Skip to main content

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum

Generic name: collagenase clostridium histolyticum [ KOL-a-JEN-ase-klos-TRID-ee-um-HIS-toe-LIT-ik-um ]
Brand name: Xiaflex
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (0.9 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 9, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is collagenase clostridium histolyticum?

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is used to treat Dupuytren's contracture in adults. This condition causes an abnormal thickening of the tissue in the palm of the hand. This condition may get worse over time and form a "cord" in your palm, causing a permanent bend in your finger.

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is also used to treat a related condition called Peyronie's disease in adult men. This condition causes scar tissue or "plaque" to develop under the skin of the penis, resulting in an abnormal curving of the penis during erection.

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum for Peyronie's disease is available only under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of collagenase clostridium histolyticum.

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum side effects

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

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum can damage a nerve, tendon, or ligament in the hand the medicine is injected into. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum may also damage the erectile tissues inside a man's penis, which could require surgery to correct. Call your doctor right away if you have:

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of collagenase clostridium histolyticum may include:

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.

Warnings

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum can damage a nerve, tendon, or ligament in the hand the medicine is injected into. After the swelling from your injection goes down, call your doctor if you have numbness, tingling, increased pain, trouble bending your finger toward your wrist, or if you have new or worsened movement problems in your treated hand.

collagenase clostridium histolyticum may also damage the erectile tissues inside a man's penis, which could require surgery to correct. Call your doctor right away if you have bruising and swelling of your penis, pain when you urinate, blood in the urine, sudden erection problems, or a "popping" sound or sensation in your penis during an erection.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use collagenase clostridium histolyticum if you are allergic to it. This medicine should not be used to treat Peyronie's disease that affects the urethra (the tube for passing urine out of your bladder).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known if collagenase clostridium histolyticum will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How is collagenase clostridium histolyticum given?

This medication is injected directly into the "cord" of the affected hand or into a "plaque" of the penis. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.

For Dupuytren's contracture:

For Peyronie's disease:

Xiaflex

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving collagenase clostridium histolyticum?

Avoid any strenuous activity using the treated hand until your doctor tells you to resume normal activities.

Avoid situations where you may strain your stomach muscles, such as straining during bowel movements.

What other drugs can affect collagenase clostridium histolyticum?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect collagenase clostridium histolyticum, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Does collagenase clostridium histolyticum interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There are 2 for collagenase clostridium histolyticum.

Qwo (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) - Endo Global Aesthetics Limited
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial .92 mg
Single-Dose Vial 1.84 mg

View Qwo information in detail.

Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) - Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial 0.9 mg

View Xiaflex information in detail.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.