Becaplermin gel is used as part of a comprehensive therapy plan to aid in the healing of certain ulcers (sores) on the foot, ankle, or leg in diabetics. Becaplermin gel must be used in conjunction with proper ulcer care, which includes: having dead tissue removed by a doctor; using wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or special shoes to keep weight off the ulcer; and treating any infections that may arise. Ulcers that have been sewn or stapled shut cannot be treated with becaplermin. The body naturally produces becaplermin, a growth factor that is generated from human platelets and aids in wound healing. It functions by luring cells that heal wounds, assisting with wound closure, and replacing dead skin cells and other tissues.

Becaplermin is available as a skin-application gel. It is typically administered to the ulcer once every day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Becaplermin Gel should only be used as indicated. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often. Using more gel than your doctor advised will not hasten the healing of your ulcer.

Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to measure the becaplermin gel and how much to apply. Your requirement for gel will depend on how big your ulcer is. Every one to two weeks, your doctor will check on your ulcer; if necessary, he or she may advise you to use less gel as the ulcer shrinks and heals.

Only the skin may be treated with becaplermin gel. Do not ingest the medicine. Other than the ulcer that is being treated, do not apply the drug to any other areas of your body.

Apply becaplermin gel by doing the following:

1. Clean your hands completely.
2. Gently run water over the wound. Rewash your hands.
3. Put the length of gel your doctor instructed you to use on a spot that is clean and absorbent-free, such wax paper. Never touch the tube’s tip to a surface, including wax paper, an ulcer, or anything else. After usage, securely cap the tube.
4. Spread the gel evenly over the ulcer surface using a clean cotton swab, tongue depressor, or other applicator. The layer should be about 1/16th of an inch (0.2 cm) thick (about as thick as a penny).
5. Place a gauze dressing on the wound after moistening it with saline. Only the wound should be covered with gauze; the surrounding skin shouldn’t.
6. Cover the wound with a small, dry pad dressing. Apply adhesive tape to the pad and cover it with a soft, dry gauze bandage. Avoid getting the adhesive tape on your skin.
7. Remove the bandage and gauze dressing after about 12 hours, then gently rinse the ulcer with saline or water to remove any remaining gel.
8. Apply a bandage to the ulcer as directed in stages 5 and 6. Reusing the gauze, dressing, or bandage that you took off before cleaning the ulcer is not advised. Utilize new supplies.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using becaplermin gel,

• If you have an allergy to becaplermin, parabens, any other drugs, or any of the substances in becaplermin gel, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal supplements you are now taking or intend to take. Make careful to note any additional medications being used to treat the ulcer.
• If you have a skin cancer or tumour in the area where you will be using becaplermin gel, let your doctor know. Most likely, your doctor will advise against using becaplermin gel.
• Inform your doctor if you have cancer or if your legs or feet don’t get enough blood flow. Discuss the dangers of using becaplermin gel with your doctor.
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using becaplermin gel.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Continue with your regular application timetable and disregard the missing application. To make up for a missing application, do not add more gel.

Side effects from becaplermin gel are possible. If this symptom is severe or does not go away, let your doctor know:

• Rash
• Burning sensation there or nearby where you placed the becaplermin gel

Becaplermin gel can also have other adverse effects. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, let your doctor know right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication out of the reach of children and tightly closed in the original container. Never freeze it; instead, always keep it in the refrigerator. After the expiration date printed on the tube’s bottom, do not use the gel.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.