Drug

Wobenzym®

introduction

Wobenzym® is a drug that is used for all types of inflammation. As the name suggests, it is an enzyme. Enzymes are substances that mainly consist of proteins and that act as catalysts for a chemical reaction in the body.

How does Wobenzym® work?

However, Wobenzym® does not just contain a single enzyme, but a combination of active ingredients which, among other things, from highly concentrated enzymes from pineapple (bromelain), papaya (papain) and animal enzymes (trypsin). Each of the different active ingredients helps in its own way to heal inflammation in the body. Trypsin, for example, causes a stronger blood flow in the affected area by breaking down the blood fiber fibrin and thereby dissolving small blood clots and improving the overall flow properties of the blood. The tissue is thus better supplied with nutrients and oxygen.

In addition, "Waste products"With a stronger blood circulation, bromelain helps to reduce swelling, which leads to less compression of the tissue and thus pain relief. Papain builds the so-called immune complexes, which means"Waste products“The prevailing immune response. The enzymes in Wobenzym® are also supported by a plant-based active ingredient (rutoside), which is said to have a decongestant and blood circulation-promoting effect. The combination of these active ingredients gives Wobenzym® an anti-inflammatory (=anti-inflammatory) Properties.

It helps the body to rebalance the inflammatory imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory messenger substances and thus supports the treatment of inflammatory conditions in the body. It also promotes the regression of edema (= accumulation of water in the tissue) by sealing the smallest pores through which the water can escape. This in turn reduces the pressure on the surrounding tissue and the pain is relieved.

application areas

As mentioned above, Wobenzym® is mainly used for complaints that are caused by an inflammatory process. The typical signs of inflammation are

Redness
swelling
pain
overheat
limited function of the affected area

For healing injuries

Wobenzym helps with injuries in which the skin is not broken and remains intact (e.g. bruises), as well as with open wounds in which the skin is injured. It is also important to mention the so-called microtraumas of the muscles, i.e. the smallest injuries that then cause so-called muscle soreness. In both cases, the immune system reacts with inflammation, which is the natural defense and healing mechanism: an increased amount of blood transports certain immune cells to the injured area and this is followed by a feeling of warmth and swelling of the tissue. This swelling can now press on nerve endings, causing pain and tenderness.

The process of healing can be controlled here by enzymes. The enzyme therapy by Wobenzym® can accelerate the inflammation, i.e. the cause of pain. In this way, the process runs faster, healing can take place earlier and this leads to a faster reduction in pain.
It is important to note, especially for athletes, that the use of Wobenzym® during the treatment or prevention of sore muscles does not constitute doping.

Also find out about: Treat bruise

Joint discomfort

Osteoarthritis, rheumatism or arthritis - inflammation is present in the body in almost all cases: Typical symptoms of joint diseases include prolonged pain and limited mobility. The pain can radiate from the actually diseased area into the surrounding tissue or it can also be tied to only one location - it can be difficult for the patient to determine a clear source of the symptoms.
The causes of joint diseases are just like their manifestations very diverse. For example, permanent overloads, accidents or congenital malpositions can be the cause.

What these diseases have in common is that the cause of the pain is usually inflammation. Various means and methods are available for the treatment of joint diseases. On the one hand, you can use ordinary painkillers (so-called NSAIDs = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) attempt a therapy, on the other hand, in particularly severe cases, joint surgery may be necessary. Another therapeutic approach here is the use of Wobenzym®.

The targeted intake of the selected enzymes accelerates the inflammatory process and thus aims to eliminate the cause of the discomfort. The treatment usually leads to a decongestion of the affected area, which reduces the pressure on the surrounding tissue (including nerve cells).
Furthermore, the blood circulation is improved, so that more oxygen and nutrients are available to the diseased tissue, which leads to overall pain relief and an improvement in mobility.

