Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb
About Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb
Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb is a specialised topical gel prescribed to help heal deep diabetic foot ulcers. It is used to treat neuropathic ulcers that extend into the tissue beneath the skin in patients who have adequate blood flow to the affected limb. By encouraging new tissue growth, it helps close stubborn wounds that have not healed with standard care alone.
To achieve the best results, you must apply Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb consistently once every day. While food intake does not affect this topical gel, managing your daily blood sugar levels and following specific foot-care practices are critical to support the healing process. Your doctor will guide you on how to clean and prepare the wound before each application.
Some people may experience mild side effects, such as minor skin irritation or redness around the treated area. If you experience signs of a skin infection, such as worsening pain, swelling, foul odour, or pus, you should contact your doctor immediately. Do not ignore these changes, as diabetic wounds require careful monitoring.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have any pre-existing health conditions, especially circulation problems or peripheral arterial disease. Do not use this medicine if you have active cancer at the application site or a history of cancer, as growth factors can encourage abnormal cell division. Your doctor will evaluate if this treatment is safe for your health history.
Tell your healthcare team about any other skin creams, ointments, or dressings you use, as they can interact with Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb and stop it from working effectively. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this gel. Older adults should also discuss their overall health status with their doctor to ensure safe application.
Uses of Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb
Medicinal Benefits
The primary benefit of Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb is its ability to accelerate the body's natural wound-healing processes. For patients suffering from long-standing diabetic foot ulcers, this gel offers several real-world benefits:
- Faster wound closure: It shortens the time it takes for deep, open ulcers to heal, helping you return to your normal routine sooner.
- Reduced risk of complications: By closing the open wound more quickly, it lowers the risk of developing deep tissue or bone infections, which are common complications of untreated ulcers.
- Support for natural tissue repair: It encourages the formation of healthy granulation tissue, ensuring the wound heals securely from the inside out.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Take a small amount of Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb onto a firm, clean, non-absorbable surface like wax paper. Then spread it evenly as a thin layer over the surface of the foot ulcer with the help of a clean cotton swab, tongue depressor, or any other application aid.
- Cover the treated area with a gauze dressing moistened with saline.
Storage
Side Effects of Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild skin redness at or around the application site
- Gently burning or stinging sensation
- Mild skin irritation or peeling around the wound edges
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe skin infection, such as pus, foul-smelling drainage, or red streaks spreading from the wound
- Fever, chills, or sudden, severe pain in the foot or leg
- Any unusual new growths, bumps, or skin masses near the treated area
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the gel: Check the tube before use. Do not apply the gel if it appears discoloured, cloudy, or if the tube is damaged or leaking.
- Avoid contamination: Never touch the tip of the tube directly to your wound, fingers, or any other surface to keep the remaining medicine sterile.
- Limit the number of tubes: Do not use more than the prescribed number of tubes. Using large amounts of this class of medicine over a long period has been linked to an increased risk of serious health conditions, including cancer.
- Do not mix treatments: Avoid applying other topical creams, ointments, or home remedies to the ulcer at the same time as Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb unless your doctor specifically tells you to.
- Paediatric use: The safety and efficacy of Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb in children have not been established. Use only under medical supervision if prescribed.
- Attend all follow-up visits: Regular visits to your doctor are essential so they can measure the wound, remove dead tissue, and monitor your overall progress.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines and skin products may interact with Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb and affect how well it works.
- Other topical medications: Do not apply other skin creams, ointments, antiseptic solutions, or dressings containing heavy metals (such as silver or zinc) to the ulcer. These substances can break down the proteins in Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb, making it completely ineffective.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb is excreted in human milk. Therefore, Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedRecombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedPlease consult a doctor if you have any concerns about using Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb in patients with liver problems.
Kidney
safe if prescribedPlease consult a doctor if you have any concerns about using Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb in patients with kidney problems.
Children
unsafeRecombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb is not recommended for children below 16 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Control your blood sugar: Consistently managing your blood glucose levels is the most important step you can take, as high blood sugar severely delays wound healing and increases infection risk.
- Relieve pressure (Offloading): Avoid putting weight on the affected foot. Use therapeutic shoes, specialised casts, or offloading devices as recommended by your healthcare team to protect the healing ulcer.
- Eat a protein-rich diet: Ensure your daily meals contain adequate protein, vitamin C, and zinc, which are vital nutrients your body needs to rebuild skin and tissue.
- Avoid smoking: Quit smoking, as nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the delivery of oxygen and healing nutrients to your foot.
- Check your feet daily: Inspect both feet every day for any new red spots, cuts, or blisters to prevent new ulcers from forming.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetic foot ulcers: It is a common complication of diabetes. Ulcers are formed due to the breakdown of skin tissue and exposure of underneath layers. Diabetic foot ulcers commonly develop under the big toes and balls of the feet. Also, they can affect the feet down to the bones. The primary sign of diabetic foot ulcer is drainage from the foot that stains socks or leaks out in the shoe. Other symptoms include redness, irritation, unusual swelling, and odors from 1 or both feet. Sometimes, there may be no symptoms until the ulcer has become infected. Treatment includes medication and surgical procedures.
FAQs
Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb contains Becaplermin, a platelet-derived growth factor that stimulates the growth of cells involved in wound healing. Thus, it helps treat ulcers of the legs or feet in people with diabetes.
Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb is not recommended for treating pressure ulcers or ulcers caused by poor blood flow. It is only used to treat diabetic foot ulcers in patients with a good blood supply.
You are recommended to use Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the size of the ulcer is not a minimum of 1/3rd smaller in size after using Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb for 10 weeks or if the ulcer is not healed completely after 20 weeks, please consult a doctor.
Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb may temporarily cause a red skin rash. If the rash persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb belongs to the platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) class, which are used to treat diabetic foot ulcers in people with good blood flow in their legs and feet.
The common side effects of Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb may include burning at the application site and red skin rash. Most of these side effects of Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects worsen or persist, please consult your doctor.
No, you should not use your bare fingers to apply this gel. Always use a sterile applicator, such as a cotton swab or a clean tongue depressor, to prevent introducing harmful bacteria to the open wound. Talk to your doctor if you need a demonstration on clean application techniques.
Yes, this gel must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze it, and keep it away from the freezer compartment. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about proper storage during travel.
If you notice increased redness, swelling, oozing, a foul smell, or worsening pain, stop using the gel and contact your doctor immediately. These could be signs of a serious skin infection that requires prompt medical evaluation.
No, Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb is specifically approved only for treating deep neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. It should not be used on surgical wounds, burns, or typical cuts unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor to find the right treatment for other types of skin wounds.
Growth factors like Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb can encourage cell division. Studies show that using three or more tubes of this class of medication may increase the risk of cancer-related complications. Always use the exact amount prescribed, do not exceed your prescribed number of tubes, and talk to your doctor about your health history.
You should not apply other creams, ointments, or topical products to the ulcer unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so. Other products can interact with Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor Bb and make it less effective. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining any skin treatments.
Yes, the wound should be covered with a saline-moistened gauze dressing after applying the gel. This keeps the healing environment moist, which is essential for the medicine to work properly. Talk to your doctor for step-by-step wound dressing instructions.
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