pancrelipase (oral) Health Article

Generic name(s):

pancrelipase (oral)

Brand name(s):

pancrelipase, Cotazym, Cotazym-S, Creon 10, Creon 20, Creon 5, Ku-Zyme, Kutrase, Lipram, Pancrease MT 10, Pancrease MT 16, Pancrease MT 20, Pancrease MT 4, Panokase, Ultrase, Ultrase MT 12, Ultrase MT 18, Ultrase MT 20, Viokase

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

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

Before taking pancrelipase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a sudden onset of pancreatitis, or worsening of chronic pancreatic disease.

It is important to use pancrelipase regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Do not hold the tablets or capsule contents in your mouth. The medication may irritate the inside of your mouth.

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.

Do not change brands of pancrelipase without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of pancrelipase are interchangeable while others are not. Ask your pharmacist which brands or generic forms can be substituted for another.

Skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled dose to take the medicine. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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 other than those 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.

Before taking pancrelipase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a sudden onset of pancreatitis; or

• worsening of chronic pancreatic disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pancrelipase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pancrelipase?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

It is important to use pancrelipase regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Pancrelipase is usually taken with meals. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not hold the tablets or capsule contents in your mouth. The medication may irritate the inside of your mouth.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

You may open the pancrelipase capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.

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.

Do not change brands of pancrelipase without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of pancrelipase are interchangeable while others are not. Ask your pharmacist which brands or generic forms can be substituted for another.

Store pancrelipase at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine in its original container, along with the packet of moisture-absorbing preservative if it was provided with pancrelipase.