Contractubex
Contractubex
Contractubex
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains
important information for you
Although this medicine can be obtained without a prescription, you still need to use Contractubex gel
according to the instructions to achieve the best results.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side
effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
- You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse.
Contractubex gel is used for the treatment of various types of scars after the wounds have healed.
Contractubex gel inhibits the growth of scar tissue and softens scar tissue. The gel also reduces
redness, swelling and pain (anti-inflammatory).
Contractubex gel is suitable for use in patients with movement-inhibiting, hypertrophic, keloid (thick
scars higher than the skin surface and sometimes with a different colour than the surrounding skin) and
cosmetically disfiguring scars resulting from an operation, amputation, burn or accident. Suitable in
case of contractures, such as Dupuytren’s contracture (persistently bent fingers) and traumatic tendon
contractures, as well as atrophic scars (scars lower or higher than the skin surface).
Children
Special instructions apply to children (see section 3).
Always use Contractubex gel exactly as described in this leaflet. Check with your doctor or pharmacist
if you are not sure.
Apply Contractubex gel onto the skin several times per day and gently massage into the scar tissue
until the gel is completely absorbed. In case of old hard scars, Contractubex gel can also be applied
overnight and covered with a bandage.
The treatment can last for several weeks or months, depending on the size of the scar or contracture.
In case of fresh wounds, avoid physical irritants, such as extreme cold, UV radiation, or intense
massage.
Use in children
When used in children aged 1 or older, it is recommended to apply the gel on scar tissue once or twice
per day.
Using this medicine in children under 1 year of age is not recommended due to insufficient data.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The most often reported side effects are application site reactions.
The following side effects were reported in a study where Contractubex gel was used for treating 592
patients:
Common (might affect up to 1 user in 10): pruritus, redness (erythema), visible dilation of blood
vessels (telangiectasia), scar lower than skin surface (scar atrophy).
Uncommon (might affect up to 1 user in 100): darkened skin (hyperpigmentation), thinned skin (skin
atrophy).
Unknown (the following side effects have been reported post marketing; incidence cannot be
estimated from available data):
small pustules on the skin (pustular rash), allergic reaction (hypersensitivity), skin crawling
(paraesthesia), swelling, pain in the application site, local skin
reactions (contact dermatitis), hives (urticaria), rash, itching (pruritus),
redness (erythema), skin irritations, small bumps (papules), skin
inflammation, burning sensation on the skin, separation of skin layers
in the application site, tight skin sensation.
Contractubex gel is generally well-tolerated, even in case of extended use.
The itchiness occasionally reported during treatment with Contractubex gel indicates changes in scar
tissue and generally does not require terminating the treatment.
The other ingredients are sorbic acid, methyl-4-hydroxy benzoate, macrogol 200, xanthan gum,
purified water, aroma agents (see section 2 “Contractubex gel contains”).
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing
Authorisation Holder.