Children and adults who do not have enough pancreatic enzymes (the substances necessary to break down food so it can be digested) due to a condition that affects the pancreas can improve their digestion of food by taking pancrelipase delayed-release capsules (Creon, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Ultresa, Zenpep) (a gland that produces several important substances including enzymes needed to digest food) such as chronic pancreatitis (pancreatic swelling that does not go away), cystic fibrosis (an inborn condition that causes the body to create thick, sticky mucus that may clog the lungs, the pancreas, and other areas of the body), or a blockage in the tubes between the pancreas and the intestine. Infants with cystic fibrosis or another disorder that affects the pancreas may not have enough pancreatic enzymes, which are necessary to break down food so that it may be digested. In these cases, pancrelipase delayed-release capsules (Creon, Pancreaze, Zenpep) are used to assist food digestion. Patients who have undergone surgery to remove all or a portion of their pancreas or stomach can also utilise pancrelipase delayed-release capsules (Creon) to enhance their digestion. Those with chronic pancreatitis or those who have undergone pancreas removal surgery can enhance their food digestion by taking pancrelipase pills (Viokace) coupled with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Pancrelipase belongs to the group of drugs known as enzymes. The enzymes that the pancreas typically produces are replaced by pancrelipase. By dissolving dietary fats, proteins, and carbs into smaller elements that can be absorbed from the colon, it reduces fatty bowel movements and enhances nutrition.

Pancrelipase is available as a delayed-release capsule and tablet for oral consumption. It is consumed five to six times per day, with lots of water with each meal or snack. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. As recommended, take pancrelipase as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

There are variations among the brand-name products that are sold as pancrelipase under various brand names. Without consulting your doctor, never change the brand of pancrelipase you are using.

Do not split, chew, or crush the tablets or delayed-release capsules; instead, swallow them whole with a lot of water. The tablets or capsules should not be held in your mouth or sucked. After swallowing the tablet, make sure there is nothing left in your mouth.

If you are unable to swallow the delayed-release capsules whole, you can open them and combine the medication inside with a small amount of applesauce or another soft, acidic meal. The contents of the capsule might be possible to be combined with specific other foods. For more information, consult your physician or pharmacist. Without chewing or crushing the contents of the capsule, immediately after mixing the mixture, swallow it. Drink a full glass of water or juice as soon as you’ve finished the concoction to help flush the drug from your system.

If you are administering the delayed release capsules to a baby, you can open the capsule, open a tiny amount of a soft, acidic food, like jarred baby applesauce, bananas, or pears, and sprinkle the contents on them. Then, you can immediately feed the infant the mixture. Do not combine the capsule’s contents with breast milk or formula. Alternatively, you might simply sprinkle the mixture into the infant’s mouth. Give the infant plenty of drink to wash down the medication after administering pancrelipase. After that, check the infant’s mouth to make sure the child has ingested all of the medication.

The delayed-release capsule’s contents must be consumed as soon as it is opened. Never make capsule-and-food combinations or open capsules before you’re ready to use them. Any unused pancrelipase and food mixes or capsule contents should be thrown away; do not save them for later use.

According on how you respond to treatment and how much fat you consume, your doctor may likely start you on a low dose of medication and gradually raise it. Tell your doctor how you’re doing and whether your gut problems become better while you’re receiving therapy. Unless your doctor advises you to, don’t alter the dose of your prescription.

The maximum dose of pancrelipase you should take each day will be specified by your doctor. Even if you eat more meals and snacks than normal, you shouldn’t take more pancrelipase in a single day. If you are consuming more meals and snacks, consult your doctor.

Only if you keep taking pancrelipase will it help you have better digestion. Even if you feel good, keep taking pancrelipase. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking pancrelipase.

If you need a prescription refill for pancrelipase, your doctor or pharmacist will provide you the patient information sheet (Medication Guide) provided by the manufacturer. If you have any questions, carefully read the material and contact your doctor or pharmacist. The Medication Guide is also available on the manufacturer’s website or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking pancrelipase,

• If you have any allergies, including to any of the substances in pancrelipase tablets or delayed release capsules, notify your doctor and pharmacist right away. For a list of the ingredients, consult the Medication Guide or speak with your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• If you have or have ever had diabetes, blood sugar issues, gout (sudden attacks of joint pain, swelling, and redness that occur when there is too much a substance called uric acid in the blood), high levels of uric acid (a substance that forms when the body breaks down certain foods) in your blood, cancer, or kidney disease, let your doctor know. Also mention any blockages, thickenings, or scarring of the intestine. Inform your doctor of your lactose intolerance if you intend to take pancrelipase tablets (have difficulty digesting dairy products).
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking pancrelipase.
• You should be aware that pig pancreas is used to make pancrelipase. Someone taking pancrelipase may run the risk of contracting a virus spread by pigs. Yet, there have never been any reports of this illness kind.

A diet tailored to your dietary requirements will be recommended by your doctor or nutritionist. Pay close attention to these guidelines.

Take your regular dose with your next meal or snack instead of the missing dose. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Effects of pancrelipase may be negative. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Headache
• Cough
• Unwell throat
• Stiff neck
• Dizziness
• Nosebleed
• Feeling satisfied after a tiny amount of food
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Gas
• Irritability near the anus
• Painful tongue or mouth

Certain adverse effects can be very harmful. Even though the following signs are unusual, you should call your doctor right once if you notice any of them:

• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Hoarseness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Belly aches or bloating
• Difficulties going to the bathroom
• Joint discomfort or swelling, particularly in the big toe

There may be other negative effects from pancrelipase. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep the desiccant packet in the bottle if your medication came with one (a tiny packet containing an ingredient that absorbs moisture to keep the drug dry), but take cautious not to consume it. Keep this medication away from excess heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Do not store this medication in the fridge.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Joint discomfort or swelling, particularly in the big toe
• Diarrhea

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To determine how your body reacts to pancrelipase, your doctor may request specific laboratory tests.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.