Where is Pancrelipase used?
Pancrelipase is used to treat people who cannot digest food normally. It is because their pancreas does not make enough enzymes because of:
- Swelling of the pancreas that lasts a long time (Chronic pancreatitis)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Removal of some or all of the pancreas (pancreatectomy)
Pancrelipase has digestive enzymes to help digest and break down fats, starch, and proteins in food. This has multiple enzyme classes like amylases, proteases, and porcine-derived lipases. This is available as a delayed-release capsule for oral administration. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medication.
How does Pancrelipase work?
Pancrelipase is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). It changes the three pancreatic enzymes typically finished by a healthy pancreas (lipase, protease, and amylase). Your pancreas commonly makes enzymes each time you eat. Therefore, this medication needs to switch those enzymes each time you eat.
How is Pancrelipase taken?
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment.
Pancrelipase is usually taken 5 to 6 times per day. It is to be taken by mouth plenty of water. This medication needs to be taken at the same time as food, with every snack or meal. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose and gradually increase it depending on your response to the treatment. Do not take more or less of it or take more often than the prescription of your doctor.
Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the medication exactly as directed. Do not switch brands of this medication without advice from your doctor. Follow carefully any instructions for use provided with your medication. Be especially careful to follow all instructions about giving this medication to a child. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
What are the possible side effects of Pancrelipase?
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Greasy tools
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas
- Stomach pain or upset
- Constipation
- Headache
- Rectal irritation
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
Inform your doctor if you have rare by serious side effects like:
- Joint pain
- Severe stomach or abdominal discomfort
- Frequent or painful urination
- Severe constipation
Call your doctor or medical help if you experience these:
- Joint swelling or pain
- Symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder (constipation, vomiting, unusual stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea)
What are the precautions in taking Pancrelipase?
- Before using this treatment, let your doctor know if you are allergic to it. Tell also if you have any medical history or current treatments.
- Pancrelipase may affect your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar regularly.
- This medication should be used only when needed during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding women, consult your doctor first.
- Inform your doctor if you have any weight changes. Pancrelipase doses are based on weight and any changes may affect the dose.
- If you missed a dose, take it with your next snack or meal. Do not take two doses at one time. If you often missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions.
