pancreatin

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Preparation made from the pancreas of animals containing the enzymes of pancreatic juice. Used to replace pancreatic enzymes in cystic fibrosis as an aid to digestion.

Brand names: Ku-Zyme®Kutrase®Lapase™

Espa�ol:
• Tabletas de pancreatina

Pancreatin tablets

What are pancreatin tablets?

PANCREATIN (Donnazyme®) tablets improve your digestion of foods by replacing digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are substances produced by an organ called the pancreas; some health problems that cause the body to produce less of these enzymes. You may need to take pancreatin if you have cystic fibrosis or chronic inflammation of your pancreas, have had your pancreas removed, or have had certain types of stomach or intestinal surgery. Generic pancreatin tablets are available, but you should not switch products unless you are under the supervision of your health care professional.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• acute pancreatitis
• difficulty swallowing
• esophagitis (inflammation of the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach)
• history of bowel obstruction
• frequent surgeries of the stomach or bowel
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pancreatin or pancrelipase, pork, pork protein, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take pancreatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water, do not crush or chew the tablets. Take pancreatin just before or with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Pancreatin is prescribed for children with specific health problems that impair their digestion. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with pancreatin?

• acarbose
• antacids containing calcium or magnesium
• iron salts
• miglitol

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking pancreatin?

Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you change your brand of pancreatin. Each brand of pancreatin contains different amounts of enzymes and may not give the same results.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Follow the instructions of your health care professional regarding your diet.

Do not hold the capsule in your mouth or chew it; the enzymes may cause mouth sores.

Do not take antacids containing calcium or magnesium.

What side effects may I notice from taking pancreatin?

Side effects are rare at recommended doses.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• diarrhea (severe or continuing)
• mouth irritation
• nausea, vomiting
• skin rash, itching, or hives
• stomach pain
• swelling
• shortness of breath

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

An extract of the pancreas (usually obtained from pigs) that contains the pancreatic enzymes amylase, lipase, and protease, which aid the digestion and absorption of starch, fat, and protein. Pancreatin is used as replacement therapy when the body's natural pancreatic enzymes are lacking. A lack of enzymes may be due to inherited conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, or disease, such as chronic pancreatitis, or it may occur following surgical removal of the pancreas. Pancreatin should be taken before or with meals and the dosage adjusted according to absorption of food – judged by the size, number, and consistency of stools and lack of diarrhoea. Preparations should be swallowed without chewing; if they are mixed with food, the food should not be too hot, since the enzymes may be inactivated. Pancreatin is available as granules, capsules, tablets, or powder; some preparations are enteric-coated, which enables a higher concentration of enzymes to reach the duodenum. Pancreatin preparations of standard strength can be obtained from pharmacies without a prescription; higher-strength preparations are prescription only medicines.

Side effects:
include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Irritation of the mouth or anal region can occur if the enzymes are taken without food or are used in excessive dosage.

Precautions:
a high intake of fluids must be maintained, particularly in those taking higher-strength preparations. Individuals taking high dosages should report unusual abdominal symptoms to a doctor.

Proprietary preparations:
Creon; Creon 10 000; Creon 25 000 (high-strength); Creon 40 000 (highest strength); Creon Micro (granules); Nutrizym 10; Nutrizym 22 (high-strength); Pancrease HL (high-strength); Pancrex; Pancrex V.

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A substance from the pancreas of the hog or ox containing enzymes, principally amylase, protease and lipase; used in the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

n

A concentrate of pancreatic enzymes from swine or beef cattle.