Viokace, Zenpep, Creon, Pertzye, Pancreaze

Pancrelipase Capsules

(pan kre LYE pase)

Creon, Zenpep

It is used to help break down food when the pancreas is not working the right way.

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor. Follow the diet plan that your doctor told you about. If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely. Watch for gout attacks. This drug is made from pork (pig) pancreas tissue. There is a very small risk of getting a viral disease from this drug. No cases have happened. Talk with the doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of gallstones like sudden pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills. Joint pain or swelling. Mouth or tongue irritation. Swollen gland. This drug may raise the chance of a rare bowel problem called fibrosing colonopathy. This bowel problem can be very bad and may lead to the need for surgery. Call your doctor right away if you have any abnormal or very bad stomach pain, bloating, trouble passing stools, upset stomach, throwing up, or diarrhea.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Dizziness or headache. Stomach pain or heartburn. Gas. Diarrhea or constipation. Upset stomach. Cough. Sore throat. Neck pain. Stuffy nose. Ear pain. Nosebleed. Anal irritation. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Take with meals and snacks. Swallow whole. Do not chew, crush, or hold this product in your mouth. If you do, you may get mouth irritation or it may change the way this drug works. Talk with your doctor. Take each dose with lots of fluids to make sure you swallow all of the contents. Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well. You may sprinkle contents of capsule on applesauce. Do not chew. Swallow right away and follow with water or juice. After mixing, take your dose right away. Do not store for future use. Some products may be sprinkled on foods other than applesauce. Be sure you know what foods you can mix this drug with. Some brands of this drug may be given down a certain type of feeding tube. Other brands must not be given down a feeding tube. Check with your pharmacist to see if you can give this drug down a feeding tube. Capsules (infants up to 12 months old): Give this drug every time you feed your child. Sprinkle the contents into the infant's mouth or over a small amount of applesauce. Some products may also be mixed with other foods found in baby food jars like bananas or pears. Be sure you know what foods you can mix this drug with. Do not mix with baby formula or breast milk. Give the mixture right away. Do not store for use at a later time. Have your child drink baby formula or breast milk right after giving. Check inside your child's mouth after feeding to make sure your child swallowed the drug.

Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Store at room temperature with the lid tightly closed. Store in the original container. Do not take out the antimoisture cube or packet. Protect from heat. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.