Pancrelipase, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: pancreatic enzyme

Generic and brand names: pancrelipase; Creon 5; Creon-10; Creon-20; Ku-Zyme HP; Lipram-PN10; Lipram-PN20; Palcaps; Panase; Pancrecarb MS; Pancrease; Pancrease MT 20; Pancrease MT 10; Pancrease MT 16 Pancrease MT 4; Pangestyme CN; Pangestyme EC; Pangestyme MT; Pangestyme UL; Plaretase 8000; Panokase; Panokase 16; Panocaps; Panocaps MT; Ultrase; Ultrase MT 12; Ultrase MT 18; Ultrase MT 20; Ultracaps MT; Viokase

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to help you digest certain foods when your pancreas doesn't produce enough natural enzymes. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine or to pork
• gout

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Do not change brands of this medicine without first talking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

This medicine comes in tablets, capsules, or powder forms. It is usually taken with meals or snacks. Do not take this medicine with milk or other dairy products.

If you have the capsules or tablets, swallow them whole, Do not crush, break, or chew before swallowing. Keeping this medicine in the mouth too long before swallowing can irritate the mouth. If you have the powder form, mix it with soft food such as applesauce or with water or fruit juice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: diarrhea, nausea.

What should I watch out for?

If you are using the powder form of this medicine or opening the capsules to sprinkle the contents on food, avoid breathing in the powder. It irritates your mouth and nose and can cause trouble breathing and skin irritation. If you get the powder on your hands or skin, wash it off right away.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a special diet to help prevent indigestion. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Blood in the urine, severe stomach cramps or diarrhea, trouble breathing.

Other: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, rectal irritation, rash.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antacids containing calcium or magnesium such as Maalox, Mylanta, and Tums
• diabetes medicines such as acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset)
• iron supplements

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.