Generic name: pancrelipase [ PAN-kree-LYE-pase ]
Brand names: Creon, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Viokace, Zenpep, ... show all 64 brands Cotazym, Viokase, Zymase, Pancrease MT 4, Pancrease MT 16, Protilase, Panase, Ku-Zyme HP, Cotazym-S, Creon 10, Creon 20, Ultrase MT 20, Protilase MT-16, Creon 5, Pancrease, Pancrease MT 10, Vio-Moore, Panokase, Ilozyme, Pancrease MT 20, Ultrase, Ultrase MT 12, Pancron D/R, Encron-10, Ultrase MT 18, Arco-Lase, Lipram, Pancrecarb MS-8, Pancrecarb MS-4, Lipram-UL 18, Lipram-CR20, Lipram-UL 12, Lipram-UL 20, Viokase 16, Pancreatil-UL 12, Pangestyme CN 10, Pangestyme CN 20, Pangestyme MT 16, Pangestyme UL 18, Pangestyme EC, Kutrase, Ku-Zyme, Lipram-CR, Plaretase, Viokase 8, Lipram-CR5, Lapase, Dygase, Pancrecarb MS-16, Pangestyme UL 20, Panocaps, Panocaps MT 16, Lipram-CR10, Palcaps 10, Lipram-PN10, Lipram-PN16, Lipram-PN20, Panokase 16, Ultresa
Dosage forms: oral delayed release capsule (10,000 units-32,000 units-42,000 units; 10,500 units-61,500 units-35,500 units; 12,000 units-38,000 units-60,000 units; 15,000 units-47,000 units-63,000 units; 16,000 units-57,500 units-60,500 units; 16,800 units-98,400 units-56,800 units; 20,000 units-63,000 units-84,000 units; 21,000 units-83,900 units-54,700 units; 24,000 units-76,000 units-120,000 units; 24,000 units-86,250 units-90,750 units; 25,000 units-79,000 units-105,000 units; 2600 units-15,200 units-8800 units; 3000 units-10,000 units-14,000 units; 3000 units-9500 units-15,000 units; 36,000 units-114,000 units-180,000 units; 37,000 units-97,300 units-149,900 units; 40,000 units-126,000 units-168,000 units; 4000 units-14,375 units-15,125 units; 4200 units-24,600 units-14,200 units; 5000 units-17,000 units-24,000 units; 60,000 units-189,600 units-252,600 units; 6000 units-19,000 units-30,000 units; 8000 units-28,750 units-30,250 units), ... show all 2 dosage forms oral tablet (10,440 units-39,150 units-39,150 units; 20,880 units-78,300 units-78,300 units)
Drug class: Digestive enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 3, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pancrelipase?

Pancrelipase is a combination of three enzymes including lipases, proteases, and amylases.

Pancrelipase is used to replace these enzymes when the body does not have enough of its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, including cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, or blockage of the pancreatic ducts.

Pancrelipase may also be used following surgical removal of the pancreas.

Pancrelipase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pancrelipase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

A rare but serious bowel disorder may occur during treatment with pancrelipase. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: severe or unusual stomach pain, bloating, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Pancrelipase may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or redness.

Pancrelipase can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using pancrelipase.

Common side effects of pancrelipase may include:

• stomach pain or upset, gas, nausea, vomiting;

• feeling full after eating a small amount;

• gallstones or bile duct stones;

• diarrhea, frequent or abnormal bowel movements;

• anal itching;

• bruising;

• headache, dizziness;

• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat; or

• changes in your blood sugar.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder such as severe or unusual stomach pain, bloating, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• an allergy to pork products;

• gout or high levels of uric acid in the blood;

• a blockage or scarring of your intestines;

• trouble swallowing pills;

• lactose intolerance;

• any other medical condition; or

• kidney disease.

Pancrelipase is made from the pancreas of pigs. Blood and plasma are tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit viral infection. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

It is not known if pancrelipase will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using pancrelipase.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take pancrelipase?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take more than your recommended dose or use this medicine more often than prescribed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of pancrelipase based on the amount of fatty foods in your diet.

Take pancrelipase with meals or snacks.

Read and carefully follow the Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand these instructions.

Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a full glass of water or juice and do not crush, chew, or break it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with soft food such as applesauce, bananas, or pears. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not mix the medicine with infant formula or breast milk. Do not save the mixture for later use.

Swallow pancrelipase right away and do not keep the pill or mixture in your mouth. Pancrelipase can irritate the inside of your mouth.

Pancrelipase can also be given through a feeding tube.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of pancrelipase and stomach acid medicine such as dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, and others. Use all medications as directed.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis and your blood may need to be tested often.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Follow all storage instructions provided with pancrelipase. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking pancrelipase?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect pancrelipase?

Other drugs may affect pancrelipase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Frequently asked questions

• What are enteric-coated tablets?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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