What it is used for
- Helping reduce swelling and bruising after injuries, operations or dental treatment, as an add-on treatment
- In some digestive-enzyme products to help digestion; the evidence is limited
How it is used
- Take it as your doctor prescribed or as the leaflet says; ask your pharmacist
- Coated tablets are swallowed whole with water, not broken or chewed
- Sachets are dissolved in water before drinking, as the leaflet says
Possible side effects
- Stomach upset, nausea or diarrhoea
- Allergic reactions such as rash or itching, especially in people allergic to pineapple
Who should not use it
- Do not use it if you are allergic to pineapple or any ingredient in the product
- Do not use it if you have a bleeding or clotting disorder, unless your doctor advises it
Before and while using it
- It may raise the risk of bleeding; tell your doctor or dentist you take it before any operation
- The evidence that it helps is limited, and it does not replace treating the cause of the swelling
- See a doctor if the swelling or pain gets worse or you get a fever or redness
- It may cause allergy in people allergic to latex, pollen or wheat
Medicine interactions
- It may increase bleeding with blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel
- It may increase the absorption of some antibiotics such as amoxicillin and tetracyclines; tell your doctor
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- There is not enough information on its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding; use it only if your doctor advises it
How to store it
- Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture, out of the sight and reach of children.
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.