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What is the most important information I should know about pancreatin?

Pancreatin is usually taken with meals and snacks and a full glass of water. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not hold the pancreatin tablet in your mouth. The medication may irritate the inside of your mouth.

Do not change brands of pancreatin without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of pancreatin are interchangeable while others are not. Ask your pharmacist which brands or generic forms can be substituted for another.

Pancreatin may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Do not take pancreatin with other digestive enzymes that your doctor has not prescribed.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as swollen or painful joints, urinating more than usual, or painful or difficult urination.

If you miss a dose of this medication, skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled dose to take the medicine. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What is pancreatin?

Pancreatin is a combination of digestive enzymes (proteins). These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats, proteins, and sugars.

Pancreatin is used to replace digestive enzymes when the pancreas does not produce enough on its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, including cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, pancreatic cancer, or pancreas surgery.

Pancreatin may also be used to treat a condition called steatorrhea (loose, fatty stools).

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pancreatin?

You should not take pancreatin if you are allergic to pork proteins, or if you are also taking any of the following medications:

• amylase;

• pancrelipase (Cotazym, Creon, Kutrase, Lipram, Panokase, Ultrase); or

• miglitol (Glyset).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using pancreatin, tell your doctor if you have:

• a sudden onset of pancreatitis; or

• worsening of chronic pancreatic disease.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pancreatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.