Swelling, bruising and inflammation after trauma, sports injuries, dental extraction and surgery, and as an adjunct in some soft-tissue and abscess-related inflammation.

The enzymes are thought to break down the proteins and fibrin that accumulate in swollen, injured tissue, helping the fluid drain and the debris clear so the area settles faster. The tablets are enteric-coated so the enzymes pass the stomach acid intact and are absorbed from the small intestine.

Nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea and changes in the smell or colour of the stool. Allergic rash occurs occasionally.

Swallow the tablets whole on an empty stomach, without chewing, or the coating is destroyed and the enzymes with it. Avoid them if you have a clotting disorder, severe liver or kidney disease, or an active peptic ulcer, and tell your doctor if you take a blood thinner. Not recommended in pregnancy. These enzymes support recovery; they do not replace antibiotics, painkillers or proper wound care.