Chymodiactin

1 What is Chymodiactin?

Brand: Chymodiactin

Generic: Chymopapain

Chymopapain is a proteolytic enzyme injected directly into a herniated disk in the spine to dissolve part of the disk and relieve the pain and other nerve compression problems. You will be under anesthesia before receiving this drug. Very rare but serious side effects include leg paralysis, anaphylaxis or death happening often in women than in men. Consult with your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of this drug. This drug is given only in a hospital by your healthcare professional.

This drug requires a prescription.

In the US, the sale and distribution of chymopapain was discontinued in January 27, 2003.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

No studies suggest whether chymopapain works the same way or has the same side effects in the elderly as in younger adults.

Adverse effects have been noted in animal studies but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women or animas regarding these effects. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs.

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Diseases of the back, muscles, or nerves
  • Hypertension
  • Stroke
  • Surgery in the back

3 Proper Usage

This drug must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

The dose of this supplement will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs

4 Precautions to Take

Your healthcare provider should closely monitor the effectiveness of this drug as well as check for unwanted effects.

Consult with your healthcare professional if after being injected you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as:

  • Ash
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the face, tongue, and throat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain

Consult with your healthcare provider for any concerns.

Disc Hernia

5 Potential Side Effects

Very rare but serious side effects of this drug can be:

Intake of this drug should be discussed with your healthcare professional.

Less serious side effects may occur such as:

  • Pain and muscle spasms in the lower back
  • Stiffness or soreness in the back

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.

Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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