Pancrelipase powder

What is this medication?

PANCRELIPASE (pan cre LI pase) helps to improve digestion of food by replacing digestive enzymes. These enzymes are produced by the pancreas. Some health conditions may cause your body to produce less of these enzymes.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viokase

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. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Mix the powder with small amounts of fruit juice or soft foods that do not require chewing like applesauce, instant pudding, or gelatin. Do not mix in milk, ice cream, or other dairy products. Swallow the dose right away. Do not chew or hold the dose in your mouth. Drink plenty of water or juice after the dose. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

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

•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?

Ask your doctor or health care professional before you change your brand of your medicine. Each brand of this medicine contains different amounts of enzymes and may not give the same results.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine. Follow the instructions of your health care professional regarding your diet.

Do not hold the powder in your mouth. This may cause mouth sores.

Do not breathe in the powder. This can irritate the lungs and could cause an asthma attack.

If you spill this medicine on your hands and skin, rinse off with plenty of water. It may cause irritation, itching, or burning.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•shortness of breath

•vomiting

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

•constipation or diarrhea

•nausea

•stomach pain

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.

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