Collagenase, clostridium histolyticum (Injection)

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bruising or bleeding at the site of injection.
• Fever or chills.
• Pain or swollen joints.
• Redness or swelling of your hands.
• Tearing of your skin.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bruise.
• Redness, pain, itching, swelling, or tenderness where the needle is placed.
• Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck or armpit.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if your are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a blood clotting problem.
• This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have itching, rash, hives, chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, trouble breathing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you receive this medicine.
• The tendons and ligaments of your hand may be more easily be injured while using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have pain or numbness in your hand or arm, trouble bending the finger after the swelling goes down, or bleeding at the injection site.
• It is very important that you elevate the fingers of the injected hand until bedtime to prevent swelling. Do not try to move or massage the cord, bend, or extend the fingers of the injected hand, or do heavy activity using your hand to prevent more injury.
• Your doctor may put a splint on your hand after giving this medicine. Wear the splint at bedtime for up to 4 months. Do finger bending and extending exercises as instructed by your doctor.
• It is very important that you return to your doctor the next day. This will allow your doctor to see the injected hand, and to do a possible finger extension procedure to disrupt the cord.

Introduction

Collagenase, Clostridium histolyticum (KOL-a-jen-ase klos-TRID-ee-um his-toe-LIT-ik-um)

Treats adult patients with Dupuytren's contracture with a palpable cord.

Brand Name(s)

Xiaflex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into the cord of the contracture in your hand.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using blood thinners (such as high-dose aspirin, warfarin, or Coumadin®).