What is Becaplermin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Becaplermin is a prescription gel that helps heal diabetic foot ulcers that won't close on their own. It's a synthetic version of a natural protein called platelet-derived growth factor that your body normally uses to repair damaged tissue.

If you have diabetes and develop a stubborn wound on your foot, your doctor might recommend this medication as part of your treatment plan. Think of it as giving your body's natural healing process an extra boost when it needs help getting wounds to close properly.

What is Becaplermin Used For?

Becaplermin treats diabetic foot ulcers that extend into the subcutaneous tissue or deeper. These are serious wounds that go beyond just the surface skin layer and haven't healed with standard wound care alone.

Your doctor will only prescribe this medication for specific types of diabetic wounds. The ulcer needs to have good blood supply to the area and be free from infection before starting treatment. This ensures the medication can work effectively to promote healing.

It's important to understand that becaplermin isn't used for all types of wounds. Your healthcare provider will carefully evaluate whether your specific wound is suitable for this treatment based on its size, depth, and overall condition.

How Does Becaplermin Work?

Becaplermin works by mimicking your body's natural wound healing signals. It contains a lab-made version of platelet-derived growth factor, which is a protein that normally tells your cells to grow and repair damaged tissue.

When you apply the gel to your wound, it encourages new blood vessel formation and helps skin cells multiply faster. This creates the right environment for your diabetic ulcer to finally start closing and healing from the inside out.

The medication is considered moderately strong in terms of wound healing treatments. It's more powerful than basic wound dressings but requires careful medical supervision to ensure it's working safely and effectively for your specific situation.

How Should I Take Becaplermin?

Apply becaplermin gel once daily, typically in the morning after cleaning your wound. Your healthcare provider will show you exactly how much gel to squeeze out based on your wound's size using a special measurement system.

Here's how to properly apply the medication:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
• Clean the wound gently as directed by your doctor
• Squeeze the calculated amount of gel onto a clean cotton swab or tongue depressor
• Spread the gel evenly over the entire wound surface in a thin layer
• Cover with a saline-moistened gauze dressing
• Wash your hands again after application

You don't need to take this medication with food since it's applied directly to your skin. However, maintaining good blood sugar control and following your diabetic meal plan will help the healing process work more effectively.

How Long Should I Take Becaplermin For?

Most people use becaplermin for about 10 weeks, though some may need it for up to 20 weeks depending on how their wound responds. Your doctor will evaluate your progress every few weeks to determine if you should continue treatment.

If your wound hasn't shown significant improvement after 10 weeks, your healthcare provider might recommend stopping the medication. At this point, they'll likely explore other treatment options or investigate whether there are underlying issues preventing healing.

Complete healing can take time, so don't get discouraged if you don't see dramatic changes in the first few weeks. Your doctor will monitor the wound's progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to give you the best chance of healing.

What Are the Side Effects of Becaplermin?

Most people tolerate becaplermin well, but like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most common reactions happen right at the application site and are usually mild to moderate.

Here are the side effects you might experience:

• Skin irritation or redness around the wound
• Itching or burning sensation at the application site
• Rash near the treated area
• Increased pain or tenderness around the wound
• Swelling or inflammation of surrounding skin

These local reactions often improve as your skin adjusts to the medication. However, you should contact your doctor if the irritation becomes severe or doesn't get better within a few days of starting treatment.

There are some rare but serious side effects to be aware of. In uncommon cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction with symptoms like widespread rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat. Additionally, there have been very rare reports of increased cancer risk with long-term use, though this connection isn't fully established.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or feel concerned about how you're responding to the medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Who Should Not Take Becaplermin?

Becaplermin isn't suitable for everyone with diabetic foot ulcers. Your doctor will carefully evaluate whether this medication is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

You should not use becaplermin if you have any of these conditions:

• Known allergy to becaplermin or any ingredients in the gel
• Active infection in or around the wound
• Poor blood circulation to the affected area
• Wounds that extend to bone, tendon, or joint capsule
• History of certain types of cancer, particularly skin cancers
• Wounds in areas that can't be properly protected from weight-bearing

Your healthcare provider will also consider your overall health status and other medications you're taking. They may decide against becaplermin if you're immunocompromised or have other conditions that might interfere with wound healing.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require special consideration, as there isn't enough research about becaplermin's safety in these situations. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against any possible risks before making a recommendation.

Becaplermin Brand Names

Becaplermin is primarily available under the brand name Regranex in the United States. This is the most commonly prescribed form of the medication that you'll likely encounter at your pharmacy.

When your doctor writes your prescription, they might use either the generic name "becaplermin" or the brand name "Regranex." Both refer to the same active ingredient and medication, so don't worry if you see different names on your prescription versus the actual tube.

Always make sure you're getting the correct medication by checking with your pharmacist if you have any questions about what you've been prescribed or dispensed.

Becaplermin Alternatives

If becaplermin isn't suitable for your situation, several other treatment options can help heal diabetic foot ulcers. Your doctor might recommend advanced wound dressings, negative pressure wound therapy, or other specialized treatments.

Some alternatives your healthcare provider might consider include:

• Collagen-based wound dressings that provide scaffolding for new tissue growth
• Negative pressure wound therapy (wound vacuum) to remove fluid and promote healing
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to increase oxygen delivery to the wound
• Skin grafts or bioengineered skin substitutes for larger wounds
• Debridement procedures to remove dead tissue and promote healing

The best alternative depends on your wound's characteristics, your overall health, and how you've responded to previous treatments. Your doctor will work with you to find the approach that gives you the best chance of healing while fitting your lifestyle and preferences.

Is Becaplermin Better Than Other Wound Treatments?

Becaplermin can be more effective than standard wound care alone for certain types of diabetic foot ulcers. Studies show it can increase the likelihood of complete wound healing when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

However, "better" depends on your specific situation. For some people, simpler treatments like specialized dressings or regular wound care might be sufficient. For others with more challenging wounds, becaplermin provides the extra boost needed to achieve healing.

Your doctor will consider factors like your wound's size, depth, duration, and your overall health when determining if becaplermin is the right choice. They'll also factor in practical considerations like cost, ease of use, and how well you can follow the application routine.

The most important thing is finding a treatment approach that works for you and that you can stick with consistently. Sometimes the "best" treatment is the one you can realistically maintain while achieving good results.