$Unique_ID{BRK02069}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PANCRELIPASE}
$Subject{Cotazym-S (Organon)
Festal II (Hoechst-Roussel)
Ilozyme (Adria)
Ku-Zyme HP (Kremers-Urban)
Pancrease (McNeil)
Viokase (Robins)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PANCRELIPASE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Cotazym-S (Organon)
     Festal II [*] (Hoechst-Roussel)
     Ilozyme (Adria)
     Ku-Zyme HP (Kremers-Urban)
     Pancrease (McNeil)
     Viokase (Robins)
  *  Available over-the-counter (without a prescription)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Digestive enzymes
INGREDIENTS:
     lipase, protease, and amylase
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (in various strengths)
     Capsules (in various strengths)
     Powder packets (in various strengths)
STORAGE:
     Pancrelipase tablets, capsules, and powder should be stored at room
       temperature in tightly closed containers.

USES

     This medication is a combination of digestive (pancreatic) enzymes
obtained from pigs.  These enzymes aid in the digestion and absorption of
starch and fats.  Pancrelipase is used to treat pancreatic enzyme deficiencies
resulting from conditions such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or
gastrointestinal bypass surgery.

TREATMENT

     In order to obtain the maximum benefit, you should take pancrelipase just
before or with meals or snacks.  The powder can be added to food; the tablets
can also be crushed and mixed with food.
     If you are taking the capsules containing the enteric-coated
microspheres, swallow the capsule whole.  Chewing, crushing, or breaking the
capsules decreases their effectiveness and increases the side effects.
However, if you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, you can open them and
sprinkle the contents on a small amount of liquid or soft food, which you
should then swallow without chewing.  DO NOT mix this medication with alkaline
foods (such as dairy products)--they can reduce its effectiveness.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps.  These side effects should disappear
as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody urine, hives, joint pain, skin rash, or swelling of the feet or legs.

INTERACTIONS

     Pancrelipase can decrease the absorption of iron from the
gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to nutritional deficiency.  Your doctor
may want to prescribe iron supplements if this becomes a problem.  Cimetidine
or antacids are often prescribed concurrently with pancrelipase, in order to
maximize its effectiveness.  However, calcium- or magnesium-containing
antacids should be avoided--they decrease this medication's effectiveness.
You should discuss these effects with your doctor.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to pancrelipase, pancreatin, or any other
digestive enzymes.
     * Patients who have allergies to pork products may also be allergic to
pancrelipase, since it is obtained from pigs.
     * The powder form and the powder from opened capsules of this medication
can be very irritating to the nose and throat.  Avoid inhaling the particles.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although pancrelipase
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether pancrelipase passes into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
