Among all pathologies of oncological nature, the attitude of skin cancer in many people is frivolous. Not all of them have an idea of how dangerous this disease can be. But it can also be found in the early stages, then the cancer responds well to therapy. One of the commonly prescribed drugs in this case is colchamin ointment. But recently, many patients can not get it in our country. The drug is available only in the form of tablets or tinctures.
Description and characteristics of the drug
Colchamine ointment is an antitumor agent for external use. Its composition includes: colchamine, thymol, synthomycin, alcohol, water and emulsifiers. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of skin cancer of the first and second stages, as well as to eliminate warts, the appearance of which is provoked by the virus.
This drug is a mass of yellow thick texture with a specific smell. It can be placed in tightly closed jars with a capacity of 25, 50 and 100 grams.
Store the product in banks, tightly closed, in a cool place. Shelf life is one year.
Drug action
The action of colchamine ointment is due to the components that are part of it.
Colchamine is an alkaloid that is isolated from colchicum tubers. It has anti-miotic activity, karyoclast effect, inhibits the formation of white blood cells and lymphocytes. Thus, it contributes to the decay of cancer cells.
Syntomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with a bacteriostatic effect.
Thymol has antiseptic, analgesic, antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects. As part of the medication, it destroys pathogenic microbes, viruses and fungi.
Colchamin ointment: instructions for use
The drug in an amount of 1-1.5 grams is applied with a spatula to the surface of the cancerous tumor and tissue that surround it within one centimeter. Then the surface is covered with a napkin or gauze dressing, sealed with a plaster.
The dressing must be changed daily, before removing the remnants of the ointment and fibrin deposits from the surface of the skin.
The drug begins to act two days after the start of treatment, usually the tumor begins to disintegrate after the 10th use of the drug. The course of therapy lasts about 25 days, in severe cases - up to 35 days.
After a course of therapy, aseptic dressings are recommended for two weeks. According to the instructions, colchamin ointment promotes epithelization of the skin, has a good cosmetic effect.
Usage restrictions
Colchamine ointment has contraindications:
- Pregnancy.
- Skin cancer of the third and fourth stage.
- Peptic ulcer of the skin and mucous membranes.
To avoid toxic side effects, the ointment is not applied near the mucous membranes.
Side effects
When using the ointment, it is sometimes absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, so such negative consequences can occur:
- Nausea with vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions.
- Leukopenia
If adverse reactions occur, therapy with this medication is stopped. In severe cases, a blood transfusion is performed, glucose and ascorbic acid are administered.
Overdose
If the drug enters the body or when it is used in large doses, symptoms such as alopecia, diarrhea, anemia, leukopenia, vomiting with an admixture of blood can be observed, in this case, symptomatic therapy with hemostatic drugs is performed.
In the process of therapy with this tool, it is recommended to periodically conduct a blood test and urine.
Analogues of the drug
Unfortunately, today it is not possible to purchase the drug in our country, since it is discontinued. Colchamine ointment analogues and substitutes has the following:
- "Befungin" contains liquid chaga extract. It is used as a symptomatic agent in the complex therapy of cancer.
- "Vincristine" contains vincristine sulfate, is an alkaloid of plant origin, has an antitumor effect.
- "Podophyllin" stops the division of cancer cells, has cytotoxic activity.
- "Etoposide" is an antitumor agent.
Before using one of these tools, you need to consult a specialist, only he can choose the right drug in each case.
Reviews
Colchamin ointment receives only positive reviews. Those who used it, note that it contributes to the formation of epithelium in areas of skin damage, makes up for defects in the skin. The drug has a cosmetic effect. Of the main shortcomings, all patients note that at the moment the ointment can not be purchased in pharmacies of the country, since it was discontinued.
Conclusion
Colchamin ointment is a cytostatic, antitumor agent that has often been used in oncology for the treatment of skin cancer. According to patients, she helped eliminate the disease at the initial stage of development. Today, the drug is not available, so doctors prescribe other medications to patients with a similar pharmacological effect.
This drug is not used for the treatment of skin oncology in the last stages of development, therefore it is important to identify the disease in a timely manner for effective therapy. Skin cancer at an early stage of development is completely curable, with the appearance of the first signs it is not necessary to delay a visit to the doctor.