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Pancrelipase  (Systemic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Cotazym
  • Cotazym-S
  • Creon 5
  • Creon 10
  • Creon 20
  • Enzymase-16
  • Ilozyme
  • Ku-Zyme HP
  • Pancoate
  • Pancrease
  • Pancrease MT 4
  • Pancrease MT 10
  • Pancrease MT 16
  • Pancrease MT 20
  • Panokase
  • Protilase
  • Ultrase MT 12
  • Ultrase MT 20
  • Viokase
  • Zymase

In Canada—

  • Cotazym
  • Cotazym-65 B
  • Cotazym E.C.S. 8
  • Cotazym E.C.S. 20
  • Pancrease
  • Pancrease MT 4
  • Pancrease MT 10
  • Pancrease MT 16

Another commonly used name is lipancreatin.

Category


Description

Pancrelipase (pan-kre-LI-pase) is used to help digestion in certain conditions in which the pancreas is not working properly. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Pancrelipase contains the enzymes needed for the digestion of proteins, starches, and fats.

Pancrelipase is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pancrelipase, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pancrelipase, pancreatin, or pork products. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Studies have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding—Pancrelipase has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—This medicine has been tested in children 6 months of age or older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of pancrelipase in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of pancrelipase. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine before or with meals and snacks, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

When prescribing this medicine for your condition, your doctor may also prescribe a personal diet for you. Follow carefully the special diet your doctor gave you. This is most important and necessary for the medicine to work properly and to avoid indigestion. It is important to drink plenty of water while you are on this medicine.

For patients taking the tablet form of this medicine:

For patients taking the capsules containing the enteric-coated spheres:

Dosing—

The dose of pancrelipase will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of pancrelipase. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

Your doctor may recommend that you take pancrelipase with another medicine, such as certain antacids or anti-ulcer medicines. However, antacids that contain calcium carbonate and/or magnesium hydroxate may not let the pancrelipase work properly and should be avoided.

Do not change brands or dosage forms of pancrelipase without first checking with your doctor. Different products may not work in the same way. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist.

For patients taking the capsules containing the powder :

For patients taking the powder form of this medicine:


Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Revised: 03/28/2001

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