Pancrease

What is it?

A preparation of pancreatic enzymes with pancreatin equivalent to 5,000 B. P. units lipase activity, 2, 900 B. P. units amylase activity, 330B. P. units protease activity, avaialable as white capsules containing enteric- coated pellets. Capsules are marked 0095. Also, PANCREASE HL, available as red/white capsules enclosing enteric-coated pellets with pancreatin equivalent to 25,000 B. P. units lipase activity, 22, 500 B. P. units amylase activity, 1, 250 B. P. units protease activity. Capsules are marked HL.

Medical Uses

Insufficiency of pancreatic enzymes as in cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, following removal of pancreas or gastrointestinal bypass surgery, obstruction of pancreatic duct due to cancer.

Dosage

Adults and children, 1 or 2 capsules taken with every meal (up to 3, if necessary, to a maximum of 10,000 units per kg of body weight lipase). 1 capsule should Also, be taken with snacks.

Special Care

Patients must drink plenty of fluids to ensure good hydration. Those who develop unexpected abdominal symptoms should be evaluated, especially if taking in excess of 10,000 units of lipase per kg of body weight, to ensure no damage to colon.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, children with cystic fibrosis aged under 15 years - Pancrease HL, patients with allergy to pork.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Food with pH less than 5.5.

Known Side Effects

Nausea, abdominal effects, high levels of uric acid in urine, stricture (abnormal narrowing) of large bowel and ileo-caecum (parts of intestine), risk of fibrosing colonopathy. High levels of uric acid in blood (with extremely high doses).

Manufacturer

Janssen-Cilag.