Kovia

Generic Name: papain-urea topical (PA pane yoo REE ah)Brand Names: Accuzyme, AllanEnzyme, Ethezyme 650, Ethezyme 830, Gladase, Kovia, Pap-Urea

What is Kovia (papain-urea topical)?

Papain is a substance from the papaya fruit. Papain breaks down certain proteins.

Urea also breaks down protein.

Papain-urea topical is used to break down dead skin or tissues in wounds such as bed sores, ulcers, burns, surgical wounds, cysts, and carbuncles. This process is sometimes called debridement (de-BREED-ment). The broken-down tissues can then be more easily removed.

Papain-urea topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Kovia (papain-urea topical)?Wash your hands before and after applying papain-urea topical.

Clean the wound as directed by your doctor. Use only the type of cleanser your doctor has recommended.

Apply papain-urea topical directly to the wound. Then cover the treated area with bandaging or other dressing recommended by your doctor. Keep the wound covered at all times, because this medication will cause the dead tissues to slough and peel off.

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound before applying papain-urea topical. Hydrogen peroxide can make the papain-urea less effective in breaking down the tissues of your wound.

Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Kovia (papain-urea topical)?Do not use this medication if you are allergic to papain or urea.

Before using papain-urea topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have other medical conditions. You may not be able to papain-urea topical, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

It is not known whether papain-urea will be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether papain-urea passes into breast milk. Do not use papain-urea topical without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Kovia (papain-urea topical)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before and after applying papain-urea topical.

Clean the wound as directed by your doctor. Use only the type of cleanser your doctor has recommended.

Apply papain-urea topical directly to the wound. Then cover the treated area with bandaging or other dressing recommended by your doctor. Keep the wound covered at all times, because this medication will cause the dead tissues to slough and peel off.

Papain-urea topical is usually applied two times each day. Clean the wound and apply a fresh bandage dressing each time you use the medication.

It is important to use papain-urea regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store papain-urea topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of papain-urea is suspected or if the medication has been ingested.

Symptoms of an overdose of papain-urea topical are not known.

What should I avoid while using Kovia (papain-urea topical)?

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound before applying papain-urea topical. Hydrogen peroxide can make the papain-urea less effective in breaking down the tissues of your wound.

Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water.

Kovia (papain-urea topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as mild stinging or burning of the skin where the medicine is applied.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Kovia (papain-urea topical)?

There may be other drugs that can affect papain-urea topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about papain-urea topical written for health professionals that you may read.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.05. Revision Date: 11/14/2007 3:03:15 PM.