Uses

This product is used to help the healing of burns and skin ulcers. Collagenase is an enzyme. It works by helping to break up and remove dead skin and tissue. This effect may also help antibiotics to work better and speed up your body's natural healing process.

How To Use

This medication is for use on the skin only. Apply this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If the dressing becomes soiled, collagenase may be applied more often.

To apply, wash hands first. Clean the area as directed by your doctor. Cleaning solutions such as hydrogen peroxide, normal saline, or Dakin's solution may be used. If your doctor has directed you to use an antibiotic powder, apply it first before applying this medication. Use a wooden spatula or a gauze pad to carefully apply the collagenase ointment directly to the affected area. Bandage securely. If you are unclear about how to clean the affected area or apply this medication, consult your doctor.

Avoid applying near the eyes. Be careful to apply the ointment only within the affected area. Wash hands thoroughly after applying the ointment.

Side Effects

Pain or a burning feeling at the affected area may occur. Temporary redness/irritation may also occur in the skin around the affected area. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To avoid redness/irritation in the surrounding skin, be careful to apply the ointment only within the affected area.

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.

Treatment of burns and skin ulcers by breaking up and removing dead skin and tissue may rarely increase the risk for serious infection (sepsis). Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of serious infection, including:

• fever/chills
• fast breathing (hyperventilation)
• fast heartbeat
• warm skin
• weakness

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.

Precautions

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.

Avoid using solutions that contain acid or metal as soaking liquids because these will decrease the effect of collagenase ointment (see also Drug Interactions section).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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:

• antiseptic skin products (especially those containing heavy metals such as lead, mercury, silver)

Skin products containing heavy metals may decrease the effect of collagenase. If the affected area has been exposed to one of these products, wash the area well with normal saline solution before applying this ointment.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.