Frequently Asked Questions on New FDA-Approved XIAFLEX® Treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture
Last month we wrote about a new FDA-approved non surgical injection therapy, XIAFLEX®, available for Dupuytren’s patients suffering from Dupuytren’s Contracture. Physicians using the new therapy have undergone special training and can help patients assess the benefits of this treatment over others available.
While nothing should replace a patient-physician consultation, we have compiled some of the most commonly asked questions regarding this new injection therapy to help better inform and prepare patients exploring treatment options.
Q. What exactly is the XIAFLEX injection therapy and how does it work?
A. XIAFLEX is actually “collagenase clostridium histolyticum.” When it is injected directly into the Dupuytren’s cord (disposition of collagen causing the contracture), it disrupts/weakens the collagen and helps your physician to break down the cord.
Q. How long will it take to see results after the injection?
A. While the rate of the improvement will vary from patient to patient, generally some improvement is evident within the first week, with progressive improvement as your physician breaks down the cord. Multiple injections may be necessary depending on the severity of the contracture and number of fingers involved.
Q. Are there any risks with this type of injection therapy?
A. As with any medication, there is risk of an adverse reaction. The FDA requires special training on the medication before a physician can administer it. Risks are minimized when a specially trained, board certified orthopedic hand surgeon administers this medication.
According to the manufacturer of this medication, Auxilliam, some of the safety concerns include:
• Tendon or ligament damage
• Nerve injury or other serious injury of the hand
• Allergic reactions
• Swollen face
• Hives
• Breathing trouble
• Chest pain
Q. Are there any other nonsurgical treatment options for Dupuytren’s Disease?
A. Another popular minimally invasive treatment option for Dupuytren’s is the needle aponeurotomy(also known as NA or percutaneous needle fasciotomy, PNF). This procedure does not involve a surgical incision but rather small stitches made by inserting a thin needle into the contracted cord, eventually weakening it and allowing it to be broken down.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
New Injection Therapy for Severe Dupuytren’s Contracture
New Injection Therapy, XIAFLEX®, Offers Nonsurgical Relief for Severe Dupuytren’s Contracture
Patients suffering from debilitating contractures able to resume activity with little down time
Those suffering from Dupuytren’s Disease often find the severe contractures associated with it to be debilitating obstacles to many of the activities they enjoy - and often in their professions as well.
Dupuytren’s Disease is a thickening of the tissue (fascia) in the hand slightly beneath the skin. This thickening can cause lumps and pits in the palm of the hand and on the finger knuckles and in severe cases cords (primarily comprised of collagen),which pull the fingers inward towards the palm. This is known as Dupuytren’s Contracture.
While the exact cause of Dupuytren’s Disease is unknown, it is commonly seen in men over the age of 40 and may grow progressively worse if not addressed. While generally painless, symptoms may begin with lumps in the palm of the hand and progress to thick cords spreading from the palm outward to the fingers – most commonly the ring and little fingers. These thickening cords gradually pull the fingers inward towards the palm, hindering hand function.
Traditionally, surgery to release the thick, tight cord was required in order to address severe contractures and restore hand function. More recently a minimally invasive procedure known as a Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy (PNF), also known as Needle Aponeurotomy (NA), reduced recovery time and proved an effective alternative.
Now, a new nonsurgical treatment known as XIAFLEX injection therapy is an alternative for some patients. This new therapy is the first nonsurgical treatment FDA-approved for use in the United States and offered by only a few hand specialists in Houston. The treatment is proving effective in restoring hand function and relieving symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture for qualifying patients.
A prescription medicine, which contains a mixture of proteins, XIAFLEX, is injected into the cord by a physician who specializes in Dupuytren’s Disease. It helps to break down the thick cord by breaking down the collagen in the cord.
In Part 2 of our discussion, we’ll discuss who is a good candidate for XIAFLEX and commonly asked questions regarding the procedure and recovery.
Patients suffering from debilitating contractures able to resume activity with little down time
Those suffering from Dupuytren’s Disease often find the severe contractures associated with it to be debilitating obstacles to many of the activities they enjoy - and often in their professions as well.
Dupuytren’s Disease is a thickening of the tissue (fascia) in the hand slightly beneath the skin. This thickening can cause lumps and pits in the palm of the hand and on the finger knuckles and in severe cases cords (primarily comprised of collagen),which pull the fingers inward towards the palm. This is known as Dupuytren’s Contracture.
While the exact cause of Dupuytren’s Disease is unknown, it is commonly seen in men over the age of 40 and may grow progressively worse if not addressed. While generally painless, symptoms may begin with lumps in the palm of the hand and progress to thick cords spreading from the palm outward to the fingers – most commonly the ring and little fingers. These thickening cords gradually pull the fingers inward towards the palm, hindering hand function.
Traditionally, surgery to release the thick, tight cord was required in order to address severe contractures and restore hand function. More recently a minimally invasive procedure known as a Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy (PNF), also known as Needle Aponeurotomy (NA), reduced recovery time and proved an effective alternative.
Now, a new nonsurgical treatment known as XIAFLEX injection therapy is an alternative for some patients. This new therapy is the first nonsurgical treatment FDA-approved for use in the United States and offered by only a few hand specialists in Houston. The treatment is proving effective in restoring hand function and relieving symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture for qualifying patients.
A prescription medicine, which contains a mixture of proteins, XIAFLEX, is injected into the cord by a physician who specializes in Dupuytren’s Disease. It helps to break down the thick cord by breaking down the collagen in the cord.
In Part 2 of our discussion, we’ll discuss who is a good candidate for XIAFLEX and commonly asked questions regarding the procedure and recovery.
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