Becaplermin
Becaplermin is a topical recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) medication used to promote wound healing. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Becaplermin is a topical growth factor gel used to heal diabetic foot ulcers by stimulating cell growth and tissue repair.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A01AD08
- RxNorm
- 115238
- Generic
- Becaplermin
- Class
- atc-a01
- Brands
- Regranex
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- gel
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- Apply thin layer (1 inch length of gel) to wound once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Apply thin layer to wound once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Apply thin layer to wound once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution due to unknown excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment
use as directed with standard wound care
monitor wound healing and for signs of infection
pediatric_age
children under 18not established
safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients
close monitoring if used
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
use as directed topical application has minimal systemic absorption
standard wound monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
use as directed minimal systemic absorption expected
standard wound monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
use as directed minimal systemic absorption
standard wound monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
use as directed minimal systemic absorption
standard wound monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year of initial FDA approval for Becaplermin
Drug class
Topical growth factor for wound healing
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Complete wound closure rate
Wound healing efficacy in clinical trials
Becaplermin is used for the treatment of lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers that extend through the dermis into subcutaneous tissue or beyond, in patients with adequate blood supply.
As a recombinant platelet-derived growth factor, Becaplermin binds to cell surface receptors on fibroblasts and other cells involved in wound healing, stimulating cell proliferation, chemotaxis (cell migration), and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) to promote granulation tissue development and wound closure.
Becaplermin is for topical use only and should be applied once daily with a fresh dressing. It is contraindicated in patients with known neoplasms at the application site and should be used cautiously in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Effectiveness requires good wound care practices including debridement and infection control.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy