DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Papain/Urea Ointment (pap-ANE/you-REE-ah)
Brand Name: Examples include Accuzyme and Ethezyme

Accuzyme Ointment is used for:

Removing dead tissue and thinning the pus in lesions such as ulcers, burns, wounds, and carbuncles.

Accuzyme Ointment is a debriding agent. It works by helping the breakdown of dead skin and pus, which helps improve the recovery time of open wounds.

Do NOT use Accuzyme Ointment if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Accuzyme Ointment

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Accuzyme Ointment:

Some medical conditions may interact with Accuzyme Ointment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Accuzyme Ointment. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Medicines containing silver, lead, or mercury because they may decrease Accuzyme Ointment's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Accuzyme Ointment may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Accuzyme Ointment:

Use Accuzyme Ointment as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Accuzyme Ointment is for external use only.
• Before each use of Accuzyme Ointment, clean the affected area with saline or another mild wound cleansing solution. Do not use hydrogen peroxide.
• Apply Accuzyme Ointment directly to the lesion, cover with appropriate dressing (eg, bandages), and secure into place. Wash the lesion each time the dressing is changed.
• Change wound dressings according to the schedule set by your doctor.
• If irritation occurs, talk with your doctor about changing the dressings more often.
• If you miss a dose of Accuzyme Ointment, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Accuzyme Ointment.

Important safety information:

• This medicine is for external use only. Do not get it in the eyes or mouth. If you get Accuzyme Ointment in the eyes, rinse them immediately with a generous amount of cool water.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Accuzyme Ointment while you are pregnant. It is not known if Accuzyme Ointment is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Accuzyme Ointment, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Accuzyme Ointment:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Mild skin irritation; temporary burning sensation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Accuzyme Ointment:

Store Accuzyme Ointment in a cool place, between 46 and 59 degrees F (8 and 15 degrees C). Do not refrigerate. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Accuzyme Ointment out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Accuzyme Ointment, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Accuzyme Ointment is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Accuzyme Ointment. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.