Becaplermin (brand name Regranex) is a
cicatrizant
D03A Cicatrizants
D03AA Cod-liver oil ointments
D03AX Other cicatrizants
:D03AX01 Cadexomer iodine
:D03AX02 Dextranomer
:D03AX03 Dexpanthenol
:D03AX04 Calcium pantothenate
:D03AX05 Hyaluronic acid
:D03AX06 Becaplermin
:D03AX09 Crilanomer
...
, available as a topical gel. Regranex is a human
platelet-derived growth factor
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is one among numerous growth factors that regulate cell growth and division. In particular, PDGF plays a significant role in blood vessel formation, the growth of blood vessels from already-existing blood v ...
indicated along with good wound care for the treatment of lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers.
It is also known as "platelet-derived growth factor BB".
Medical uses
The drug is used for the treatment of
diabetic
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased app ...
foot ulcers.
Studies of becaplermin showed that when used with good wound care, complete healing significantly increased and the ulcers healed on average 6 weeks faster.
Pharmacoeconomic studies reinforce the cost effectiveness of becaplermin as an adjunct to good wound care.
The amount of becaplermin to be applied will vary depending upon the size of the ulcer area. Becaplermin should be stored in the refrigerator.
Analysis of healing human wounds showed that PDGF-BB induces fibroblast proliferation and differentiation and was found to increase healing in patients with decreased healing capacity, such as people living with diabetes.
Contraindications
Becaplermin must not be used at the site of a
skin cancer
Skin cancers are cancers that arise from the skin. They are due to the development of abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. There are three main types of skin cancers: basal-cell skin cancer (BCC) ...
.
[ for Regranex.]
Adverse effects
The most common side effects in clinical studies were
erythematous rash
Erythema (from the Greek , meaning red) is redness of the skin or mucous membranes, caused by hyperemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation. Examples of erythema not assoc ...
es.
A
boxed warning
In the United States, a boxed warning (sometimes "black box warning", colloquially) is a type of warning that appears on the package insert for certain prescription drugs, so called because
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifies that it ...
has been added to the safety label to describe an increase rate of death from
cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal b ...
when three or more tubes are used.
Regranex should be used with caution in patients with known malignancy.
See also
*
Nepidermin
References
External links
Regranex website
{{Growth factor receptor modulators
Dermatologic drugs