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How long does it take to recover after a Xiaflex injection?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 11, 2022.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

It takes at least a week for your hand to recover after a Xiaflex injection for Dupuytren's contracture, in some people it may take 2 to 4 weeks before they can fully use their hand again, especially if you have skin tears which will need daily wound care. Immediately after the procedure, your hand will be wrapped in a soft dressing and will be bruised and swollen but you should be able to drive yourself home (if you drive). You should avoid any kind of heavy lifting or pushing or pulling with the affected hand for at least a week, but you can use your hand for everyday activities such as eating, writing, brushing your teeth, writing, typing, or preparing food. After 1 week you can return to playing golf, tennis, and other recreational activities, but if you have skin tears you will need to wait until the wound heals before you do any recreational activities.

If you have had a Xiaflex injection for Peyronie’s disease, the recovery time varies depending on how much pain or swelling is present but generally takes 2 to 4 weeks. You should not have sex or have any other sexual activity between the 2 injections of a treatment cycle and for at least 4 weeks after the second injection of a treatment cycle. During this time you should also avoid activities and situations that may cause you to strain your abdominal muscles (such as sit-ups or straining during a bowel movement) and vacuum erection devices. Immediately after the procedure, your penis may appear bruised or swollen, and you may have mild to moderate pain in your penis that can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Some men may also experience sudden back pain following the procedure that can radiate to the legs, chest, and arms that typically last only 15 minutes. If you experience this or any other serious side effect then talk to your healthcare provider.

References
  • Xiaflex Injection Procedure. Sep 21, 2016. Mountain state Orthopedic Associates. https://www.mountainstateorthopedic.com/blog/xiaflex-injection-procedure#:~:text=After%20the%20Procedure,swelling%20of%20the%20affected%20area.
  • After Your Xiaflex Injection for Dupuytren’s. UW Medicine. https://orthop.washington.edu/sites/default/files/hand-center/Post-Surgery-Xiaflex-Dupuytrens-July-2013.pdf
  • Help reduce the bend. Xiaflex.com. https://peyronies-disease.xiaflex.com/patient/#:~:text=After%20receiving%20an%20injection%20of,less%2C%20but%20may%20last%20longer.
  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The Urology Group.https://www.urologygroupvirginia.com/erectile-dysfunction-center/xiaflex-treatment-for-peyronies

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