Collagenase ointment
What is Collagenase ointment?
COLLAGENASE (Santyl®) is an enzyme that breaks down collagen in damaged tissue and helps healthy tissue to grow. Application of collagenase to a wound may help it heal faster. You need to eat nutritious foods and care for your wound as directed by your health care professional. A generic collagenase ointment is available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive collagenase?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
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anorexia nervosa
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arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
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bulimia
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depressed immune system (from cancer treatments or other drugs) or other immune disorders
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diabetes mellitus
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human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
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peripheral vascular disease
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poor circulation
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poor nutrition
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an unusual reaction to collagenase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
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pregnant or trying to get pregnant
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breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Wash the wound as directed by your health care professional. Only use the cleansers recommended. Do not scrub the wound. If you are applying a topical antibiotic to the wound, apply this before collagenase. 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 this away with a sterile gauze pad. Do not apply collagenase ointment more frequently than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important to apply your treatment(s) as directed by your health care professional. Your wound needs regular attention in order to heal properly. If you forget to clean or treat your wound, do it as soon as you remember. Do not use double or extra doses of this medicine.
What drug(s) may interact with collagenase?
Only use wound dressings, medications, and cleansers that your health care professional provides or prescribes for you. If you have a question, ask your health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking collagenase?
Visit your health care professional for checks on your progress. If your wound begins to look worse, becomes smelly or smellier, 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 (racing heart), or confusion, contact your health care professional immediately; you may have an infection of your blood.
What side effects may I notice from receiving collagenase?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Do not store this ointment above 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.