product |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Regranex (becaplermin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Red skin rash (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Burning sensation at the site of application
Regranex (becaplermin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Abnormal skin growth
The following Regranex (becaplermin) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Rash or redness of the skin near the skin ulcer
Incidence not known
Burning sensation at the application site
unusually warm skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Regranex (becaplermin)
Pros
- Can help heal ulcers
- Might start to see improvements to ulcers within 2 weeks
- Applied once daily
Cons
- Needs to be refrigerated
- Can cause some burning or redness at the application site
- Might raise the risk for cancer
Pharmacist tips for Regranex (becaplermin)
- Only use the amount of Regranex (becaplermin) as instructed by your prescriber. They'll check the size of your ulcer every 1-2 weeks and might change the dose depending on the size.
- If you haven't noticed an improvement in your ulcer after using Regranex (becaplermin) for 2.5 months or complete healing after treatment for 4 months, let your diabetes care team know. They might need to talk with you about other treatment options.
- Don't use Regranex (becaplermin) near your mouth, eyes, or vagina. It's meant to be used only on sores (ulcers) on your legs or feet.
- You should store Regranex (becaplermin) in a refrigerator and take it out only when you're ready to apply it. Don't use it after the expiration date.
- Regranex (becaplermin) works best in healing diabetes leg and foot ulcers when used along with proper wound and ulcer care. It's important to take the pressure off your ulcers as it's healing and change your wound dressings as directed by your care team.
- After your ulcers have healed with the help of Regranex (becaplermin), it's important to continue to protect your feet so that new ulcers are less likely to open up. Check your feet daily to look for cuts, wear well-fitting close-toed shoes in the house and outside to prevent injuries, and exercise regularly to improve blood flow throughout your body.
How to apply Regranex (becaplermin):
- Wash your hands before and after treatment with Regranex (becaplermin).
- Carefully measure the amount of Regranex (becaplermin) your prescriber told you and squeeze your dose onto a clean, firm, non-absorbent surface (such as wax paper).
- Use a cotton swab or another clean tool to help you apply a thin layer of Regranex (becaplermin) to your ulcer. Don't let the tip of the medication tube touch your wound. If you get Regranex (becaplermin) on any other area of skin, rinse it off with water.
- Cover the area with a gauze dressing moistened with saline after applying Regranex (becaplermin).
- After 12 hours, remove Regranex (becaplermin) by taking off the gauze dressing and rinsing the ulcer with saline or water. Cover the ulcer with a new moistened dressing (no medication) for the rest of the day.
Risks and warnings for Regranex (becaplermin)
Regranex (becaplermin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of cancer
- Risk factors: Cancer at application site | History of cancer
Though rare, using Regranex (becaplermin) might raise the risk of cancers. Because this medication promotes the growth of new cells and blood vessels, there's a possibility that it can encourage the growth of cancer cells. Based on reports, people who developed cancer after starting Regranex (becaplermin) had cancer in locations different from where they applied the medication. Before starting Regranex (becaplermin), let your diabetes care team know if you have had or currently have cancer. They can discuss with you the benefits and possible harms of using Regranex (becaplermin) to help you decide whether you want to start treatment.
Application site reactions
Regranex (becaplermin) can cause irritation and rashes around the treated area. Talk to your diabetes care team if it becomes unbearable for you.
Regranex (becaplermin) dosage
Tube of gel| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15g of 0.01% | 1 tube | $1,311.56 | $1,311.56 |
Typical dosage for Regranex (becaplermin)
- Adults and children ages 16 years and older: The amount of medication needed depends on the size of your ulcer. But generally, you apply a thin layer of gel once a day with a cotton swab. After that, cover the treated area with gauze moistened with saline, then leave it on for 12 hours. After 12 hours have passed, remove the gauze and rinse the treated area with water to remove the gel, and cover the area again with clean gauze moistened with saline. Repeat treatment daily.
Your diabetes care team will give you more specific directions.
Interactions between Regranex (becaplermin) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Regranex (becaplermin) cost?
$1,311.56
Regranex (becaplermin) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Regranex (becaplermin) will not be safe for you to take.
- Abnormal growth at site of application
