COLLAGENASE SANTYL OINTMENT (COLLAGENASE)

For Treating Burns and Dermal Ulcers on Your Skin

Proper wound management is essential for allowing new and healthy tissue to form as the affected tissue dies off. Pressure sores (decubitus ulcers) and severely burned skin areas need to be debrided daily, which means the dead tissue has to be removed to avoid possible bacterial infection and to encourage granulation tissue to form and heal quickly. If these wounds are not tended to regularly, bacteria can hide under the dead tissue or small pockets of pus can form as a scab slowly closes the opening with bacteria growing and multiplying inside.

How Collagenase Works

Use a soft gauze to clean away excess debris while rinsing the wound area with a normal saline solution or a mild cleanser that will not interfere with the pH level of Collagenase Santyl Ointment. Apply the Collagenase Santyl Ointment with a gloved finger or a tongue depressor and be careful not to apply it to healthy skin surrounding the wound as this may cause a slight redness. Collagenase will then work as an enzyme that breaks down and removes the collagen in damaged tissues so healthy tissue can take its place and increase healing time. Cover the wound as directed after applying Collagenase Santyl Ointment.

What is a Pressure Sore?

People at risk of getting pressure sores include the elderly or the infirm that spend long periods of time in a bed or wheelchair with minimal movement as this can cause a break-down in your skin that develops into a sore from the constant pressure of sitting or laying on a particular area, such as your hips, back, ankles, or buttocks. Left unnoticed and untreated, these sores can damage layers of tissue, muscle, and ligaments.

Before You Apply Collagenase Santyl Ointment

Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently use or take, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements, so it can be determined if Collagenase Santyl Ointment is the right topical medication for your situation. You, or the person caring for your wound, should be aware of any signs that the area has become infected and revisit your doctor right away.

Important Information About Collagenase Santyl Ointment

Only apply Collagenase Santyl Ointment when and where as indicated by your doctor. Avoid getting any Collagenase in your eyes, mouth, or other mucus membranes and only apply to the area to be treated. Although Collagenase Santyl Ointment is harmless to intact skin, it may cause redness. Keep Collagenase Santyl Ointment, and other medications, out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Collagenase Santyl Ointment

• Mild redness on healthy skin

If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or other signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical help.