Intended for Canadian Healthcare Professionals Only
 


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Collagenase SANTYL® Ointment?

SANTYL® is an enzymatic debriding ointment containing 250 collagenase units per gram of white petrolatum USP. The enzyme collagenase is derived from the fermentation by Clostridium hystolyticum. It possesses the unique ability to digest collagen in necrotic tissue.

How does SANTYL® Ointment work?

SANTYL® Ointment is active enzymatic therapy that continuously removes necrotic tissue from wounds, allowing granulation to proceed and epithelialization to occur. For more information on SANTYL® Ointment’s unique mechanism of action, please see our Mechanism of Action video.

For what types of wounds is SANTYL® Ointment appropriate?

SANTYL® Ointment is indicated for the debridement of chronic dermal ulcers—including pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous leg ulcers—and severely burned areas.1-4 It is appropriate for both initial debridement and continuous debridement after sharp or surgical debridement.

Why is debridement with SANTYL® Ointment called active debridement?

Some types of debridement, such as autolytic methods (hydrogel, occlusive dressings), take a passive approach, relying solely on the body’s natural mechanism to heal. SANTYL® Ointment takes an active approach, enabling debridement of the chronic wound, even in elderly patients and those with compromised immune status.

Why is debridement with SANTYL® Ointment called continuous debridement?

Surgical, sharp, mechanical, and wet-to-dry methods are episodic, removing necrotic tissue only at the moment of debridement. SANTYL® Ointment helps maintain a clean wound bed by continuously removing debris, to help prevent the reaccumulation of clinically harmful amounts of necrotic tissue.

How do I apply SANTYL® Ointment?

For a complete review of the SANTYL® Ointment application protocol, please see the Application section.
 

How often do I apply SANTYL® Ointment?

SANTYL® Ointment should be applied once daily, or more frequently if dressings become soiled (eg, from incontinence). For a complete review of the SANTYL® Ointment application protocol, please see the Application section.
 

What wound cleansing materials are compatible with SANTYL® Ointment?

Sterile saline is compatible for use with SANTYL® Ointment. If using a wound cleanser, follow it with saline before applying SANTYL® Ointment. For a complete review of the SANTYL® Ointment application protocol, please see the Application section. 
 

What dressings are compatible with SANTYL® Ointment?

Because the enzyme in SANTYL® Ointment is activated by the hydrophilic environment of the wound, it is important to use dressings that maintain moisture balance. Avoid silver and iodine dressings; these substances inactivate collagenase. For a complete review of the SANTYL® Ointment application protocol, please see the Application section.
 

How long should I use SANTYL® Ointment?

Discontinue SANTYL® Ointment when medically indicated and/or once debridement of necrotic tissue is complete and granulation tissue is well established.
 

What if an infection develops while using SANTYL® Ointment?

Apply a topical antibiotic powder to the wound site before applying SANTYL® Ointment. If the infection does not respond, discontinue use of SANTYL® Ointment until the infection is resolved. 
 

What are the side effects of SANTYL® Ointment?

A slight transient erythema has been noted occasionally in the surrounding tissue with use of SANTYL® Ointment, particularly when it was not confined to the wound. Therefore, the ointment should be applied carefully within the area of the wound. No allergic sensitivity or toxic reactions have been noted in clinical use when SANTYL® Ointment is used as directed. One case of systemic manifestations of hypersensitivity to collagenase in a patient for more than 1 year with a combination of collagenase and cortisone has been reported.
 

Who should not use SANTYL® Ointment?

SANTYL® Ointment is contraindicated in patients who have shown local or systemic hypersensitivity to collagenase.
 

How do I store SANTYL® Ointment?

SANTYL® Ointment should be stored at room temperature. Do not store above 25°C (77°F). Sterility is guaranteed until the tube is opened.

 

Occasional slight transient erythema has been noted in surrounding tissue when applied outside the wound. One case of systemic hypersensitivity has been reported after 1 year of treatment with collagenase and cortisone.
Use of Collagenase SANTYL® Ointment should be terminated when debridement is complete and granulation tissue is well established.
See complete prescribing information for more details.

 
References: 1. Lee LK, Ambrus JL. Collagenase therapy for decubitus ulcers. Geriatrics. 1975;30:91-98. 2. Altman MI, Goldstein L, Horowitz S. Collagenase: an adjunct to healing trophic ulcerations in the diabetic patient. J Am Podiatry Assoc. 1978;68:11-15. 3. Boxer AM, Gottesman N, Bernstein H, et al. Debridement of dermal ulcers and decubiti with collagenase. Geriatrics. 1969;24:75-86. 4. Hansbrough JF, Achauer B, Dawson J, et al. Wound healing in partial-thickness burn wounds treated with collagenase ointment versus silver sulfadiazine cream. J Burn Care Rehabil. 1994;15:13-17.
SANTYL® is a registered trademark of Healthpoint Biotherapeutics. Healthpoint Biotherapeutics and design is a registered trademark of Healthpoint Biotherapeutics.
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The information on this site is intended for customers, patients, and healthcare professionals in Canada only. All information, including the Prescribing Information for Collagenase SANTYL® Ointment, abides by the laws, regulatory requirements, and medical practices for Canada only and may not be appropriate for use outside of Canada.