Anyone tried a new bio drug called XIAFLEX for Dupuytrens Contracture?

Has anyone tried XIAFLEX a non invasive med. for Dupuytrens?

I have severe Dupuytrens Contracture. It's a disease where he tendons thicken in the palms to the fingers. The thickening of the tendons pull the fingers in toward the palm in a fist like position. Once the fist is formed the fingers are frozen. No movement in the fingers and it has effected three of my fingers on my right hand which are curled up in a fist type position.
There is a non invasive injection available that will break up the thickened tendons and the fingers can be straightened and the hand can be used once healed after PT. I had surgery last year to straighten my fingers, it actually made the hand flair and curl worse.
The injection is called XIAFLEX. Has any one tried this medication?
I have read about the treatment of Xiaflex and also the side effects. I would interested to hear from anyone who has used this medication . It has been approved by the FDA since 2010, a very short time to be on the market.
If u or anyone u know are familiar with this non invasive injection medication called XIAFLEX please feel free to share UR experiences or opinions.
Thank you.

Hi Chartreux,

Sorry that u have finger problems too. So irritating. My biggest fear is if I'm in the hospital for THR they will try and open my fingers and break them. What Is UR diagnosis and is urs a bio drug?

I have done a lot a of research on biological drugs for a few years now..my rhumy wants to try Entanercept injections. I'm like Nooooo
Waaaay!

I think Its so hard to do certain things especially rt hand curled in a fist. The every day bathroom needs like brushing teeth, combing hair applying lotion and other necessities if ya get my drift .... are challenging to say the least. I have looked into a bidet to add on and they might work.

I appreciate ur advice and it sounds like u r waiting for ins to approve a new bio drug. If ins. Won't cover it the pharmacuiducal company has many programs available to help u cover the costs. I know XIAFLEX by Auxilium has coupons and will match deductibles up to $1500.00. A lot of these new bio drugs have these offers in place generally because ins.co. don't cover it because they R to new & not out in the market long enough . A lot of side effects are un- known from the drugs ....yet other than clinical controlled trials.

I have read all the clinical trials and side effects. To me the side effects r like the roll of the dice. It could work or it could make it worse.

Dupuytrends is when the tendons in the palm thickens like a rope u see the tendon under the skin, and pulls the fingers toward the palm. The injection is applied to the rope ie: tendon will break the thickening and open the fingers if all goes well. If it leaks out of the area well....that the problem.

It is FDA APPROVED for Duprytrens & for male tendon thickening ED. So if it's approved for male tendon injection ED, then I would think it's less likely to be a flop pardon the pun...& my fingers could be straightened out & I could use my hand again!???

As far as I have read about this bio drug. It is made from a fecal or soil bacteria... Which sounds yucky...it basically breaks thru the thicken tendons then the dr can straighten the finger or other appendage...important to keep in a splint and PT. It's been on the market for 2 years and the web site has connections to hand surgeons who have been trained to do the procedure in any area of the US.

I am interested in how many of this type of procedures they have performed rather than just training only. So I have left a few questions with my hand surgeon and rhumy they will check into it as well. As far as I'm concerned the jury is still out on any bio drug.

I was hoping to find some one on the health sites that may have had the XIAFLEX injection done.

I hope UR ins. Co. Approves the drug for u hand, and then healing will be only a matter of time. No more complications....

Gees like here in Lincoln City a little girl died from EColi because the hospital did not test her sent her home with a stomach flu diagnosis and the hospital records stated that all her symptoms were consistent with E Coli. She was only 3 . Such a tragedy.

On a lighter note however, the sun is still shinning every day and it's things like that.....that make us so much more thankful and grateful for our families.

Life is a Gift!
Take care and keep me posted on UR situation.
((Hugs))
Chotti