Pancrelipase (Zenpep)

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Pancrelipase (Zenpep) has three enzymes (proteins) normally made by the pancreas important in digestion of fats, proteins, and sugar. It is used in conditions like pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or cancer of the pancreas where the pancreas cannot make, or doesn’t release, enough digestive enzymes into the small intestines to digest food. It is also used following surgery to remove the pancreas.

How should you take Zenpep

  • Take medicine exactly as doctor tells you.
  • Take with a full glass of water or juice with a meal or snack.
  • Do not hold the capsule contents in your mouth. It may irritate the inside of your mouth.
  • Swallow it whole. Do not crush, chew, break, or open to try and take less of the medicine because opening the pill may cause too much of the medicine to be released at one time.
  • If it makes swallowing easier, you can open the capsule and sprinkle all of the the medicine in a spoonful of pudding or applesauce Swallow it right away without chewing. If you use the pudding or applesauce to take medicine, do not try and save it for later use.
  • Do not inhale the powder or allow it to touch your skin.

Before taking Zenpep

  • You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to pork proteins, suddenly get pancreatitis, or worse problems with your pancreas.
  • Make sure you can safely take this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
    • Kidney disease
    • Gout
    • A history of blockage in your intestines
    • Pregnant. It is not known if this medicine would harm the baby. Tell doctor if you are breast-feeding too.

If you miss a dose, take as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time to take another dose don’t take the missed dose and then take the regular dose.

Side effects of Zenpep

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Mild stomach pain or upset
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Bloating or gas
  • Greasy stools
  • Rectal irritation
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Cough
  • Weight loss.

Get emergency help if you have any of these allergic reactions:

  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Call the doctor at once if you have severe or unusual stomach pain. This could be a sign of a rare serious bowel disorder.

Tell the doctor if you are using other drugs that may interact with this medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Use medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out completely.

Store in the original container at room temperature (below 78 degrees) and keep the bottle tightly closed. If the medicine has been in temperatures above 104 degrees, throw it away.

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