Pancrelipase Tablets

What is this medication?

PANCRELIPASE (pan cre LI pase) treats a condition where the pancreas does not make enough of the enzymes needed to digest food. It works by replacing those enzymes, so your body can break down food. This improves nutrition and decreases fatty bowel movements.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Panokae-16, Panokase, Plaretase, Viokace 10, Viokace 20, Viokase 16, Viokase 8

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• An unusual or allergic reaction to pancrelipase, pancreatin, pork, pork protein, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Acarbose
• Antacids containing calcium or magnesium
• Iron
• Miglitol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Talk to your care team before you change brands of this medication. Each brand has different amounts of enzymes.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medication. Also, ask your care team how much water you need to drink.

Be careful if you open the capsule. This medication can irritate the lungs if you breathe it in. Also, do not hold the medication in your mouth or chew it. This may cause mouth sores.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• High uric acid level—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
• Stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Irritation inside the mouth or throat
• Rectal itching

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.