After operations

Operations that are extremely stressful for the body also lead to inflammation. The aim of an operation should always be the elimination of physical complaints and thus an increased quality of life. Nevertheless, it often happens that one suffers from increased pain or decreased mobility immediately after an operation. The reason for this is the fact that you cause an injury to the body during the operation, which in turn causes inflammation in the body. A treatment with Wobenzym® can also be tried here in order to accelerate the natural healing process and thus bring about a faster reduction in pain.

Read on under: Post-operative pain

Further areas of application

Furthermore, Wobenzym® can also be used in the treatment of thrombophlebitis, i.e. inflammation of the superficial veins with thrombosis (=Blood clot in the vessel) or for sports injuries, as well as in cancer and radiation therapy.

dosage

Unless otherwise instructed by the attending physician, adults should take one tablet 6 to a maximum of 36 times a day.

However, Wobenzym® is a medicinal product, the dosage of which must be set differently depending on the severity of the disease. Taking the maximum dose may be appropriate in the case of severe inflammatory diseases or acute injuries. In general, Wobenzym® should be taken until the symptoms have subsided. However, this can also be discussed individually with the doctor.

You should take Wobenzym® whole with a little water about an hour before your next meal.

Continuous intake

In principle, it is possible to take Wobenzym® over a longer period of time. If Wobenzym® is taken on a long-term basis, this should be discussed with a doctor.

Interactions

with other drugs

If antibiotics and Wobenzym® are taken at the same time, the concentration of the antibiotic in the blood can increase.

If you take Wobenzym® at the same time with drugs that inhibit blood coagulation (so-called anticoagulants, platelet aggregation inhibitors), the anticoagulant effect of these drugs can be increased. Furthermore, people with a congenital bleeding disorder (e.g.Bleeders) Caution is advised, as a reduction in the ability of blood to clot has not yet been ruled out when taking Wobenzym®. Particular attention should be paid to the use of Wobenzym® also in the case of liver damage or patients who have to undergo regular blood washing (= dialysis).

It can also happen that at the beginning of the treatment with Wobenzym® an increase in symptoms is felt. In this case, you should consult your doctor and if necessary reduce the dose or consider stopping the drug.

with alcohol

There is no evidence of any interactions between Wobenzym and alcohol. Alcohol can therefore be drunk under therapy with Wobenzym. As always, it is advisable to only drink alcohol in moderation. For women this means 12 g per day (1 glass) and for men 24 g (2 glasses).

In addition, care should be taken to ensure that Wobenzym is not taken at the same time as food or drink. This could lead to intolerance. Therefore, Wobenzym should be taken 30-60 minutes before drinking alcohol.

Side effects

Wobenzym can have several side effects. A doctor should be notified of any kind of adverse effect. If in doubt, the drug should first be discontinued.

Read more on the topic: Side effects of Wobenzym®

Gastrointestinal complaints

The side effects arise mainly from the fact that the drug releases its active ingredients in the intestine. The active ingredients are enzymes, i.e. proteins with a converting function. They begin to convert the food and stool in the intestine. This process causes the frequent side effects such as bloating, wind (flatulence) or changes in the color, smell and consistency of the stool. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or headaches are less common.

Pain

If Wobenzym is used against pain, symptoms may worsen at the start of therapy. In this case, the next steps should be discussed with the doctor.

Blood thinning

Wobenzym can also reduce the blood's ability to clot. This can mean that bleeding is easier or that it lasts longer.

allergic reaction

Occasional side effects are attacks of shortness of breath, i.e. asthma-like symptoms. These are caused by an overreaction (allergic reaction) of the bronchial mucous membrane to the active ingredients of Wobenzym. Such an overreaction is also the reason for the occasional rashes or increased sweating.

