Let's learn about the special injection (Collagenase Injection) for finger stiffness and penis curvature

Sometimes, tissues in some parts of our body can become thick and stiff. Imagine that your finger is so stiff that you can't bend it, it feels like it's being pulled by a rope. Or a man's penis is crooked and painful. Such conditions are very uncomfortable, aren't they? Today we are talking about a special injection that is given to treat such conditions. This is called the Collagenase injection.

Simply put, what is Collagenase?

Collagen is a type of protein that helps give strength and shape to the tissues in our body. It's like the wires in a building. But sometimes, in some places, this collagen accumulates too much and thickens. That's when the tissues, as mentioned earlier, become stiff, lose their elasticity, and problems arise.

Collagenase is, to be precise, a vaccine that contains an enzyme that breaks down, dissolves, and removes excess collagen tissue. When this vaccine is injected into the affected area, the hardened, thickened collagen strands break down. Then the stiffness and firmness of the tissue decreases and begins to return to normal.

This vaccine is mainly used to treat two conditions:

1. Dupuytren's Contracture: This occurs when the collagen tissue under the skin of the palm thickens and tightens like a cord, causing the fingers (usually the ring finger and little finger) to bend inward and become stiff. This makes it impossible to straighten the finger.

2. Peyronie's Disease: This is a condition in which collagen tissue in the penis thickens (plaque), causing the penis to become curved. This can make sexual intercourse painful or difficult.

Things you need to tell your doctor before undergoing this treatment

Since this is a specialized treatment, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about everything. Before starting treatment, be sure to tell them if you have any of these things.

• If you have a bleeding disorder .
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine called Collagenase or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, your doctor will be able to decide whether this treatment is right for you or not.

How is this vaccine given?

This is not a medicine that you can take home and use. This is definitely an injection that is given at a hospital or clinic, by a trained doctor, directly into the affected area. So you don't have to worry about it.

You may receive a special leaflet (MedGuide) with more information about this medicine. If you receive it, read it carefully and understand it. Also, if this treatment is given to children, special care may be needed. Talk to your doctor about this too.

What to do if you overdose?

This is a doctor-administered medication, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think something has happened, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things to be very careful about when undergoing treatment

After you go home after receiving the vaccine, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. These instructions will vary depending on the condition you are being treated for.

If you are being treated for Dupuytren's contracture in your hand...

• Doctor's appointment: You will be asked to come back to see your doctor 1 to 3 days after the injection. Don't miss this appointment. At that time, the doctor will gently stretch your arm and help break up the tight tissue.
• Do not use your hand: Until you see the doctor, do not bend or straighten the fingers of the hand where the injection was given. Also, do not touch the finger where the injection was given.
• Keep your arm elevated: Keep your arm elevated as much as possible, especially before going to bed. It's best if you can keep it elevated, like a pillow.
• Exercises and Splints: Your doctor may give you some special finger exercises or a splint to wear at night. Follow those instructions exactly.
• Be careful: If the redness and swelling in your hand increase, if you experience numbness or loss of sensation in the treated finger, or if you have difficulty bending your finger after the swelling goes down, call your doctor immediately.

If you are being treated for Peyronie's disease (penis curvature)...

Although this is a somewhat sensitive topic, following these instructions is essential for the success of the treatment.

• Abstain from sex: Avoid sex completely between the first and second doses of the vaccine. Do not have sex for 4 weeks after the second dose and until the pain and swelling of the penis have completely gone .
• Avoid using devices: Do not use vacuum erection devices that help to stimulate the penis during this treatment period.
• Avoid straining your abdominal muscles: Avoid straining your abdominal muscles during times like when defecating.
• Doctor's advice: Your doctor will give you instructions on how to do modeling activities at home. Follow them exactly.

What are the possible side effects of this vaccine?

Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some are common. Let's see what they are.

Other medications that may interact with this vaccine

Other medications you are taking may affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.

• Aspirin and other medicines containing aspirin.
• Medicines that prevent blood clotting or thin the blood (e.g. warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban).

This list is not complete. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements you are taking. It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

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