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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Pancreatin

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Pancreatin

  • Pancreatin helps to digest fat, starch and protein.
  • Take pancreatin with your food or immediately before or after every meal or snack.
  • Drink plenty of water.

About pancreatin

Type of medicinePancreatic enzyme
Used forCystic fibrosis
After removal of the pancreas by surgery
Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas)
Also calledNutrizym® 10
Pancrex®
Pancrex® V
Pancrex® V Forte
Creon® Micro
Creon® 10 000

Higher strength preparations:
Creon® 25 000
Creon® 40 000
Nutrizym® 22
Pancrease® HL

Available asTablets, capsules, granules and powder

Pancreatin is a combination of pancreatic enzymes that are normally produced naturally in the body. They help to digest fat, starch and protein in the food you eat. Pancreatin is given to people who do not produce enough enzymes to digest their food properly, such as those suffering from cystic fibrosis, problems with the pancreas, or in those who have had their pancreas removed. The higher-strength preparations are not suitable for children aged 15 years or under with cystic fibrosis.

Before taking pancreatin

Before taking pancreatin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are allergic to pork or other pig products.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take pancreatin

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take pancreatin exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how much to take and may adjust your dose from time to time to make sure it continues to be the right dose for you.
  • Pancreatin should always be taken either with food or immediately before or after every meal or snack.
  • Pancreatin granules or powder can be swallowed with a drink of water but it is important that you do not chew the granules or powder. They can also be mixed with apple juice or sprinkled on soft food such as apple puree, then swallowed immediately but without chewing.
  • Pancreatin capsules can be swallowed whole. Alternatively they can be opened up and the contents mixed with acidic liquids (such as apple, orange or pineapple juice) or sprinkled on soft food (such as apple sauce or yoghurt) and then swallowed immediately but without chewing.
  • Pancreatin tablets should be swallowed whole before each snack or meal.
  • Do not mix pancreatin with hot food or liquids. Heat will stop pancreatin working properly.
  • Drink plenty of water while you are being treated with pancreatin.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time as pancreatin. If you need to take an indigestion remedy such as an antacid, take it at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of pancreatin.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can pancreatin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, abdominal painDiscuss this with your doctor as the dose you are taking may need adjusting. Let your doctor know straight away if, after taking pancreatin for some time, you develop any new or severe symptoms
Irritation of the mouth or back passageDiscuss this with your doctor as the dose you are taking may need adjusting

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store pancreatin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3836DocRef: dils3858Last Reviewed: 23 Jul 2009Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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