Generic name: pancrelipase [ pan-kre-LYE-pace ]
Brand names: Creon, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Viokace, Zenpep, ... show all 64 brands Cotazym, Viokase, Zymase, Pancrease MT 4, Pancrease MT 16, Protilase, Panase, Ku-Zyme HP, Cotazym-S, Creon 10, Creon 20, Ultrase MT 20, Protilase MT-16, Creon 5, Pancrease, Pancrease MT 10, Vio-Moore, Panokase, Ilozyme, Pancrease MT 20, Ultrase, Ultrase MT 12, Pancron D/R, Encron-10, Ultrase MT 18, Arco-Lase, Lipram, Pancrecarb MS-8, Pancrecarb MS-4, Lipram-UL 18, Lipram-CR20, Lipram-UL 12, Lipram-UL 20, Viokase 16, Pancreatil-UL 12, Pangestyme CN 10, Pangestyme CN 20, Pangestyme MT 16, Pangestyme UL 18, Pangestyme EC, Kutrase, Ku-Zyme, Lipram-CR, Plaretase, Viokase 8, Lipram-CR5, Lapase, Dygase, Pancrecarb MS-16, Pangestyme UL 20, Panocaps, Panocaps MT 16, Lipram-CR10, Palcaps 10, Lipram-PN10, Lipram-PN16, Lipram-PN20, Panokase 16, Ultresa
Dosage forms: oral delayed release capsule (10,000 units-32,000 units-42,000 units; 10,500 units-61,500 units-35,500 units; 12,000 units-38,000 units-60,000 units; 15,000 units-47,000 units-63,000 units; 16,000 units-57,500 units-60,500 units; 16,800 units-98,400 units-56,800 units; 20,000 units-63,000 units-84,000 units; 21,000 units-83,900 units-54,700 units; 24,000 units-76,000 units-120,000 units; 24,000 units-86,250 units-90,750 units; 25,000 units-79,000 units-105,000 units; 2600 units-15,200 units-8800 units; 3000 units-10,000 units-14,000 units; 3000 units-9500 units-15,000 units; 36,000 units-114,000 units-180,000 units; 37,000 units-97,300 units-149,900 units; 40,000 units-126,000 units-168,000 units; 4000 units-14,375 units-15,125 units; 4200 units-24,600 units-14,200 units; 5000 units-17,000 units-24,000 units; 6000 units-19,000 units-30,000 units; 8000 units-28,750 units-30,250 units), ... show all 2 dosage forms oral tablet (10,440 units-39,150 units-39,150 units; 20,880 units-78,300 units-78,300 units)
Drug class: Digestive enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 25, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pancrelipase?

Pancrelipase is a combination of three enzymes (proteins): lipase, protease, and amylase. These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats, proteins, and sugars.

Pancrelipase is used to replace these enzymes when the body does not have enough of its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, including cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, or blockage of the pancreatic ducts.

Pancrelipase may also be used following surgical removal of the pancreas.

Pancrelipase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pancrelipase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pancrelipase may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• joint pain or swelling; or

• symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder--severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation.

Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using pancrelipase.

Common side effects of pancrelipase may include:

• stomach pain, gas, vomiting;

• diarrhea, frequent or abnormal bowel movements;

• rectal itching;

• headache, dizziness;

• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat; or

• changes in your blood sugar.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder: severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take pancrelipase if you are allergic to pork proteins.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• gout;

• diabetes;

• a blockage or scarring in your intestines;

• trouble swallowing pills; or

• lactose intolerance.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Do not give pancrelipase to a child without medical advice.

How should I take pancrelipase?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not switch brands of this medicine without your doctor's advice.

Pancrelipase should be taken with a meal or snack.

Carefully follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not crush, chew, or break a pancrelipase capsule or tablet. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

Do not hold the pill in your mouth. Pancrelipase can irritate the inside of your mouth.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not mix the medicine with infant formula or breast milk.

Do not inhale the powder from a pancrelipase capsule, or allow it to touch your skin. It may cause irritation, especially to your nose and lungs.

Pancrelipase is sometimes given with a stomach acid reducer such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, or Protonix. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking all medicines needed to treat your condition.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Follow all storage instructions provided with pancrelipase. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

Call your doctor if you have any worsening of a long-term pancreas problem.

Related/similar drugs

azithromycin, Zithromax, gentamicin, Creon, tobramycin, Zenpep, pancreatin, Pancreaze, Pertzye

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose with your next meal or snack. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking pancrelipase?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect pancrelipase?

Other drugs may affect pancrelipase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Frequently asked questions

• What are enteric-coated tablets?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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