DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Collagenase injection

July 17, 2018

Collagenase injection

What is this medicine?

COLLAGENASE (kohl LAH jen ace) is used to treat Dupuytren's contracture. This medicine may help straighten a bent finger by breaking up hard tissue. It is also used for Peyronie's disease by breaking up the hard tissue plaque that causes the curvature in the penis.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into the hand or penis. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • chest pain or palpitations

  • pain in your penis

  • pain when urinating

  • red or dark-brown urine

  • sudden loss of the ability to maintain an erection

  • swelling of the injected hand

  • unusual swelling or bruising of the penis

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • irritation at site where injected

  • pain at site where injected

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

What may interact with this medicine?

  • aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

  • certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • hemophilia

  • low platelet counts

  • take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to collagenase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

If being treated for Dupuytren's contracture, return to your healthcare provider the day after your hand is injected. In the meantime, do not flex or extend the fingers of your hand that was injected. Do not touch your finger that was injected, and elevate your hand until bedtime. Do not perform activity with the injected hand until you are told that it is OK. Follow any instructions about wearing a splint or performing finger exercises. Also, call your healthcare provider if you get increasing redness or swelling in the hand, if you have numbness or tingling in the treated finger, or if you have trouble bending the finger after the swelling goes down.

If being treated for Peyronie's disease, you will need to return to your healthcare provider for a manual procedure that will stretch and help straighten your penis. Also, your healthcare provider will show you how to gently stretch your penis at home. Do not resume sexual activity until you are told that it is okay. Follow instructions on when to return for follow-up visits. Immediately call your doctor if you have trouble stretching or straightening your penis, or if you have pain or other concerns.

Immediately call your healthcare provider if you get a fever or chills.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018