Very rarely, the allergic reaction can spread to the whole body. In this case, allergic (anaphylactic) shock with rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure, dizziness and clouding of consciousness can occur. An emergency doctor should be notified immediately at the first sign of anaphylactic shock.

on the liver

The active ingredients in Wobenzym are broken down by the liver. This can inhibit the breakdown of other substances that are also metabolized (metabolized) by the liver. Wobenzym should therefore not be taken if the liver has a significantly reduced function (hepatic insufficiency).
The substances that are broken down by the liver also include antibiotics. These are reduced to a lesser extent when taking Wobenzym. This leads to higher antibiotic levels. This is especially true for tetracyclines, sulfonamides and amoxicillin.

Contraindications

Wobenzym® must not be taken if a Hypersensitivity against the active ingredients Bromelain, Trypsin or Rutoside / papain consists .

In addition, Wobenzym® is allowed to work with an already known Intolerance to pineapple fruits or at one allergy against the Pancreatic extract of the pig are not consumed.

What alternatives are there?

The increase in vitality and immune system support that Wobenzym offers can also be achieved through lifestyle changes, e.g. through exercise and a healthy diet. The decongestant effects of Wobenzym are also offered by other drugs that act via enzymes, such as Bromelain POS. Karazym, whose active ingredient is enzymes, can also be used against joint problems.

Learn more at: Bromelain

Trade names or forms

The drug is available in different versions on the market, for example Wobenzym® N, Wobenzym® Plus, Wobenzym® mono or Wobenzym® PS.

Wobenzym® N

Wobenzym® N is administered as an enteric coated tablet. It is especially recommended for chronic and acute inflammations and circulatory disorders. In Germany, Wobenzym® N has been withdrawn from the market and replaced by Wobenzym® Plus.

Wobenzym® Plus

Wobenzym® Plus has replaced Wobenzym® N, which was taken off the market in Germany. It is also taken as an enteric coated tablet and is used to treat inflammation (acute and chronic) and circulatory disorders.

Wobenzym® Mono

Wobenzym® Mono focuses on the decongestant effect. It is particularly recommended after injuries or operations, especially around the mouth, nose and sinuses. Since Wobenzym® Mono can also have a blood-thinning effect, it should be discussed with the attending physician after an operation.

Wobenzym® PS

Wobenzym® PS has the same area of application as Wobenzym® N or Plus. However, it contains more active ingredient. The higher dosage can also cause more side effects. Therefore it is not available for sale.

Wobenzym® Vital

In addition to the enzymes that can be found as active ingredients in all Wobenzym types, Wobenzym® Vital also contains vitamins C, D and E. It also contains secondary plant substances, i.e. chemical compounds that plants produce but do not necessarily need for their survival. The type of phytochemicals used here are called flavonoids. Wobenzym® vital is primarily intended to support the immune system.

Wobenzym® Immun

In addition to the enzymes that can be found as active ingredients in all Wobenzym types, Wobenzym® Immun also contains vitamins C and D, zinc and selenium. This is to support and strengthen the immune system in its normal function.

Wobenzym® in children

If you intend to give Wobenzym® to your child, please speak to your pediatrician beforehand to determine whether it is suitable. In general, children under the age of twelve should not take Wobenzym®, as certain enzymes in the preparation (e.g. Bromelain) can be harmful to your body.

Wobenzym® during pregnancy and breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies on the ingestion in the pregnancy available, so you should think twice about whether to use Wobenzym® during pregnancy or via the Lactation occupies. However, no harmful effects have been observed in pregnancy so far. No data are available on breastfeeding.

In general, any medication intake during pregnancy must always be carefully considered.

criticism

However, there are also critical voices against the use of Wobenzym®. Some scientists doubt the effects of Wobenzym® and attribute the positive treatment results to the so-called "placebo effect".

In addition, criticism has been expressed about the price of the drug. Since it often happens that the drug is / has to be dosed very high, and the average price per tablet is around 15-25 cents, the patient can face high costs.

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Exclusion of liability / disclaimer

We would like to point out that medication must never be discontinued, applied or changed independently without consulting your doctor.
Please note that we cannot claim that our texts are complete or correct. The information may be out of date due to current developments.