Pancreatin tablets

What are pancreatin tablets?

PANCREATIN (Donnazyme®) tablets improve your digestion of foods by replacing digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are substances produced by an organ called the pancreas; some health problems that cause the body to produce less of these enzymes. You may need to take pancreatin if you have cystic fibrosis or chronic inflammation of your pancreas, have had your pancreas removed, or have had certain types of stomach or intestinal surgery. Generic pancreatin tablets are available, but you should not switch products unless you are under the supervision of your health care professional.

What should my health care professional know before I take pancreatin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• acute pancreatitis

• difficulty swallowing

• esophagitis (inflammation of the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach)

• history of bowel obstruction

• frequent surgeries of the stomach or bowel

• an unusual or allergic reaction to pancreatin or pancrelipase, pork, pork protein, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take pancreatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water, do not crush or chew the tablets. Take pancreatin just before or with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Pancreatin is prescribed for children with specific health problems that impair their digestion. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with pancreatin?

• acarbose

• antacids containing calcium or magnesium

• iron salts

• miglitol

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking pancreatin?

Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you change your brand of pancreatin. Each brand of pancreatin contains different amounts of enzymes and may not give the same results.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Follow the instructions of your health care professional regarding your diet.

Do not hold the capsule in your mouth or chew it; the enzymes may cause mouth sores.

Do not take antacids containing calcium or magnesium.

What side effects may I notice from taking pancreatin?

Side effects are rare at recommended doses.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• diarrhea (severe or continuing)

• mouth irritation

• nausea, vomiting

• skin rash, itching, or hives

• stomach pain

• swelling

• shortness of breath

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.