Serrapeptase

[Millie66]

Has anyone any info about this supplement, it sounds great. I am only on Naproxen at the moment I am tempted to stop that and start on these?

[helixhelix]

There isn't as much regulation around how supplements can be advertised, so the stuff about them can sound quite marvellous. However, there is very little hard evidence that many of these supplements work for the majority of people. Which is not to say that they won't work for some, and you might be that lucky person. But whatever you decide, do tell your GP/rheumy.

[nomoreheels]

I think in your position I'd wait to see what your formal diagnosis is & which protocol your Rheumy follows before considering trying supplements. You'll be given the opportunity to discuss how you'd like to try to help yourself then too. With traditional NSAIDs such as naproxen biochemistry is known, I would need to speak to someone who knows how Serrapeptase would affect any testing. Thing is this particular supplement doesn't have good scientific evidence of being useful but that's not to say it isn't in some people/conditions so that would concern me you not having a confirmed diagnosis. Whatever the cause if it does help your inflammation how long will it stay in your system, possibly contaminating initial diagnostic blood test results?

It seems that dosage isn't straightforward either, from what what I've read much depends on the potency of the enzyme not the amount taken. This excerpt is taken from a vitamin & supplement site selling serrapeptase

"One person may get relief from sore joints by taking 250,000 IU's per day while another person may need 750,000 IU's per day to get relief. Enzymes work with an individual’s biochemistry and are rarely dependent on that person's weight. A 7 stone woman may need to take more Serrapeptase per day than a 16 stone man. The amount or dosage is different for everyone."

It goes on to say there are no common side effects, but you're more interested in the efficacy & that's not guaranteed.

My thoughts would be If the naproxen isn't helping ask your GP if you can change NSAID, or add a painkiller. I know the pain you experience between having initial bloods & waiting for your first Rheumy appointment, we all do but it's relatively short lived & I don't think now is really the time to try out alternatives.

Alternatively, ask your GP what he would take if he felt as you do, that often works!

[Millie66 in reply to nomoreheels]

Great advice thanks, I am getting desperate now. And have been reading up this was the only supplement I was really interested in apart from fish oils and multivitamin?

Shall I come off everything before seeing my Rhuemy?

I didn't take Naproxen yesterday as a way of experiment, I wasn't too bad in the day but during the night - agony 😖

But saying that I am always much worse when I have been laying down.

[nomoreheels in reply to Millie66]

I know, believe me, uncontrolled pain sucks. I was advised by my GP to not take the NSAID & pain relief she prescribed for a couple of days before my appointment at the diagnostic clinic. I wasn't taking any supplements then & now only take one that I buy myself, Omega 3 Fish oil & one I'm prescribed, AdCal-D3. But, it makes sense to have a med & supplement free body at diagnosis so blood tests, imagery & examination is of you without anything possibly affecting the results.

If you were in more pain than normal maybe the naproxen is working to a degree.