Pancreatin

About Pancreatin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as pancreatic enzymes.

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.

Pancreatin is available in capsule, granule and tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Creon; Nutrizym; Pancrease; Pancrex; Pancrex V. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Pancreatin

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

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

How to Take Pancreatin

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Pancreatin is usually taken with or immediately after every meal or snack.
• Pancreatin granules can be washed down immediately without chewing. They can also be mixed with liquid or sprinkled on soft food, then swallowed immediately without chewing.
• Pancreatin capsules can be swallowed whole or opened up and the contents mixed with soft food and then swallowed immediately without chewing.
• Do not mix pancreatin with hot food or liquids. Heat will stop pancreatin working properly.

• Pancreatin should always be taken either with food or immediately before or after food.

• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as pancreatin tablets. Take indigestion remedies at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of pancreatin.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of pancreatin, drink plenty of water and contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor, so your progress can be monitored.
• Try to drink plenty of water while you are being treated with pancreatin.
• Before purchasing any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside pancreatin.

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 to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Feeling sick, being sick, tummy pain or discomfort.

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

How to store Pancreatin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 16/06/2003