Do you have diabetes? Then you probably know how long it takes for ulcers to heal on your legs, especially on your feet. Sometimes these ulcers can get bigger and get infected, causing various problems. So today we are going to talk about a special medicine that doctors recommend to help heal ulcers on the legs of diabetics.
What kind of medicine is Becaplermin?
Simply put, Becaplermin is a drug that sends a signal to our skin cells to "grow faster and heal the wound." It comes in the form of a gel. To be precise, it contains something called rh-PDGF (recombinant human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor). Although this is a bit of a scientific name, it simply says this: When our body gets a wound, the platelets in our own blood naturally produce a growth factor to heal it. That hormone is artificially made in the laboratory and added to this gel. So when this gel is applied to the wound, it speeds up the healing of the wound. This is usually seen under the brand name Regranex.
What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?
Your doctor will ask you about certain things before giving you this medicine. Also, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor .
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Cancer at or near the site of the wound. | Because this gel stimulates cell growth, it can also affect the growth of cancer cells. |
| A wound that has been stitched and closed by a doctor. | This medicine is used for open wounds. |
| The wound is so deep that bones, tendons, or ligaments are visible. | Such deep wounds may require other treatments. |
| Having an allergic reaction to substances such as becaplermin, parabens, metacresol, or other medications, foods, or dyes. | An allergy to the medicine can have serious consequences. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant. | There is still no complete data on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding the baby. | It is not certain whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this gel?
Okay, now let's see the correct way to use this. This is something that needs to be done with a little care, because that's when you can get the maximum results. The doctor or nursing staff will show you exactly how to use it. These are the steps that are usually followed.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before applying the medicine.
2. Clean the wound: Clean the wound as directed by the doctor.
3. Squeeze the medicine: Squeeze the prescribed amount of medicine onto a clean, non-absorbent surface, such as wax paper. Do not apply the tube tip directly to the wound. Doing so may cause germs from the wound to enter the tube and contaminate the medicine.
4. Apply the gel: Using a clean cotton swab or similar clean tool, apply the gel in a thin layer over the wound.
5. Cover the wound: Cover the wound with a piece of gauze soaked in saline solution (pure salt solution available at the pharmacy).
6. After 12 hours: After 12 hours, remove the gauze, rinse the wound thoroughly with saline or clean water, and remove any excess gel.
7. Re-closure: Then re-close the wound with a new piece of gauze soaked in saline (do not apply gel at this time).
The most important thing is to use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, and only for the prescribed number of times . Even if the wound seems to be healing, use the medicine for the full period of time your doctor prescribes.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
- Medical Checkups: Stay in touch with your doctor regularly. Be sure to go to the appointments to check on the progress of your wound. Depending on how much the wound is healing, your doctor may adjust the amount of medication you are given to you weekly or biweekly.
- Healing time: If the wound does not heal after about 10 weeks, or if it does not appear to be completely healed after 20 weeks, talk to your doctor about whether to continue using this medicine.
- Other treatments: This gel alone will not heal the wound. In addition, it is very important to reduce weight on the injured leg, control diabetes well, and eat a nutritious diet .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. The table below will give you a clear idea of this.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes at the injection site | Inflammation, severe itching, crusting or peeling of the skin. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Minor skin problems | Slight redness and dryness of the skin at the application site. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, tell your doctor about it too.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children .
- Be sure to store it in the fridge . It should be kept at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (2°C - 8°C).
- Do not put it in the freezer for any reason. Doing so may cause the medicine to lose its effectiveness.
- Even if there is any medicine left in the tube that has passed the expiration date, be sure to throw it away.
Take-Home Message
- Becaplermin is a special gel that accelerates the healing of wounds on the legs of diabetic patients.
- This medicine should only be used under the advice of your doctor. Use it exactly as he or she tells you, in the prescribed amount, and for the prescribed period of time.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, allergies, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- While using this medicine, avoiding weight on the injured leg and keeping diabetes under good control are also essential for wound healing.
- If you experience any serious side effects or if the wound does not heal within the expected time, contact your doctor immediately.
- Always keep the medicine tube in the fridge. Do not freeze.
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