Pancrelipase

Pancrelipase is a prescription medication used to improve digestion in people who do not have enough pancreatic enzymes due to cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, or other conditions.

Pancrelipase belongs to a group of drugs called pancreatic enzymes. These replace digestive enzymes that are normally produced by the pancreas.

This medication comes in delayed-release capsule and tablet forms and is taken with meals.

Do not chew, divide, or break delayed-release forms of pancrelipase. Swallow these products whole.

Common side effects of pancrelipase include headache, stomach pain, and gas.

Pancrelipase is a prescription medication used to improve digestion in people who do not have enough pancreatic enzymes due to cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, or other conditions.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Pancrelipase may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Creon

• Pancreaze

• Pertzye

• Ultresa

• Viokace

• Zenpep

Serious side effects have been reported with pancrelipase. See the “Pancrelipase Precautions” section.

Common side effects of pancrelipase include the following:

• headache
• cough
• sore throat
• neck pain
• dizziness
• nosebleed
• feeling full after eating a small amount
• heartburn
• constipation
• gas
• irritation around the anus
• sore mouth or tongue

This is not a complete list of pancrelipase side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

No pancrelipase drug interactions have been identified by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Serious side effects have been reported with pancrelipase including the following:

• Fibrosing colonopathy. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of fibrosing colonopathy:
  • stomach pain
  • bloating
  • trouble having bowel movements
  • severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Irritation to oral mucosa. This can happen if pancrelipase is not swallowed completely.
• Increased risk of high levels of uric acid. Pancrelipase may cause worsening of swollen, painful joints. Caution should be exercised in patients with gout, kidney disease, or already high levels of uric acid in the blood.
• Allergic reactions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
  • trouble breathing
  • hives
  • itching
  • swollen lips

Do not take pancrelipase if you are allergic to pancrelipase or to any of its ingredients.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of pancrelipase, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Your doctor or nutritionist will prescribe a diet specific for your nutritional needs. Follow these directions carefully.

Before taking pancrelipase, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to pancrelipase or to any of its ingredients
• are allergic to pork products
• have ever had surgery on your intestine or a blockage, thickening, or scarring your intestine
• have diabetes or problems with your blood sugar
• have gout (sudden attacks of joint pain, swelling, and redness that occur when there is too much of a substance called uric acid in the blood)
• have or have had high levels of uric acid (a substance that forms when the body breaks down certain foods) in your blood
• have or have had cancer
• have kidney disease.
• are lactose intolerant (have difficulty digesting dairy products)
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X - are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Pancrelipase falls into category C. No studies have been done in animals, and no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Pancrelipase should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if pancrelipase crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using pancrelipase.

Take pancrelipase exactly as prescribed.

This medication comes in delayed-release capsule and tablet forms and is taken with meals.

Do not chew, divide, or break delayed-release forms of pancrelipase. Swallow these products whole.

If you miss a dose, take your regular dose with your next snack or meal. Do not take 2 doses of pancrelipase at the same time. Pancrelipase is available under several brand names, but these products are not interchangeable. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching pancrelipase products.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• the condition being treated
• how you respond to this medication
• your diet
• your weight
• your age

The dose of pancrelipase varies with your age, body weight, and the amount of fat in your diet. Do not exceed maximum daily dosage recommendations.

If you take too much pancrelipase, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

If pancrelipase is administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.

• Store pancrelipase at room temperature in a dry location (not the bathroom).
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.