Ethezyme 650

Generic Name: papain-urea topical (PA pane yoo REE ah)

Brand Names: Accuzyme, AllanEnzyme, Ethezyme 650, Ethezyme 830, Gladase, Kovia, Pap-Urea

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered companies to stop marketing unapproved drug products that contain papain in a topical dosage form. Firms marketing any unapproved topical papain products must stop manufacturing these products by November 24, 2008. Issued 23rd September 2008

What is Ethezyme 650 (papain-urea topical)?

Papain is a substance from the papaya fruit. Papain breaks down certain proteins.

Urea also breaks down protein.

Papain-urea topical is used to break down dead skin or tissues in wounds such as bed sores, ulcers, burns, surgical wounds, cysts, and carbuncles. This process is sometimes called debridement (de-BREED-ment). The broken-down tissues can then be more easily removed.

Papain-urea topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Ethezyme 650 (papain-urea topical)?

Wash your hands before and after applying papain-urea topical.

Clean the wound as directed by your doctor. Use only the type of cleanser your doctor has recommended.

Apply papain-urea topical directly to the wound. Then cover the treated area with bandaging or other dressing recommended by your doctor. Keep the wound covered at all times, because this medication will cause the dead tissues to slough and peel off.

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound before applying papain-urea topical. Hydrogen peroxide can make the papain-urea less effective in breaking down the tissues of your wound.

Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Ethezyme 650 (papain-urea topical)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to papain or urea.

Before using papain-urea topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have other medical conditions. You may not be able to papain-urea topical, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

It is not known whether papain-urea will be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether papain-urea passes into breast milk. Do not use papain-urea topical without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Ethezyme 650 (papain-urea topical)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before and after applying papain-urea topical.

Clean the wound as directed by your doctor. Use only the type of cleanser your doctor has recommended.

Apply papain-urea topical directly to the wound. Then cover the treated area with bandaging or other dressing recommended by your doctor. Keep the wound covered at all times, because this medication will cause the dead tissues to slough and peel off.

Papain-urea topical is usually applied two times each day. Clean the wound and apply a fresh bandage dressing each time you use the medication.

It is important to use papain-urea regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store papain-urea topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of papain-urea is suspected or if the medication has been ingested.

Symptoms of an overdose of papain-urea topical are not known.

What should I avoid while using Ethezyme 650 (papain-urea topical)?

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound before applying papain-urea topical. Hydrogen peroxide can make the papain-urea less effective in breaking down the tissues of your wound.

Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water.

Ethezyme 650 (papain-urea topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as mild stinging or burning of the skin where the medicine is applied.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Ethezyme 650 (papain-urea topical)?

There may be other drugs that can affect papain-urea topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Ethezyme 650 resources

• Ethezyme 650 Side Effects (in more detail)
• Ethezyme 650 Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Ethezyme 650 Drug Interactions
• Ethezyme 650 Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Ethezyme 650 - Add your own review/rating

• Accuzyme Ointment MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Accuzyme SE Spray Emulsion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• AllanEnzyme Spray MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Paptase Foam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Ethezyme 650 with other medications

• Burns, External
• Dermatologic Lesion
• Wound Cleansing

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about papain-urea topical written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Ethezyme 650 side effects (in more detail)