Collagenase (Systemic

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Xiaflex

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat cords formed in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture.
• It is used to treat Peyronie’s disease.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a bleeding problem or take a blood thinner.

Peyronie’s disease:

• If you have Peyronie’s disease and the plaque to be treated is in the urethra (the tube that urine passes through).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Some people have gotten dizzy or felt like passing out with this drug. Most of the time, this happened when having severe pain or after painful procedures. If you feel dizzy or feel like you are going to pass out, lie down until the signs go away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Peyronie’s disease:

• Do not have sex or any other sex action for at least 4 weeks after the second dose and until any pain and swelling have gone away.
• Do not use a vacuum erection device while you use this drug.
• Try to avoid things that lead to straining your stomach muscles while you use this drug. This includes things like straining during a bowel movement.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

For all uses of this drug:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Very bad swelling or pain of hands or feet.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Bleeding.

Dupuytren’s contracture:

• Damage to a tendon or ligament causing the tendon or ligament to be weak or break has happened with this drug. Surgery may be needed to fix this. Call your doctor right away if you are not able to bend the treated finger after the swelling goes down or if you have any problems using your treated hand.
• Nerve problems and other severe injuries of the hand have happened. Some people had tears in the skin and death of skin tissue. Surgery may be needed and this can lead to amputation of the finger. Call your doctor right away if you have numbness, tingling, more pain, or breaks in the skin of the treated finger or hand after you get the shot or after your doctor visit.

Peyronie’s disease:

• Back pain has happened after the injection. The back pain may move to your legs, feet, chest, and arms. These signs usually go away within 15 minutes but may last longer. Tell your doctor right away if you have sudden back pain, chest pain, or trouble walking after an injection.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

For all uses of this drug:

• Irritation or swelling where the shot was given.
• Pain where the shot was given.
• Bruising.

Dupuytren’s contracture:

• Swollen gland in the elbow or armpit.
• Pain in the armpit.
• Swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin.

Peyronie’s disease:

• Mild pain in the penis. OTC pain drugs may help.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

For all uses of this drug:

• It is given as a shot.

Dupuytren’s contracture:

• Do not bend or straighten the fingers of your treated hand until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Do not try to straighten your treated finger.
• Keep your treated hand raised until bedtime on the first day.
• You will need to go back to your doctor’s office 1 to 3 days after the injection.
• You will be given a splint to wear on the treated finger at bedtime for up to 4 months.
• Do your finger exercises each day.
• Do not start normal actions with the treated hand until doctor tells you it is okay.

Peyronie’s disease:

• You will need to go back to your doctor’s office 1 to 3 days after the second injection in a treatment cycle. Make sure you know when to return to the office.
• Your doctor will give you a patient guide that tells you how to stretch and form your penis at home. Read it carefully.
• Follow how and when to stretch your penis after each cycle as your doctor has told you.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-06-04

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