Amitase

Uses

What is Amitase® (serratiopeptidase) used for?

Amitase® is commonly used for painful conditions including back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel syndrome, migraine headache, and tension headache.

It is also used for conditions that involve pain and swelling (inflammation) including sinusitis, laryngitis, sore throat, ear infections, swelling after surgery, swelling of a vein with the formation of a blood clot (thrombophlebitis), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Some people use serrapeptase for heart disease and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Women use it for non-cancerous lumpy breasts (fibrocystic breast disease), and nursing mothers use it for breast pain caused by too much milk (breast engorgement).

It may be used for other purposes, ask your doctor for more information.

How should I take Amitase® (serratiopeptidase) ?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food. Swallow it whole. Do not chew or crush.

How do I store Amitase® (serratiopeptidase)?

Amitase® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Amitase® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Amitase® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Amitase® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Amitase® (serratiopeptidase)?

Caution should be exercised in patients with history of liver or kidney disease, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough information about the safety of using Amitase® during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Amitase®.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Amitase® (serratiopeptidase)?

Some side effects can occur when using this drug, such as:

Bleeding disorders

Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting, so some researchers worry that it might make bleeding disorders worse. If you have a bleeding disorder, check with your healthcare provider before using serrapeptase.

Surgery:

Serrapeptase might interfere with blood clotting. There is a concern that it might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using serrapeptase at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Amitase® (serratiopeptidase)?

Amitase® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Products may interact with this drug, including:

• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Does food or alcohol interact with Amitase® (serratiopeptidase)?

Amitase® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Amitase® (serratiopeptidase)?

Amitase® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Amitase® (serratiopeptidase).

What is the dose of Amitase® (serratiopeptidase) for an adult?

For reducing swelling of the inside of the cheek after sinus surgery:

The recommended dose is 10 mg of serrapeptase 3 times on the day before surgery, once in the evening after surgery, and then 3 times daily for 5 days following surgery.

What is the dose of Amitase® (serratiopeptidase) for a child?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Amitase® (serratiopeptidase) available?

Amitase® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Serratiopeptidase 10mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Amitase®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.