Venelex
Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) is an ointment that's used on the skin to cover wounds. It can also help to get rid of smells and might relieve pain from the wound. Although the ointment is easy to apply, it can cause some stinging on sensitive areas.
What is Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil)?
What is Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) used for?
Wound management, including:
- Skin ulcers (e.g., pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers)
- First and second-degree burns
- Surgical wounds
- Trauma wounds
- Skin graft wounds (a patch of skin that's removed from one area of the body and attached to another)
How Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) works
Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) is a combination of two medications used to help treat wounds:
- Balsam peru is an oily sap that comes from the Myroxylon balsamum tree. How it works isn't fully known, but it might have some antimicrobial activity that can help prevent infection in wounds.
- Castor oil is made from seeds of the castor oil plant, and is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing activity.
The ointment provides a moist environment for wounds to heal and prevent cracking around the edges of sores.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Venelex, BPCO |
|---|---|
| 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 Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil)
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
- Temporary stinging
The following Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil)
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Can help reduce smells from some wounds
- Prevents cracking around the edges of sores
Cons
- Might need to apply it often
- Can't buy over the counter since it's prescription only
- Ointments can be greasy and stain clothing
Pharmacist tips for Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil)
- Wash your hands before and after using Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil). This will help keep your wound clean and prevent infection, as well as prevent staining of your clothing and contact with your eyes.
- Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) should only be used externally (on the outside of your body). Don't get it in your eyes or mouth, since this can cause irritation or other side effects. It shouldn't be applied to fresh blood clots.
- Follow your provider's instructions on how often you should apply Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil), and if you should leave your wound open or cover it with a dressing.
- If at any time while using Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) you notice your wound looks redder or more swollen, smells worse, or becomes more painful, contact your provider. Ask your provider what to look out for as your wound is healing, and when you should contact them.
- Keep Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets.
Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) dosage
Tube of ointment| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60g of 87mg/788mg | 1 tube | $38.00 | $38.00 |
Typical dosage for Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil)
Apply a thin film onto the affected area twice daily or as often as necessary.
How much does Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) cost?
$38.00
What are alternatives to Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil)?
Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil) images
