Pancreatin is a combination of enzymes that helps digest food. It is a supplement given to people whose bodies do not make enough enzyme to digest their food particularly for patients with cystic fibrosis (a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus build up in the lungs), inflammation of the pancreas, or when the pancreas has been removed.
Take Pancreatin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal or snacks. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Pancreatin is available as a conventional capsule, delayed-release capsule, enteric-coated tablet, conventional tablet, powder, or gastro-resistant granule.
Tablets or capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush or hold this medicine in your mouth as it can cause mouth irritation. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, open the capsule and mix the contents (without crushing) with soft acidic foods (e.g. applesauce, yoghurt). Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, your doctor may prescribe you with a medicine that reduces stomach acid production (proton pump inhibitor) to be taken together with Pancreatin.
If you are taking the powder, you may swallow it dry or mixed with little water or milk.
If you are taking the granules, you may mix it with acidic liquid e.g. pure apple juice or applesauce, swallow it immediately without chewing.
It is important to take each dose with lots of fluids to make sure you swallow all the contents.
If you are on a gastrostomy tube, follow these steps:
Note: Not all Pancreatin capsules can be given through this route. Please refer to specific product guidelines.
- Place at least 10 mL of applesauce or other acidic food recommended by your doctor, into a clean container.
- Carefully open 1 or 2 capsules depending on the prescribed dose. Mix the contents of the capsule with apple sauce and carefully stir. Be careful not to crush the contents when mixing.
- Remove the plunger from a 35 mL slip-tip syringe. Cover the tip of the syringe with your finger.
- Carefully spoon the mixed contents into the syringe and replace the plunger back after.
- Turn the syringe upward. Remove your finger from the tip of the syringe and gently shake or tap to move the mixture down toward the plunger.
- Carefully push the plunger until the mixture fills the syringe tip.
- Connect the syringe directly to the gastrostomy tube feeding port.
- Press on the plunger using steady pressure for over 10-12 seconds to push all the mixture into the feeding port.
- Flush the gastrostomy tube feeding port with about 10 mL of water.
- If your prescribed dose is more than 2 capsules, repeat steps 1-10 using only 1 or 2 capsules at a time until the prescribed dose is given.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Pancreatin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose in between meals. Take only at your next scheduled dose and meal.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- too much uric acid in the blood
- gout (painful, swollen joints caused by uric acid crystals)
- scarring or thickening of bowel wall (fibrosing colonopathy)
- allergies to pork or any pig products
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Regular monitoring of weight, nutritional intake, stool character and fat content, growth (in children) and abdominal symptoms may be needed.
Do not switch brands unless instructed by your doctor. This is because different brands of Pancreatin may have slightly different ways of working in your body.
Pancreatin may cause any of the following side effects: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, feeling sick, and skin rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual or severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, trouble passing stools, diarrhoea
- signs of allergic reaction like rashes, itching, wheezing, breathlessness, swollen lips
- irritation of the inside of the mouth (if crushed, chewed, not swallowed completely or when mixed with high pH or alkaline foods)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid mixing with alkaline food as it may cause the medicine to become ineffective.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from heat and moisture.
Keep this medicine in the original bottle and do not transfer to any other container. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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