Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Rugby

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme is a dietary supplement by Rugby with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support for protein digestion, wound cleaning (debridement of dead tissue), sore throat and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 92 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Papaya, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme by Rugby

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 4 ingredients: three active enzymes (amylase, papain, and protease) plus papaya extract. Papain and protease are proteolytic enzymes—they break down protein.

Amylase breaks down starch. These enzymes are meant to aid digestion.

The product also contains inactive ingredients including dextrose, sucrose, natural and artificial flavor, silicon dioxide, yellow #6, and magnesium stearate.

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 support and enzyme supplementation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Intestinal parasite infection, Wound healing, Indigestion, Bloating, Inflammation.
  • The closest evidence on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Intestinal parasite infection, Wound healing.
  • Also on file: Papaya is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Intestinal parasite infection, Wound healing.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for papain. Papain is rated as having insufficient reliable evidence for cancer, dental caries, radiation skin damage, exercise-induced muscle soreness, shingles, and intestinal parasites.

Similarly, papaya is rated as having insufficient reliable evidence for aging skin, hair loss, several cancers, and diabetes. We hold no effectiveness ratings for protease.

If digestive enzyme support is your goal, talk with us about whether this product is right for you.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Papain Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Papaya

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Papain and papaya are generally well tolerated when used at appropriate doses, though papain supplements may irritate your digestive tract and cause allergic reactions in sensitive people—including itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal cramps, sweating, and diarrhea. At high doses, papain may cause serious effects like esophageal perforation and severe gastritis, though these are rare.

The facts advise against papain and unripe papaya in pregnancy due to safety concerns. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety information for papain or papaya supplements, so medical advice is best.

Protease is generally well tolerated for most adults but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; safety hasn't been established in pregnancy.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Papain Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Papaya

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 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Papaya.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 92 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.

Check before taking this if you use warfarin or other blood thinners, antidiabetes drugs, amiodarone, or levothyroxine. All of these have documented Moderate interactions with papain or papaya extract in this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully 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 for people looking for digestive enzyme support. If you take warfarin, antidiabetes drugs, amiodarone, or levothyroxine, you should check your exact medications before starting it—the interactions are real and potentially serious.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a latex allergy (papaya sensitivity can overlap), talk with your pharmacist first.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 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 Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme, straight from the product label.

Brand Rugby
Barcode (UPC) 005366506012
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2019
DSLD ID 200897
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme by Rugby, 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:
4 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
25
UPC/BARCODE
005366506012
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories8 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates2 Gram(s)1%
Sugar2 Gram(s)--
Amylase200 mcg--
Papain40 mg--
Protease4 mg--
Papaya40 mg--

Other ingredients: Dextrose, Sucrose, Natural & Artificial flavor, Silicon Dioxide, Yellow #6, Magnesium Stearate

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Precautions

Tamper resistant - Do not use if imprinted safety seal under cap is broken or missing

Keep out of reach of children

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults: Chew four tablets daily, preferably with a meal.

Formulation

Free of: Sodium, animal by-products, preservatives.

Storage

To preserve quality and freshness, keep bottle tightly closed. Store between 15(0)-30(0)C (59(0)-86(0)F).

General Statements

100

General

Rev. 08/16 R-92 Re-order No. 370341

See for yourself

Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme by Rugby label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme by Rugby

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size4 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container25 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.

Sugar

2 Gram(s) per serving

Amylase

200 mcg per serving

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
40 mg per serving

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food an...

Papain monograph & interactions

Protease

No known
interactions
4 mg per serving

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

Protease monograph & interactions

Papaya

Interacts with
92 drugs
40 mg per serving

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is nutritious and generally safe to eat as food, and it contains an enzyme called papain used as a digestive aid and m...

Papaya monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dextrose, Sucrose, Natural & Artificial flavor, Silicon Dioxide, Yellow #6, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme by Rugby Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Natural Chewable Papaya 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
92Drugs
92 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Papaya 92
Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Natural Chewable Papaya 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.

Papaya4 drug types · 92 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, papaya extract may increase the levels and clinical effects of amiodarone.
Animal research in rats shows that a single oral dose of papaya extract, as well as multiple doses of papaya extract daily over 14 days, prior to a single dose of amiodarone delays the time to maximum amiodarone concentration. However, only the 14-day papaya extract regimen increases systemic amiodarone exposure by 60% to 70%. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects. It is unclear if other forms of papaya have the same effect.
A small low-quality clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes who are taking glibenclamide shows that taking a fermented papaya preparation 3 grams daily for 2 months decreases fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels when compared to baseline. Additionally, of the 25 patients in the study, 9 required a reduction in glibenclamide dose.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Theoretically, consuming large quantities of papaya fruit can reduce the clinical effects of levothyroxine.
In one case-report, a 37-year-old male with a history of thyroidectomy who was stabilized on levothyroxine for 5 years presented with hypothyroidism after consuming 5-6 papaya fruits daily for 14 days during vacation. In a controlled re-challenge test involving 5-6 papayas daily, the patient remained euthyroid for 7 days, but developed mild hypothyroidism after 14 days. Both times, thyroid levels normalized 40-45 days after discontinuing papaya.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of warfarin with papain-containing papaya extract might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme, from the product label.

Rugby

See all Rugby products
Name
Rugby Laboratories
Street Address
17177 N Laurel Park Drive, Suite 233
City
Livonia
State
MI
ZipCode
48152
Phone Number
1-800-645-2158
Web Address
www.rugbylaboratories.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme by Rugby: Common Questions

Does Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme by Rugby interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme has a known interaction with 92 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme contains 5 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.
Can I take this if I'm on warfarin?
No—not without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Papain in this product may increase warfarin's effects and side effects. One patient had dangerously high blood levels after taking papain. Your warfarin dosing may need adjustment, so this is a conversation you need to have before starting.
Will this help my digestion?
We don't hold effectiveness data for these enzymes as digestive aids. If you're interested in enzyme support, let's talk about whether this is the right fit for your situation.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
At normal doses, papain and papaya are generally well tolerated. In sensitive people, they can cause allergic reactions—itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, belly cramps, sweating, and diarrhea. High doses are unsafe and may cause serious effects like throat damage and severe stomach inflammation, though these are rare.
Is this safe to take while pregnant?
No. The safety data advises against concentrated papain and unripe papaya in pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, skip this product and talk with your doctor about alternatives.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
There isn't enough reliable safety information for papain or papaya supplements while breastfeeding. It's best to avoid it unless your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
I'm allergic to latex—should I worry?
Yes. Papaya sensitivity overlaps with latex allergy in some people, and papaya may trigger cross-reactions. If you have a latex allergy, check with us before taking this.

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

Not sure if Natural Chewable Papaya 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.

Natural Chewable Papaya Enzyme label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Natural Chewable Papaya 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 28 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.

Papain 11 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
  10. Baur X, König G, Bencze K, Fruhmann G. Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty-three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant proteolytic e?ects of airborne papain. C
  11. Novey HS, Keenan WJ, Fairshter RD, Wells ID, Wilson AF, Culver BD. Pulmonary disease in workers exposed to papain: clinico-physiological and immunological studies. Clin Allergy 1980;10(6):721-31. PubMed

See these in context on the Papain 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 →

Papaya 14 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Blanco C, Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, et al. Class I chitinases as potential panallergens involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103(3 Pt 1):507-13. PubMed
  6. Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, Blanco C, et al. Cross-reactions in the latex-fruit syndrome: A relevant role of chitinases but not of complex asparagine-linked glycans. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:681-7. PubMed
  7. Castillo, R., Delgado, J., Quiralte, J., Blanco, C., and Carrillo, T. Food hypersensitivity among adult patients: epidemiological and clinical aspects. Allergol.Immunopathol.(Madr.) 1996;24(3):93-97.
  8. Oderinde, O., Noronha, C., Oremosu, A., Kusemiju, T., and Okanlawon, O. A. Abortifacient properties of aqueous extract of Carica papaya (Linn) seeds on female Sprague-Dawley rats. Niger.Postgrad.Med J 2002;9(2):95-98. DOI
  9. Danese, C., Esposito, D., D'Alfonso, V., Cirene, M., Ambrosino, M., and Colotto, M. Plasma glucose level decreases as collateral effect of fermented papaya preparation use. Clin Ter. 2006;157(3):195-198.
  10. Iliev, D. and Elsner, P. Generalized drug reaction due to papaya juice in throat lozenges. Dermatology 1997;194(4):364-366. PubMed
  11. Andersen HA, Bernatz PE, Grindlay JH. Perforation of the esophagus after use of a digestant agent: report of case and experimental study. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1959;68:890-6. PubMed
  12. Deiana L, Marini S, Mariotti S. Ingestion of large amounts of papaya fruit and impaired effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy. Endocr Pract 2012;18(1):98-100. PubMed
  13. Rodrigues M, Alves G, Francisco J, Fortuna A, Falcão A. Herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction between Carica papaya extract and amiodarone in rats. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2014;17(3):302-15. PubMed
  14. Rajapakse S, de Silva NL, Weeratunga P, Rodrigo C, Sigera C, Fernando SD. Carica papaya extract in dengue: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):265. PubMed

See these in context on the Papaya 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

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