Pancrelipase (By mouth)

Introduction:

Amylase (AM-i-lase), Lipase (LYE-pase), Protease (PROE-tee-ase)

An enzyme that helps digest foods for patients who have cystic fibrosis and digestive disorders.

Brand Name(s):

Creon 10, Creon 20, Viokase, Viokase 16, Lipram-Pn10, Lipram-Pn20, Lipram-Pn16, Lipram 4500, Ultrase Mt20, Pancrease MT 4, Lapase, Dygase, Pancrease, Ultrase, Pangestyme EC

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Delayed Release Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Coated Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Drink a full glass of water with your medicine and plenty of fluids during the day.
• Take this medicine with meals and snacks as directed by your doctor.
• If the capsule opens, keep the powder away from your face to avoid breathing in the powder. It can be very irritating to your lungs.
• Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not let it dissolve in your mouth.
• Do not chew or crush the delayed-released capsules. Swallow them whole. If the capsule is too big to swallow, open it and put the contents in soft food (such as applesauce). Swallow the mixture right away without crushing or chewing. Do not mix the capsule with alkaline foods or liquids such as milk.
• Take the powder with meals. Avoid breathing in the powder. It can be very irritating to your lungs.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking iron supplements or vitamins that contain iron.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have severe pancreas disease, kidney problems, gout, or hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood).
• This medicine is made from the pancreas of pigs. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of pig organs has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing for certain viruses, and testing during manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk of transmitting certain viruses to people who will use the medicine is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Severe stomach pain.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough.
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Joint pain or swelling.
• Stomach upset or cramps.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: