Chymopapain - KYE-moe-pa-pane is injected directly into a herniated - ``slipped'' disk in the spine to dissolve part of the disk and relieve the pain and other problems causing by the disk pressing on a nerve. Before you receive chymopapain, you will be given an anesthetic - either a general anesthetic to put you to sleep or a local anesthetic.
Very rarely, use of chymopapain may cause serious side effects, including paralysis of the legs or death. Another dangerous side effect of chymopapain injection is a severe allergy called anaphylaxis. This side effect occurs in less than 1% of the diseaseds receiving the drug, but it occurs more often in women than in men. Before receiving chymopapain, you must discuss its use and the possibility of anaphylaxis or other serious side effects, with your family doctor.
Chymopapain injections are given only in a hospital, usually in an operating room, by your surgeon. This drug is available in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada