Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 11 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

VegeZyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Karuna

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

VegeZyme is a dietary supplement by Karuna with 11 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of VegeZyme by Karuna

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 11 of its 11 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

VegeZyme contains 11 active ingredients, all digestive enzymes. Bromelain (from pineapple) breaks down proteins; Protease and Acid Protease do the same.

Lipase helps digest fats, while Amylase, Maltase, Invertase, and Alpha-Galactosidase break down different types of carbohydrates. Cellulase breaks down fiber, Lactase helps digest milk sugar, and Phytase breaks down phytic acid in plant foods.

Together, they're designed to help your body digest a range of foods. The capsules also contain vegetarian capsule material, cellulose, and vegetable stearine as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Digestive support with broad spectrum enzymes.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.
  • Also on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Rhinosinusitis, Postoperative swelling, and more.

The evidence for most of bromelain's uses—hay fever, burns, cancer support, chemotherapy side effects, vein health, and diabetes—is listed as insufficient to rate in our data. The same goes for Protease, Acid Protease, Lipase, Phytase, and several other enzymes in this product.

One exception: Lactase is rated Effective for lactose intolerance. For the rest, we simply don't have established evidence on file of how well they work.

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

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term when taken by mouth, though some people report diarrhea, gas, upset stomach, or headache. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially if you're sensitive to pineapple.

The proteases (Protease and Acid Protease) are generally well tolerated but may occasionally cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Lipase is generally well tolerated in supplement form.

Lactase is generally well tolerated when used as directed. During pregnancy, bromelain has not enough safety data and should be avoided; the same applies to Protease, Acid Protease, and Phytase.

Lipase and Lactase can be used in pregnancy only if your doctor advises it. During breastfeeding, safety is unknown for bromelain, Protease, Acid Protease, and Phytase—avoid or ask your healthcare provider first.

Lactase and Lipase have limited data; check with your doctor or pharmacist.

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

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?
  • 1 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 141 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 VegeZyme, check with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs—bromelain may increase bleeding risk (Moderate). Also flag it if you're taking tetracycline antibiotics, as bromelain might theoretically change how well they work (Minor).

No other interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

VegeZyme is a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme blend, with lactase being the only ingredient backed by established evidence (for lactose intolerance). If you take blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or tetracycline antibiotics, talk to your pharmacist before starting—bromelain may affect how they work.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should discuss this product with their doctor first.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 11 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2013.

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 VegeZyme, straight from the product label.

Brand Karuna
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2013
DSLD ID 25068
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar 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 VegeZyme by Karuna, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase20000 SKB--
Bromelain20000 PU--
Protease60000 HUT--
Lipase500 FIP--
Lactase400 ALU--
Cellulase400 CU--
Invertase450 Sumner--
Alpha-Galactosidase50 GAL--
Maltase600 DU--
Acid Protease30 SAP--
Phytase53 U--

Other ingredients: vegetarian capsule, Cellulose, Vegetable Stearine

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.
Seals/Symbols

KARUNA(R) RESPONSIBLE NUTRITION(TM)

General Statements

Broad Spectrum Vegetarian Enzyme

This product is intended for professional use and is manufactured under strict quality control to ensure the optimum in purity, potency and reliability.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use for adults: 1-2 capsules with each meal, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Formulation

This product contains no yeast, wheat, soy, corn, milk, salt, sugar, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place tightly capped.

General

3112-LB2

See for yourself

VegeZyme by Karuna label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in VegeZyme by Karuna

These are the 11 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Amylase

20000 SKB per serving

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
20000 PU per serving

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

Protease

No known
interactions
60000 HUT 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

Lipase

No known
interactions
500 FIP per serving

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy fo...

Lipase monograph & interactions

Lactase

No known
interactions
400 ALU per serving

Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can red...

