Pancrelipase, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: pancreatic enzyme

Generic and brand names: : pancrelipase, oral; Cotazym; Cotazym-S; Creon-10; Creon-20; Hi-Vegi-Lip; Ilozyme; Ku-Zyme HP; Lipram, Pancrease; Pancrease MT 10; Pancrease MT 4; Pancrease MT 16; Pancrease MT 20; Pancrezyme 4X; Protilase; Ultrase; Ultrase MT 18; Ultrase MT 20; Ultrace MT 24; Viokase; Zymase

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to help you digest certain foods when your pancreas doesn't produce enough natural enzymes.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to pancrelipase, pancreatin, or pork protein
• gout.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Take it with meals or snacks unless your health care provider tells you otherwise.

Swallow the tablets whole, with water. Do not chew them. Swallow the capsules whole, or open them and sprinkle the contents on soft food you can swallow without chewing.

Do not try to swallow the powder dry. Mix it with soft food such as applesauce or with water or fruit juice.

What should I watch out for?

If you are using the powder form of this medicine or opening the capsules to sprinkle the contents on food, avoid breathing in the powder. It irritates your mouth and nose and can cause trouble breathing and skin irritation. If you get the powder on your hands or skin, wash it off right away.

This medicine may increase the effects of alcohol. Ask your health care provider about the use of alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider): Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, joint pain.

Other: Mouth irritation from chewing the tablets.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• antacids containing calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide
• iron medicines.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.