Pancrelipase for Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Creon, Zenpep, Pancreaze, Viokace, Pertzye

Pancrelipase has an average rating of 6.1 out of 10 from a total of 48 reviews for the treatment of Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction. 54% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 33% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Pancrelipase

Christi
Taken for 1 to 6 months
October 24, 2021

Creon (pancrelipase) "I was diagnosed with inoperable Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. They started me on 12000 mg Creon, did nothing but make me feel worse. Then the oncologist upped the dosage to 36000 mg, 2 with meal, 1 with snack. Still explosive diarrhea and I had already lost 30 lbs. then the oncologist tripled my dosage and I spent 8 hours on the toilet every day (no exaggeration). I stopped taking it and I’m actually doing better. It’s not worth the sacrifice of my quality of life. Never will I take it again."

1 / 10

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Bee
Taken for 1 to 2 years
July 19, 2021

Creon (pancrelipase) "I’ve been using Creon on and off for two years and right now I’m up to three 24,000 capsules before each meal but I still have horrible, horrible, horrible cramps and diarrhea. I’m going to my third gastroenterologist tomorrow and hope fully he will have some answers! This is no way to live."

2 / 10

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Anonymous
Taken for less than 1 month
November 8, 2023

Zenpep (pancrelipase) "Just been diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency. Was prescribed Zenpep two weeks ago. Started on 1 before every meal and snack. Just increased to two before meals and one before snack. Have seen a big improvement. Praying that it continues. Would like to find a diet program specifically for this condition."

10 / 10

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3 Report

Frequently asked questions

What are enteric-coated tablets?

422
Taken for less than 1 month
November 19, 2021

Creon (pancrelipase) "I had whipple surgery 8 months ago. I was doing fairly well and then started having bouts of diarrhea. Diagnosed with Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Just started creon. Stool is loose but not diarrhea. I am lethargic after taking for a couple of days. Anyone else experience lethargy? I'll update as I proceed with using."

6 / 10

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Nana
Taken for 1 to 6 months
February 6, 2023

Zenpep (pancrelipase) "I was experiencing diarrhea 6 or 7 times a day, had cramps, and a rock-hard stomach and bowels. I had sleeve surgery 8 years ago and my gallbladder was removed about 30 years ago. I was prescribed Zenpep one month ago and feel like a new person. Bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea are gone as long as I take it with every meal. If I eat without taking it the symptoms return. I am glad I have good insurance as this medication costs $1500 monthly, and I pay $30 for 2 months. It really does work well for me."

10 / 10

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Are you taking this medicine?

Ron...
Taken for 2 to 5 years
December 9, 2020

Zenpep (pancrelipase) "Using Zenpep has made a significant difference in the way I feel having Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction (PED). Without this medication I have a difficult time getting through a day without gastric issues."

9 / 10

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CJano
Taken for 1 to 2 years
July 25, 2021

Creon (pancrelipase) "I have been taking 24,000 units of Creon 3x for meals and 1x for snacks for about a year. Initially Creon seem to work without noticeable side effects. Now, I have developed functional dyspepsia including weight loss, bloating, and hard stomach. The dosage was increased however I still am not able to gain weight. I am very disappointed with this medication."

4 / 10

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6 Report

Brenna
Taken for 2 to 5 years
June 28, 2018

"These enzymes dehydrated me so badly and lowered my blood pressure a lot. The price is insane. I've switched to natural digestive enzymes with probiotics and am having fantastic results. I really hated how huge the capsules were. They were very hard to swallow. My monthly dosage now costs me less than 8 dollars (compared to one thousand for zenpep!!!)"

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Hmc
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
February 13, 2024

Creon (pancrelipase) "After reading all these reviews, I guess I'm the lucky one. Had a huge back surgery, 3-day surgery, every other day for 12 hours. Happy to say the back surgery worked great, less pain now than I've had in about 30 years. However, it turns out that massive of a surgery creates issues in your body that you've never had. I began having explosive diarrhea 4-6 times a day, bloating, and horrible gas and flatulence! My doctor said she thought I had EPI and put me on just 3000 units of Creon, and for the first week, it did absolutely nothing! My doctor told me to keep taking it, one before any and all snacks and two before meals. Finally, after about two weeks, I began feeling some relief. Then, thank god, in about one more week of taking Creon, all the other symptoms were gone, and I can honestly say I've had the most regular, normal stomach functions I've had since my surgery 3 years ago! Sorry for all the issues so many of you on here have had, but for me, so far, Creon is a miracle drug!"

10 / 10

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bill...
December 31, 2016

"After a whipple procedure I need to take these. Now about the finance.... I take 8 of the blue pills daily, 2 at meals ,1 at snacks. cost about $80.00 every day. I'm on medicare w/ part D.coverage. is there a cheaper genetic?"

9 / 10

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J Chara
Taken for 1 to 2 years
April 8, 2024

"I have type 2 diabetes and was recently diagnosed through the fecal elastase test. I was having chronic diarrhea and unbelievable gas and losing weight. As it turns out, my elastase level was at 40; it should be 300+ indicating a severe case of EPI from chronic pancreatitis. I am currently taking up to 65k (for big fatty meals) and 10k to 35k per snack. I adjust my dose accordingly - more for extra big fatty meals and less for smaller, less fatty meals or snacks. Each person is different, and you have to tailor dosage. The goal is to take the least dose that is effective to avoid side effects. At the moment, I am doing really well and have zero diarrhea and have gained weight. This medication has given me back a normal life, and without it, I was doomed. I suggest you stay the course and start your dosing at between 35k to 45k per meal, going up or down as needed, keeping in mind your body weight less or more accordingly. My body weight is 200 lbs. Best wishes to everyone."

9 / 10

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J Chara
Taken for 1 to 2 years
April 8, 2024

Creon (pancrelipase) "I have type 2 diabetes and was recently diagnosed through the fecal elastase test. I was having chronic diarrhea and unbelievable gas, and losing weight. As it turns out, my elastase level was at 40; it should be 300+ indicating a severe case of EPI from chronic pancreatitis. I am currently taking up to 65k (for big fatty meals) and 10k to 35k per snack. I adjust my dose accordingly - more for extra big fatty meals, or less for smaller, less fatty meals or snacks. Each person is different, and you have to tailor dosage. The goal is to take the least dose that is effective to avoid side effects. At the moment, I am doing really well and have zero diarrhea and have gained weight. This medication has given me back a normal life, and without it, I was doomed. I suggest you stay the course and start your dosing at between 35k to 45k per meal, going up or down as needed, keeping in mind your body weight - less or more, accordingly. My body weight is 200lbs. Best wishes to everyone."

9 / 10

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Jerse...
Taken for 1 to 2 years
June 25, 2024

"I took this medication for about 1 year. During which time I developed pre-gout symptoms. My uric acid levels went very high. Then we cut back the dose because I must take another medication that also contains porcine. I also have ongoing stomach bloating, and the doctor didn't know anything about it. Been having lots of trouble sleeping also then discovered that is another side effect of this medication. I've discontinued using it and switched to a plant-based digestive enzyme that just depends on that also helps me digest foods with wheat since I am celiac. In my humble opinion, the side effects make this medication not usable for me. It did its job in terms of digesting food, I will give it that."

6 / 10

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Pancr...
Taken for less than 1 month
November 30, 2023

Creon (pancrelipase) "I started taking Creon the week before Thanksgiving and miracle—it stopped my ongoing diarrhea. I'm on a low dose - 12,000-38-60,000 unit capsule delayed release. Then the following week morning diarrhea started followed by middle of the night diarrhea. I've emailed my gastroenterologist and maybe she will change dosage."

8 / 10

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deb
Taken for 1 to 2 years
August 29, 2023

Zenpep (pancrelipase) "Doctors prescribed Zenpep with meals and snacks. I pay $25 for 250 pills every month for 5 months, and then all my scripts are free for the last 7 months of the year with my insurance. This medicine works wonders. I'm so grateful. It helps with my acid reflux and gas. If I forget to take it, I realize it for sure I will start getting symptoms immediately. The doctor prescribes the max dose, so I will never run out. Forever grateful."

10 / 10

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Anonymous
October 20, 2009

Creon (pancrelipase) "Creon is great. If I do not take it I suffer severe pain."

10 / 10

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64 Report

777 777
August 4, 2014

Creon (pancrelipase) "Marginally slowed chronic bowel dysfunction. Bowel movements remain watery and loose."

3 / 10

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36 Report

Jmano
Taken for 1 to 2 years
August 3, 2020

Creon (pancrelipase) "Creon is Wonderful for my Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction - no urgency since started taking"

10 / 10

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15 Report

Joe
Taken for 2 to 5 years
July 21, 2023

Zenpep (pancrelipase) "This medicine helped with my EPI symptoms but I experienced side effects such as dizziness, high anxiety, fatigue, and dry mouth, so I am currently looking for another alternative."

6 / 10

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Jantrae
Taken for 5 to 10 years
January 28, 2021

Zenpep (pancrelipase) "I have been taking zenpep for the past 10 years after having pancreatic cancer. It works great but is very expensive."

9 / 10

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Anonymous
June 13, 2022

Zenpep (pancrelipase) "i have been taking Zenpep for 3 weeks and I see no improvement."

2 / 10

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CWano
Taken for 1 to 6 months
August 3, 2020

Zenpep (pancrelipase) "Zenpep Did not do anything for me"

1 / 10

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3 Report

Anonymous
May 20, 2011

Pancrease MT 20 (pancrelipase) "My pancreas has been removed ..this is very expensive but if no pancraes it is vital to survive."

9 / 10

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6 Report

CF pt
May 7, 2010

Ultrase MT 20 (pancrelipase) "Ultrase was the only enzyme that worked best for me."

10 / 10

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Anonymous
Taken for 1 to 6 months
May 11, 2023

Pancreaze (pancrelipase) "Been taking it for several months. Notice constant muscle cramping in both legs. Still having digestive problems."

2 / 10

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0 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.