Creon

Brand name: 

Creon, Palcaps, Pancreaze, Pancrelipase, Pangestyme EC, Panocaps, Pertzye, Ultracaps, Ultresa, Viokace, and Zenpep, Ultrase, Cotazym, Pancrease, Protilase

Pancrelipase helps improve the digestion of food in patients who have decreased Pancreatic enzymes, which can be caused by Cystic fibrosis, Chronic pancreatitis, or obstruction of the Pancreatic duct. This medication is a combination of Pancreatic amylase, Pancreatic lipase, and Chymotrypsin. These enzymes are used in the breakdown of starch, protein, and fats.

You can only purchase Pancrelipase with a doctor’s prescription.

It is sold in different forms including delayed release capsule, tablet, and powder.

Discuss with your physician the risks and benefits associated with using pancrelipase before initiating treatment. You also need to consider a variety of factors.

Inform your physician if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to medications of the same kind or if you are allergic to the components. Also, you need to tell your healthcare team about allergies to food, animals, preservatives, and/or dyes.

Studies have found that the efficacy of Pertzye™, Creon®, Zenpep®, and Pancreaze®, is not influenced by any age-related factors in pediatric clients. However, the safety and efficacy of Ultresa™ and Viokace™ have not been demonstrated in children below 12 months for the former and children in general for the latter.

Geriatric patients who are receiving Pancrelipase should be monitored closely since they are more prone to develop liver and kidney problems.

This medication has a pregnancy category C for all trimesters. There hasn’t been enough research on the effects of Pancrelipase on nursing babies. Also, this drug may interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor about medications you need to avoid while taking Pancrelipase.

Do not take OTC drugs without consulting your doctor first. Inform your physician if you have the following pre-existing conditions because pancrelipase can exacerbate them:

• History of abnormal blood glucose levels
• Fibrosing colonopathy
• Gout
• Hyperuricemia
• Hyperuricosuria
• History of intestinal blockage
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatitis
• Lactose intolerance
• and Allergy to pork products

Follow your physician’s instructions religiously. Do not take more or less of the directed dose, and only take it within the period of time specified. Stay informed and read the medication guide that is usually included in the packaging.

Pancrelipase should be taken with food and plenty of fluids unless instructed otherwise. You physician may also prescribe a specific diet while you are on this medication. Be sure to adhere to that. Patients taking the tablet should swallow it right away without chewing.

The delayed-release capsules should be taken whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed. Make sure that your take the prescribed brand and dosage. The amount, frequency, and timing of this medication depend on your condition.

If Pancrelipase is used to aid digestion, the dosage is usually one to three capsules before or during meals and snacks. The same goes for tablets. The dosage of delayed release capsules depends on your body weight. Ask your doctor if you get confused about the dosage and schedule. If you forget to take your medication, skip it and resume the normal timing.

Keep your Pancrelipase in a closed container, away from the reach of children.

Discard any expired medication.

It is essential that you go to your checkups consistently. In this way, your physician can closely monitor your progress and make sure the medication is effective.

If you open capsules to mix the powder with food, do not breathe it in because this can cause breathing difficulty, wheezing, and chest tightness.

Inform your physician if you or your child experiences severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty defecating.

Watch out for severe allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Itching
• Hives
• Rash
• Hoarseness
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• or Swelling of hands, face, mouth, or throat

Get medical attention immediately if you or your kid experiences these symptoms.

Aside from signs of anaphylaxis, you should also watch out for side effects. Call you doctor right away if you experience the following:

• With high doses bowel blockage
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• and Diarrhea

If you are taking very high doses watch out for:

• Blood in the urine
• Joint pain
• and Swelling in the lower limbs

Other symptoms that need medical care include:

• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heart rate
• Itching
• Swelling (of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue)
• Redness of the skin
• and Unusual tiredness or weakness

Common side effects that may go away on their own are:

• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Fruit-like breath odor
• Increased hunger
• Thirst, or urination
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• and Unexplained weight loss

Less common effect include:

• Abnormal stools
• Anxiety
• Chills
• Cold sweats
• Depression
• Frequent bowel movements
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Shakiness
• and Sore throat

If you experience side effects that were not mentioned, check with your physician as soon as possible.