Lactase monograph & interactions

Cellulase

400 CU per serving

Invertase

450 Sumner per serving

Alpha-Galactosidase

50 GAL per serving

Maltase

600 DU per serving

Acid Protease

No known
interactions
30 SAP per serving

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

Acid Protease monograph & interactions

Phytase

No known
interactions
53 U per serving

Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid (phytate) found in grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, which can free up minerals like iron, zinc, and c...

Phytase monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian capsule, Cellulose, Vegetable Stearine. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

VegeZyme by Karuna Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against VegeZyme?

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
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in VegeZyme with known interactions, here are the types of medications it 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for VegeZyme, from the product label.

Karuna

See all Karuna products
Name
Karuna Corporation
Street Address
42 Digital Drive #7
City
Novato
State
CA
ZipCode
94949
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

VegeZyme by Karuna: Common Questions

Does VegeZyme by Karuna interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, VegeZyme has a known interaction with 141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
VegeZyme contains 11 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 this product?
Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple that breaks down proteins. It's included to help your body digest protein-containing foods.
Can I take VegeZyme while pregnant?
Bromelain, Protease, Acid Protease, and Phytase don't have enough safety data in pregnancy and should be avoided unless your doctor says otherwise. Lactase and Lipase are safer, but check with your doctor before regular use. It's best to talk with your healthcare provider about whether this product is right for you.
Are there common side effects?
Bromelain may cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache in some people when taken by mouth. Rare allergic reactions are possible, especially if you're sensitive to pineapple. The other enzymes are generally well tolerated.
Will this help with bloating and gas?
The evidence for whether these enzymes relieve bloating or gas isn't established in the data we hold. Lactase is proven effective for lactose intolerance specifically, but the rest lack established evidence.
I'm allergic to pineapple—should I avoid this?
Yes, you should avoid it. Bromelain comes from pineapple, and if you're allergic to pineapple, you may have an allergic reaction to bromelain.
Is it safe to use if I'm breastfeeding?
Safety during breastfeeding hasn't been well studied for bromelain, Protease, Acid Protease, and Phytase. Lactase and Lipase have limited data; ask your doctor or pharmacist first before using this product.

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

Not sure if VegeZyme 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.

VegeZyme label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind VegeZyme’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

VegeZyme'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 31 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.

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 →

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 →

Lactase 1 reference
  1. Laukkanen A, Ruoppi P, Remes S, Koistinen T, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S. Lactase-induced occupational protein contact dermatitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57(2):89-93. PubMed

See these in context on the Lactase monograph →

Phytase 7 references
  1. Lei XG, Weaver JD, Mullaney E, Ullah AH, Azain MJ. Phytase, a new life for an "old" enzyme. Annu Rev Anim Biosci. 2013;1:283-309. PubMed
  2. Smuts CM, Matsungo TM, Malan L, et al. Effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on growth, psychomotor development, iron status, and morbidity among 6- to 12-mo-old infants in South Africa: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2 PubMed
  3. van Heemst RC, Sander I, Rooyackers J, et al. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by occupational exposure to phytase. Eur Respir J. 2009;33(6):1507-9. PubMed
  4. Baur X, Melching-Kollmuss S, Koops F, Strassburger K, Zober A. IgE-mediated allergy to phytase -- a new animal feed additive. Allergy. 2002;57(10):943-5. PubMed
  5. Doekes G, Kamminga N, Helwegen L, Heederik D. Occupational IgE sensitisation to phytase, a phosphatase derived from Aspergillus niger. Occup Environ Med. 1999;56(7):454-9. PubMed
  6. Brnic M, Hurrell RF, Songré-Ouattara LT, et al. Effect of phytase on zinc absorption from a millet-based porridge fed to young Burkinabe children. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017;71(1):137-141. PubMed
  7. Koshy JC, Sharabi SE, Feldman EM, Hollier LH Jr, Patrinely JR, Soparkar CN. Effect of dietary zinc and phytase supplementation on botulinum toxin treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(4):507-12.

See these in context on the Phytase 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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