Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have announced that patients with diabetes who use becaplermin (Regranex) repeatedly on their foot and leg ulcers may have an increased risk of dying from cancer. The warning stems from a study of diabetic patients at least 19 years old with no history of cancer. Study results showed that patients who were prescribed Regranex three or more times were more likely to die from cancer than patients who didn't use Regranex.
   Regranex is a recombinant human platelet–derived growth factor that's applied topically to diabetic foot and leg ulcers that aren't healing. Growth factors aid healing--and may increase cancer risk--by prompting cells to divide more quickly.
   FDA officials are urging health care professionals to weigh the possible increased risk of cancer death against the health risks of chronic diabetic leg and foot ulcers when considering a prescription for Regranex. They also urge health care professionals to report serious, unexpected adverse effects with Regranex to the FDA MedWatch reporting program.

Home - Guest Registry - Customer Service

Brought to you by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
For help on how you should use this site, see our Disclaimer .

© Copyright 2008 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins