Collagenase ointment

What is this medication?

COLLAGENASE (kohl LAH jen ace) is an enzyme that breaks down collagen in damaged tissue and helps healthy tissue to grow. It may help wounds heal faster.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Santyl

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•an unusual or allergic reaction to collagenase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash the wound as directed by your health care professional. Do not scrub. If you are applying a topical antibiotic to the wound, apply the antibiotic before this medicine. Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube with any surface, especially your fingers or the wound. Try to only get the ointment on the wound itself. If some gets on normal skin, wipe away with a sterile gauze pad. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•aluminum acetate, Burow's solution

•povidone iodine

•silver nitrate

•silver sulfadiazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If your wound begins to look worse, smell bad, has colored discharge or more discharge, or increases in size, contact your health care professional. You may have an infection or need a change in your treatment.

If you develop a fever, chills, low blood pressure, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or confusion, contact your health care professional immediately. You may have an infection of your blood.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•breathing problems

•skin rash or hives

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•redness at the application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.