This medication is used to treat certain conditions
(Dupuytren's contracture, Peyronie's disease) that are caused by a certain
protein (collagen) in your body. Collagen is a tough and strong substance
and is found in the knots/cords of the hand in Dupuytren's contracture or
plaques in the penis in Peyronie's disease. Collagenase is a substance
(enzyme) that breaks down the collagen in these
knots/cords/plaques.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your healthcare
professional before each injection. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using this medication to treat Dupuytren's
contracture, the medication is injected into the tissue knot (cord) of the
affected hand by your healthcare provider. Your hand will be wrapped in
soft gauze after the injection. Limit hand movement and keep the hand
elevated until bedtime. Do not try to straighten, curl, or move the
injected finger until your doctor tells you it is okay to do so. Tell your
doctor right away if you start to feel numbness, tingling, or a feeling of
"pins and needles" in your hand during the procedure.
You must return to your doctor's office within 1 to 3
days after the procedure. Your doctor will check your hand, try to
straighten the finger if needed, and apply a splint. Wear the splint every
night at bedtime as long as directed by your doctor (for up to 4 months).
Do finger exercises several times a day exactly as directed. Do not do any
strenuous activity with the treated hand until your doctor tells you it is
okay to do so. Tell your doctor if you have trouble bending the finger
after the swelling goes down or problems using your hand.
If you are still unable to straighten your finger after
4 weeks, your doctor may give a repeat injection into the same area of the
hand. No more than 3 injections, each 4 weeks apart, should be given in the
same area.
If you are using this medication to treat Peyronie's
disease, the medication is injected into the plaque in the penis by your
healthcare provider. Each treatment cycle consists of two injections 1 to 3
days apart and a modeling (straightening) procedure 1 to 3 days after the
second injection. Do not have sex between the first and second injections
of a treatment cycle. Also, do not have any sexual activity for at least 4
weeks after the second injection of a treatment cycle and only after your
doctor says that it is safe to do so (usually after all the pain/swelling
has gone away). You might have as many as 4 treatment cycles. Each
treatment cycle is about 6 weeks apart. In between cycles, follow your
doctor's instructions on straightening and stretching the penis. Tell your
doctor if you have trouble stretching or straightening your penis or if new
pain occurs.
See also How to Use and Warning sections.
Pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, redness, itching at
or around the injection site may occur. Swollen, painful areas in the elbow
and underarm (swollen lymph nodes) may also occur when this medication is
injected in the hand. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor right away if you have dizziness or
feel faint. Sitting or lying down may help.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
If treating Dupuytren's contracture, tell your doctor
right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- signs of infection (such as fever, chills, increasing
redness/swelling)
- signs of nerve injury (such as numbness/tingling/pain/strange
feeling in the treated hand)
- tears in the skin around the injection site
(lacerations)
Serious (possibly permanent) injury to the
tendons/ligaments of the hand is a rare side effect of this drug/procedure.
The injury may require surgery to repair. Tell your doctor right away if
you have difficulty moving your fingers or hand after your doctor has told
you it is okay to move them.
Some people using this medication for Peyronie's disease
have developed lower back pain soon after receiving an injection. Tell your
doctor right away if you have sudden lower back pain or back pain that
spreads to your legs, feet, arms, or chest. The back pain may also include
spasms and make it hard to walk. These symptoms usually go away after 15
minutes but may last longer.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using collagenase, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- bleeding/clotting problems
If you are using this medication to treat Peyronie's
disease, do not use a vacuum erection device during your treatment with
this medication. Also, avoid straining your stomach/abdominal muscles, such
as straining during bowel movements.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this
medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including aspirin,
antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, "blood
thinners" such as warfarin)
Your doctor may tell you to stop taking these
medications 7 days before your injection. If so, ask your doctor when it is
safe to start taking them again.
If your doctor has told you to take low-dose aspirin to
prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you
should keep taking the aspirin unless your doctor tells you not to. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor right away for a new dosing
schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a doctor's
office and will not be stored at home.