Pancrelipase
1 medicine
Pancrelipase is a pancreatic enzyme replacement that helps digest fat, protein and starch in people whose pancreas does not make enough of its own. High doses have been linked to a serious bowel narrowing called fibrosing colonopathy, so the prescribed dose should never be exceeded.
Key facts
- Pancrelipase is a mix of digestive enzymes, derived from pig pancreas, that replaces what your own pancreas is not producing.
- It is taken with every meal and snack, swallowed whole with capsules or granules, not crushed or chewed, so the coating protecting the enzymes from stomach acid stays intact.
- Doses above what is prescribed have been linked to fibrosing colonopathy, a serious narrowing of the bowel, particularly in children with cystic fibrosis; never increase the dose without medical advice.
- Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or blood in the stool.
What pancrelipase treats
Pancrelipase treats exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a lack of digestive enzymes caused by cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or removal of part of the pancreas. Left untreated, this causes oily, foul-smelling stools, weight loss, and deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins.
How pancrelipase works
The pancreas normally releases enzymes, lipase, protease and amylase, into the small intestine to break down fat, protein and starch from food into pieces small enough to absorb. When the pancreas cannot supply enough of these enzymes, pancrelipase capsules deliver them directly into the gut at mealtimes to take over that job.
Before you take it
- Tell your prescriber if you have a known allergy to pork protein, since pancrelipase is derived from pigs.
- People with a history of bowel strictures or fibrosing colonopathy need careful dose review before starting.
- Do not open, crush, or chew enteric-coated capsules or mix the granules into hot food, since this destroys the coating that protects the enzymes from being broken down by stomach acid before they reach the intestine.
- Tell your prescriber about gout or high uric acid levels, since high enzyme doses can raise uric acid.
Side effects
Common effects include stomach cramps, nausea, and loose stools.
Seek urgent medical care for:
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain.
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food down.
- Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools.
- Swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Safety essentials
- Never exceed the prescribed dose. High-dose, long-term use has been linked to fibrosing colonopathy, a bowel stricture that can require surgery, especially in children.
- Report new or worsening abdominal pain promptly, particularly if the dose has recently changed.
- Swallow capsules whole or sprinkle granules on soft acidic food eaten right away, and do not let the enzymes sit in the mouth, since they can irritate its lining.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.