• This enzyme preparation is indicated for patients who have a deficiency in pancreatic enzymes, such as those with pancreatic insufficiency, cystic fibrosis, or other conditions that affect digestion.
• It is taken orally before or during meals to help aid in the digestion of food.

Pancreatic Deficiency

Indigestion

The dosage and administration depend on the severity of the patient's condition and their response to treatment.

• For helping digestion when the pancreas has been removed or isn't functioning properly (pancreatic insufficiency): the starting dose of pancreatin is usually 8,000 to 24,000 USP units of lipase activity taken before or with each meal or snack. Lipase is one of the chemicals contained in pancreatin that helps with digestion. To control fatty stools that are sometimes associated with pancreatic insufficiency, the dose can be increased as needed or until nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea occurs. These side effects of treatment indicate that the highest tolerable dose has been reached. Pancreatin is available as tablets that are treated to resist breakdown by stomach acids (enteric-coated), powder, or capsules containing the powder or enteric-coated granules.
• Note that each mg of pancreatin contains at least 25 USP units of amylase activity, 2 USP units of lipase activity, and 25 USP units of protease activity. Pancreatin that is stronger is labeled as a multiple of these three minimum activities, e.g., pancreatin 4X.

Adverse reactions may include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Flatulence

Diarrhea

Abdominal Pain

Nausea

Constipation

• Before taking this enzyme preparation, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have any allergies, medical conditions, or are taking any other medications.
• This medication should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders.
• The use of this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with the healthcare provider.
• Patients should be advised to avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication as it may worsen side effects.
• This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, including those that measure blood sugar levels, so patients should inform their healthcare provider before undergoing any tests.