DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Collagenase

March 21, 2017

collagenase clostridium histolyticum Solution for 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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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 these 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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Collagenase Topical ointment

What is this medicine?

COLLAGENASE (kohl LAH jen ace) is an enzyme that breaks down collagen in damaged tissue and helps healthy tissue to grow. It may help wounds heal faster.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash the wound as directed by your health care professional. Do not scrub. If you are applying a topical antibiotic to the wound, apply the antibiotic before this medicine. Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube with any surface, especially your fingers or the wound. Try to only get the ointment on the wound itself. If some gets on normal skin, wipe away with a sterile gauze pad. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

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

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • aluminum acetate, Burow's solution

  • povidone iodine

  • silver nitrate

  • silver sulfadiazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If your wound begins to look worse, smell bad, has colored discharge or more discharge, or increases in size, contact your health care professional. You may have an infection or need a change in your treatment.

If you develop a fever, chills, low blood pressure, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or confusion, contact your health care professional immediately. You may have an infection of your blood.

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:

  • breathing problems

  • skin rash or hives

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

  • redness at the application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert