Pancrease Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Brand name: Pancrease

Pronounced: PAN-kree-ace

Generic name: Pancrelipase

Other brand names: Creon, Pancrease MT, Viokase, Ultrase

Pancrelipase is a combination of three enzymes (proteins): lipase, protease, and amylase. Pancrelipase (pan-kre-LI-pase) is used to help digestion in certain conditions in which the pancreas is not working properly. It is often prescribed for people with cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, or blockages of the pancreas or common bile duct caused by cancer. Supplements are given for pancreatic disorders such as chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and cystic fibrosis. Digestive enzymes are substances produced by an organ called the pancreas; some health problems that cause the body to produce less of these enzymes. The enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of fats into glycerol and fatty acids, proteins into proteoses and derived substances, and starch into dextrins and sugars. Pancrease is taken to help with digestion of proteins, starches, and fats.

Pancrease Dosage:

• The dose of pancrelipase will be different for different patients.
• The doctor will set your dosage according to your weight and your response to the enzymes, gradually increasing your dose until your digestion is adequate.
• Children over 6 years old- The contents of one to four capsules (4000 to 12,000 units) with meals.
• Doses above 2,500 units per 2.2 pounds of body weight per meal are generally not recommended.
• Children 1 to 6 years old-The contents of one to two capsules (4000 to 8000 units) with meals.

Uses of Pancrease:

• Pancrease is used to treat pancreatic enzyme deficiency.
• Pancrease is also used for people who have had all or part of their stomach surgically removed (gastrectomy)
• It is also used for surgical removal of the pancreas (pancreatectomy).
• For Cystic fibrosis.

Side Effects of Pancrease:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Blood in urine; swelling of feet or lower legs.
• Vomiting.
• Skin rash or hives.
• Diarrhea; intestinal blockage; stomach cramps or pain.
• Irritation of the area around the anus (perianal irritation).
• Stomach and intestinal upset.
• Tightness in chest.
• Shortness of breath; stuffy nose; troubled breathing; wheezing.
• Allergic-type reactions.
• Nausea.
• High amount of uric acid in the blood and urine.

Warnings and precautions before taking Pancrease:

• If you develop an allergic reaction to Pancrease, stop taking the medication and inform your doctor immediately.
• Take this medicine with or after food.
• Do not change brands or dosage forms of pancrelipase without first checking with your doctor.
• Any change in pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (e.g., dose or brand of medication) should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.
• If you have cystic fibrosis and develop any signs of an intestinal blockage, call your doctor.
• Do not inhale the powder inside the capsules or allow it to touch your skin.

Drug Interaction:

If you are taking certain drugs with pancrease, then other drugs may decreased or increased and altered the effects. So it is important to check with your doctor before combining Pancrease with the following drugs such as includes:

• Acarbose.
• Antacids containing calcium or magnesium.
• Certain antacids such as Tums and Milk of Magnesia
• Iron salts.
• Miglitol.

Overdose:

• If you are taking pancrease and after taking you feel that the overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• Symptoms of a pancrelipase overdose are not known but may include diarrhea and stomach upset.
• US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
• Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.