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pancrelipase

pancrelipase

Pronunciation: pan kre LYE pace

Brand: Creon, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Viokace, Zenpep

Creon

slide 1 of 6, Creon,

6000 units-19,000 units-30,000 units, oval, blue/orange, imprinted with CREON 1206

Image of Creon
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Creon

slide 2 of 6, Creon,

12,000 units-38,000 units-60,000 units, oval, brown, imprinted with CREON 1212

Image of Creon
slide 2 of 6

Creon

slide 3 of 6, Creon,

24,000 units-76,000 units-120,000 units, oval, orange, imprinted with CREON 1224

Image of Creon
slide 3 of 6

Creon

slide 4 of 6, Creon,

36,000 units-114,000 units-180,000 units, capsule, blue/clear, imprinted with CREON 1236

Image of Creon
slide 4 of 6

Pancreaze

slide 5 of 6, Pancreaze,

16,800 units-98,400 units-56,800 units, capsule, clear/orange, imprinted with McNEIL, MT 16

Image of Pancreaze
slide 5 of 6

Viokace

slide 6 of 6, Viokace,

20,880 units-78,300 units-78,300 units, oval, tan, imprinted with V 16, 9116

Image of Viokace
slide 6 of 6

What is the most important information I should know about pancrelipase?

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder: severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

What is pancrelipase?

Pancrelipase is a combination of three enzymes (proteins): lipase, protease, and amylase. These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats, proteins, and sugars.

Pancrelipase is used to replace these enzymes when the body does not have enough of its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, including cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, or blockage of the pancreatic ducts.

Pancrelipase may also be used following surgical removal of the pancreas.

Pancrelipase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pancrelipase?

You should not take pancrelipase if you are allergic to pork proteins.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease;
  • gout;
  • diabetes;
  • a blockage or scarring in your intestines;
  • trouble swallowing pills; or
  • lactose intolerance.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take pancrelipase?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not switch brands of this medicine without your doctor's advice.

Pancrelipase should be taken with a meal or snack.

Carefully follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not crush, chew, or break a pancrelipase capsule or tablet. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

Do not hold the pill in your mouth. Pancrelipase can irritate the inside of your mouth.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not mix the medicine with infant formula or breast milk.

Do not inhale the powder from a pancrelipase capsule, or allow it to touch your skin. It may cause irritation, especially to your nose and lungs.

Pancrelipase is sometimes given with a stomach acid reducer such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, or Protonix. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking all medicines needed to treat your condition.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Keep the medicine in the original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Call your doctor if you have any worsening of a long-term pancreas problem.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose with your next meal or snack. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking pancrelipase?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of pancrelipase?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • joint pain or swelling; or
  • symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder --severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation.

Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using pancrelipase.

Common side effects may include:

  • stomach pain, gas, vomiting;
  • diarrhea, frequent or abnormal bowel movements;
  • rectal itching;
  • headache, dizziness;
  • runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat; or
  • changes in your blood sugar.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect pancrelipase?

Other drugs may affect pancrelipase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about pancrelipase.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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