Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Complete Enzyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by PureFormulas

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Complete Enzyme is a dietary supplement by PureFormulas with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes outbreaks, supporting protein and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 142 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, L-Lysine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Complete Enzyme by PureFormulas

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “L-Lysine” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (80 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Pancreatin” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (125 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Complete Enzyme by PureFormulas contains eight ingredients, including three digestive enzymes — Protease, Lipase, and Amylase — plus Bromelain (a pineapple-derived enzyme) and Pepsin (a stomach enzyme). L-Lysine Hydrochloride is an amino acid, and the formula also includes Cellulase and Ox Bile powder.

The product also contains several inactive ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Carboxymethylcellulose, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Stearate, Silica, and a coating.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Digestive enzyme support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling, Wound healing, Bloating — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Wound healing, Postoperative swelling, Postoperative pain.

The evidence on these ingredients is mixed and mostly limited. L-Lysine is possibly effective for cold sores based on the data we hold, but evidence for child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers is insufficient to rate.

Lipase and Bromelain both have insufficient evidence for their purported uses — including digestive support and various inflammatory conditions — in the data we carry. Protease and Pepsin have no effectiveness ratings in our files.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lysine Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Bromelain

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

These ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical doses, but a few cautions apply. Lysine may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or abdominal pain in some people, and long-term safety isn't well studied.

Bromelain is generally tolerated short-term but may cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache; allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially if inhaled. Protease and Pepsin may trigger digestive upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Lipase is generally well tolerated, though people with serious digestive conditions should use it only under medical guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lysine Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Bromelain

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lysine, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 142 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take Complete Enzyme, double-check if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel) — Bromelain may raise your bleeding risk. Also flag any tetracycline antibiotics you take, as Bromelain might increase their absorption.

If you use any 5-HT4 agonists for stomach motility, L-Lysine Hydrochloride may weaken their effect.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is an enzyme blend aimed at digestion support. If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, or tetracycline antibiotics, check with your pharmacist before starting — Bromelain can interact with those.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor first, as safety data is limited for most of these ingredients.

For everyone else, run your exact medications through our tool below.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 24, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Complete Enzyme, straight from the product label.

Brand PureFormulas
Barcode (UPC) PUF1043
Net contents 180 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 24, 2019
DSLD ID 206594
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Complete Enzyme by PureFormulas, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
PUF1043
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine Hydrochloride100 mg--
Amylase0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
L-Lysine80 mg--
Cellulase6 mg--
Pepsin66 mg--
Pancreatin125 mg--
Ox Bile powder100 mg--
Bromelain50 mg--

Other ingredients: Coating, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Carboxymethylcellulose, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 2 tablets at mealtime or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Precautions

Warning: Not to be taken by pregnant or lactating women. If you have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper resistant package, do not use if outer seal is missing.

Formulation

Gluten-free, Non-GMO

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Live life pure.

Digestive support

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Complete Enzyme by PureFormulas label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Complete Enzyme by PureFormulas

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

L-Lysine

Interacts with
1 drug
80 mg per serving

Lysine is an essential amino acid your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements. People most often take extra lysine to t...

L-Lysine monograph & interactions

Cellulase

6 mg per serving

Pepsin

No known
interactions
66 mg per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Pancreatin

125 mg per serving

Ox Bile powder

100 mg per serving

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Pineapple, Pineapple

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Coating, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Carboxymethylcellulose, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Complete Enzyme by PureFormulas Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Complete Enzyme?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
142Drugs
122 Moderate 20 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Complete Enzyme with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

L-Lysine1 drug type · 1 drug

5-Ht4 Agonists

Theoretically, lysine may reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists.
Animal research suggests that L-lysine is a partial serotonin receptor 4 (5-HT4) antagonist and inhibits diarrhea induced by the 5-HT4 agonist, 5-hydroxytryptophane.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Complete Enzyme, from the product label.

PureFormulas

See all PureFormulas products
Name
PureFormulas
Street Address
11800 NW 102nd Road, Suite 2
City
Miami
State
FL
ZipCode
33178
Web Address
www.pureformulas.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Complete Enzyme by PureFormulas: Common Questions

Does Complete Enzyme by PureFormulas interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Complete Enzyme has a known interaction with 142 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Complete Enzyme contains 8 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is Bromelain and why is it in here?
Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple. It's included in enzyme blends for digestive support, though evidence for its effectiveness in that role is insufficient in the data we hold. Just know it can interact with blood thinners.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
The safety data isn't there for most of these ingredients during pregnancy. Lysine, Bromelain, and Lipase all have limited pregnancy data, so check with your doctor or pharmacist first before starting. It's a personalized call.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common ones are digestive: diarrhea, stomach upset, gas, or abdominal pain. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially with Bromelain if you're sensitive to pineapple. Most people tolerate it fine at normal doses.
Is this formula studied for what it claims to do?
Evidence is limited. L-Lysine is possibly effective for cold sores, but the other ingredients — Lipase, Bromelain, Protease, Pepsin — don't have solid evidence backing their use for digestive support in the data we hold.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Safety data is insufficient for most of these ingredients while breastfeeding. Talk to your healthcare provider first — they know your situation and can give you personalized advice.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Complete Enzyme is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Complete Enzyme label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Complete Enzyme's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 30 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lysine 7 references
  1. Thein DJ, Hurt WC. Lysine as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1984;58:659-66. PubMed
  2. McCune MA, Perry HO, Muller SA, O'Fallon WM. Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections with L-lysine monohydrochloride. Cutis 1984;34:366-73.
  3. DiGiovanna JJ, Blank H. Failure of lysine in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Arch Dermatol 1984;120:48-51. DOI
  4. Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol 1980;60:85-7.
  5. Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica 1987;175:183-90. DOI
  6. Lo JC, Chertow GM, Rennke H, Seifter JL. Fanconi's syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis in association with L-lysine ingestion. Am J Kidney Dis 1996;28:614-7. PubMed
  7. Smriga M, Torii K. L-Lysine acts like a partial serotonin receptor 4 antagonist and inhibits serotonin-mediated intestinal pathologies and anxiety in rats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Dec 23;100(26):15370-5.

See these in context on the Lysine monograph →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring