Santyl

Santyl (for the skin) is used to treat severe burns or skin ulcers in adults. Santyl helps remove dead skin tissue and assist in wound healing.

Santyl may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or if you have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not use Santyl if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if your skin condition gets worse, or if you have new symptoms of illness or infection.

Less serious side effects may happen more often, and you might not have any side effects at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before and after applying Santyl.

Carefully follow your medical care provider's instructions about how to clean the skin wound and care for the wound dressing.

Santyl is usually applied once daily. You may need to clean the wound and reapply the ointment if the treated area becomes soiled.

Do not share Santyl with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

The enzymes in Santyl may increase your risk of infection in the bloodstream. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever, chills, rapid heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if you feel light-headed or confused.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

Apply the medicine as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply two doses at the same time.

An overdose of Santyl is not expected to be dangerous. If you think you have applied too much of this medication, you may wash off the enzyme with povidone iodine.

• Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Santyl unless your doctor tells you to.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.