What is XIAFLEX®?

XIAFLEX® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Dupuytren’s contracture. The generic name of Xiaflex is Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum. Collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down collagen. The palmar cord found in patients afflicted with Dupuytren’s contracture is made up of collagen. The enzymatic action of Xiaflex on the cord results in the digestion of the collagen resulting in disruption of the cord. Xiaflex is injected into the cord resulting in the weakening of the cord which allows the physician to manipulate and break the cord 24 to 72 hours after the injection.

Xiaflex is administered in the office by Dr. Sian with or without local anesthesia. The patient is instructed to return 24 to 72 hours after Xiaflex injection for the manipulation. Manipulation is done in the office, usually under local anesthesia. Manipulation allows breakage of the cords which are responsible for causing contractures of the fingers. The affected fingers should be less contracted following disruption of the cords and the patient should have an improved ability to extend the fingers.

Patients are strongly advised to wear a splint on the treated hand at bedtime for the next several months to keep the treated fingers straight and to minimize the risk of recurrent contractures.

The most common side effects with XIAFLEX® for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture include:

  • swelling of the injection site or the hand
  • bruising or bleeding at the injection site
  • pain or tenderness of the injection site or the hand
  • swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the elbow or armpit
  • itching
  • tear or break in the skin
  • redness or warmth of the skin
  • pain in the armpit

Do not receive XIAFLEX® if you have had an allergic reaction to collagenase clostridium histolyticum or any of the ingredients in XIAFLEX®, or to any other collagenase product. See the end of the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in XIAFLEX®.

XIAFLEX® can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Tendon rupture or ligament damage. Receiving an injection of XIAFLEX® may cause damage to a tendon or ligament in your hand and cause it to break or weaken. This could require surgery to fix the damaged tendon or ligament. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble bending your injected finger (towards the wrist) after the swelling goes down or you have problems using your treated hand after your follow-up visit
  • Nerve injury or other serious injury of the hand. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get numbness, tingling, increased pain, or tears in the skin (laceration) in your treated finger or hand after your injection or after your follow-up visit
  • Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Severe allergic reactions can happen in people who receive XIAFLEX® because it contains foreign proteins.
  • Increased chance of bleeding. Bleeding or bruising at the injection site can happen in people who receive XIAFLEX®. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a problem with your blood clotting. XIAFLEX® may not be right for you.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction after an injection of XIAFLEX®:

  • Hives
  • Swollen face
  • Breathing trouble
  • Chest pain
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness or fainting

Before receiving XIAFLEX®, tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous XIAFLEX® injection, or have a bleeding problem or any other medical conditions. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using XIAFLEX® with certain other medicines can cause serious side effects.

Please inform your healthcare provider if you take medicines to thin your blood (anticoagulants). If you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin), Plavix, Heparin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa etc., it is recommended that you discontinue (with your prescribing physician’s permission) use of the blood thinners prior to undergoing treatment with XIAFLEX®.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.