This medication is used to treat Dupuytren's contracture. Dupuytren's contracture is a rare hand problem that occurs when the tissue under the skin of the hand toughens and thickens. Over time, knots or cords of thickened tissue form under the skin of the palm extending toward the fingers. These knots or cords bend the finger toward the palm and make it difficult to straighten the affected fingers.

Collagenase is a protein (enzyme) that breaks down the collagen in the knots/cords.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your healthcare professional before each injection. If you have any questions regarding the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This 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.

Tell your doctor immediately if you start to feel numbness, tingling, feeling of "pins and needles" in your hand during the procedure.

You must return to your doctor's office within 24 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will check your hand, attempt 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.

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.

Tell your doctor if you have trouble bending the finger after the swelling goes down or problems using your hand.

See also the How to Use section.

Pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, redness, itching at the injection site, and swollen, painful areas in the elbow and underarm (swollen lymph nodes) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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).

Serious (possibly permanent) injury to the tendons/ligaments of the hand is a rare side effect of this procedure. The injury may require surgery to repair. Tell your doctor immediately if you have difficulty or are unable to move your fingers or hand after your doctor has told you it is okay to move the hand.

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.

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.

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 breast-feeding.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using 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 direct 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 directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using those products safely.

This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

Not applicable.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a doctor's office and will not be stored at home.

Information last revised May 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.