Drug
Collagenase
Pronounced
"KOL-a-JEN-ase klos-TRID-ee-um HIS-toe-LIT-ik-um"
Uses
This medication is used to treat certain conditions (Dupuytren's contracture, Peyronie's disease) that are caused by a certain protein (collagen) in your body. Collagen is a tough and strong substance and is found in the knots/cords of the hand in Dupuytren's contracture or plaques in the penis in Peyronie's disease. Collagenase is a substance (enzyme) that breaks down the collagen in these knots/cords/plaques.
Warning
When used to treat a certain penis condition (Peyronie's disease), this drug has rarely caused very serious injury to the penis (such as penile fracture/hematoma). The injury could be permanent and/or require surgery to fix. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of serious injury to your penis, such as severe pain/bruising/swelling of the penis, loss of ability to maintain an erection, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or a popping sound/feeling in an erect penis.
To receive collagenase clostridium histolyticum for treatment of Peyronie's disease in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your healthcare professional before each injection. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using this medication to treat Dupuytren's contracture, the 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 to do so. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel numbness, tingling, or a feeling of "pins and needles" in your hand during the procedure.
You must return to your doctor's office within 1 to 3 days after the procedure. Your doctor will check your hand, try 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 to do so. Tell your doctor if you have trouble bending the finger after the swelling goes down or problems using your hand.
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.
If you are using this medication to treat Peyronie's disease, the medication is injected into the plaque in the penis by your healthcare provider. Each treatment cycle consists of two injections 1 to 3 days apart and a modeling (straightening) procedure 1 to 3 days after the second injection. Do not have sex between the first and second injections of a treatment cycle. Also, do not have any sexual activity for at least 4 weeks after the second injection of a treatment cycle and only after your doctor says that it is safe to do so (usually after all the pain/swelling has gone away). You might have as many as 4 treatment cycles. Each treatment cycle is about 6 weeks apart. In between cycles, follow your doctor's instructions on straightening and stretching the penis. Tell your doctor if you have trouble stretching or straightening your penis or if new pain occurs.