Contractubex® Gel

Why early scar care matters

When a wound heals, the skin changes permanently. Starting scar care early can positively influence how a scar develops. With consistent care, scars may become smoother, flatter and less noticeable over time.

Triple effect for effective scar treatment

Contractubex® Gel supports the natural scar healing process in three complementary ways:

Helps prevent excessive scar formation

Reduces redness, itching and tension

Improves elasticity and softness of the scar tissue

Every scar has a story. Early and consistent care can play an important role.

Individual experiences may vary. Contractubex® should be used as directed after wound closure.

Where to get

How to use


Start after the wound has fully closed

Apply a thin layer and gently massage

Use 2–3 times daily for several months

Treatment may well take 3 – 6 months depending on the extent of scarring, as scar tissue regenerates very slowly. Be ambitious and stay on course – it’s worth the effort!

Contractubex® Gel can be used on both new and older scars caused by:

  • Cuts and abrasions
  • Surgery (including Caesarean section)
  • Burns or laser treatments

It is also suitable for different types of scars, such as hypertrophic, atrophic or keloid scars, once the wound has closed.

The resulting scars are also as diverse as the types of injuries. Some scars are barely visible, while others may hurt or even cause physical impairments – for example, in range of motion.

In general: Early treatment with Contractubex® Gel ensures, in all cases, that the resulting scars heal as well as possible and are barely visible at best.

Suitable for adults, children and sensitive skin

Not sure which treatment is right for your scar? Take our quick scar test to find the most suitable option.


Go to scar test!

Active ingredients

The transparent Contractubex® Gel contains a unique combination of three ingredients that work together to support scar healing.

Extractum cepae (Onion extract):
has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties and prevents the formation of excessive scar tissue.

Heparin:
softens the tissue structure, has anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties, supports cell and tissue regeneration and is able to bind water to the scar tissue.

Allantoin:
encourages wound healing and has a softening effect, promotes penetration through the skin and relieves the itching often associated with scar formation.

Where to get

Studies & clinical experience

The effectiveness and tolerability of Contractubex® Gel have been investigated in numerous clinical studies. They show that regular use can positively influence scar appearance, including redness, elasticity and overall scar quality. Contractubex® has been trusted in scar treatment for decades and is used worldwide in over 60 countries.

Overview of studies

(1) A large-scale observational study involving 1,268 patients who had both fresh and older scars showed that an improvement in scar condition and redness was

possible within 2–3 months of 2x daily application of Contractubex®. More than 80% of doctors and patients rated the effect of the treatment on scarring as good or very good.

(2) Another clinical trial examined the effect of Contractubex® Gel in 107 patients who had a tattoo removed by laser treatment. Laser treatments are known to cause scarring. In the group that applied Contractubex® Gel between treatments after wound closure, scars were found to form less frequently.

(3) A combination therapy of Contractubex® Gel with therapeutic ultrasound* was examined in an observational study of 35 patients. In this combined treatment, Contractubex® Gel was introduced into the scar tissue with the aid of ultrasonic waves. Within five weeks of daily application of Contractubex® Gel as well as supplementary treatment every third day with Contractubex®

Gel plus therapeutic ultrasound, the overall result improved. More than 80% of the patients and the treating physician described the success of the treatment as well as skin tolerability as good or very good.

(4) A clinical trial examined the effect on scarring after heart surgery in children and adolescents aged 1 to 18 years. After six months, the group treated with Contractubex® Gel developed significantly less conspicuous scarring than the untreated group. Even after six further months without treatment, this significant difference between the two groups remained.

References

(1) Willital, G.H. and J. Simon, Efficacy of Early Initiation of a Gel Containing Extractum Cepae, Heparin, and Allantoin for Scar Treatment: An Observational, Noninterventional Study of Daily Practice. J Drugs Dermatol, 2013. 12(1): p.38-42

(2) Ho, W.S., et al., Use of onion extract, heparin, allantoin gel in prevention of scarring in chinese patients having laser removal of tattoos: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Dermatol.Surg., 2006. 32(7): p. 891-896

(3) Danneberg, D., Narbenspezialgel- rasche Effekte unter therapeutischem Ultraschall: Ergebnisse einer monozentrischen Untersuchung (Scarring special gel – rapid effects with therapeutic ultrasound: results from a monocentric study). Kosmetische Medizin – Cosmetic Medicine, 2007. 28(3).

(4) Maragakis, M., et al. Possibilities of scar treatment after thoracic surgery. Drugs Exptl. Cin. Res. XXI(5) 199-206 (1995)

* Therapeutic ultrasound should only be used by qualified personnel. The treatment is offered by doctors such as dermatologists or also by physiotherapists.

Contractubex®, gel

Indications: hypertrophic and keloidal scars, movement-restricting and cosmetically disfiguring scars after operations, amputations, burns and accidents; contractures such as Dupuytren’s contracture and traumatic tendon contractures; cicatrical structures (atrophic scars), once these lesions have closed.*

 ** For risks and side effects please read package inserts and ask your physician or pharmacist.

Last revision of the text: September 2023.

Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 60048 Frankfurt**

*This is a summary of all indications granted in different countries of the EU. Please respect your local package insert and indications

**Market authorisation holder may be different for single countries