Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsHow Much to TakeWhat to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
How Much to Take
What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Pancreatin(also known as pancreatin systemic or pancrelipase) is a prescription medication that contains several digestive enzymes. These enzymes are normally made in the pancreas and other areas of the body.
Pancreatin helps break down food and convert it into energy. This medication is a commercial mixture of enzymes, including amylase to digest starch, protease to digest protein, and lipase to digest fat.
This article will go over how pancreatin is used, as well as the possible side effects and risks of taking pancreatin.
Pancreatin is often used to treat health problems that cause the pancreas to either not make or release enough pancreatic enzymes:
Pancreatin can be useful for managing these health conditions because it can:
Some people take digestive enzymes like pancreatin for GI symptoms like heartburn. However, more evidence is needed to support using digestive enzymes for indigestion and other digestive symptoms.
Disorders of the Pancreas
Pancreatin can be used when the pancreas is not making enough digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, or protease. This condition is called pancreatic insufficiency.
One disorder that causes pancreatic insufficiency iscystic fibrosis(CF). In CF, thick, sticky mucus is released and can clog the pancreas and other parts of the body such as the lungs. The mucus prevents the effective secretion of pancreatic enzymes.
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), most patients with CF have pancreatic insufficiency and need to take digestive enzymes.
Taking enzymes such as pancreatin helps with the assimilation of nutrients, which promotes weight gain. Being underweight can present health challenges for people with CF, and being nourished and at a healthier weight has been linked to better lung function. Taking enzymes with each meal and snack can be an important part of managing nutrition for people with CF.
Pancreatin Research Studies
Taking pancreatin supplements has been shown in clinical research studies to help promote efficient digestion and proper absorption of nutrients in people with conditions that have affected their pancreatic function.
Potential Side Effects
Many people taking pancreatin do not have side effects, but they are possible. While taking pancreatin you may have:
Tell your provider right away if you have severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other concerning symptoms while you’re taking pancreatin.
While it’s rare, you should know the possible symptoms of an allergic reaction to pancreatin, which include:
Severe allergic symptoms may include:
Severe allergic reactions are a medical emergency. If you have symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction or shock, you need immediate medical attention.
Contraindications
There are some instances where pancreatin should not be taken because it could cause harm to a patient.
Before taking pancreatin, tell your provider if you:
You should also talk to your provider before using pancreatin if:
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Dosage and Preparation
Preparation
Pancreatin is available in several forms, including:
Prescription forms are only available in tablets and capsules. Pancreatin or pancreatic enzymes are usually made from cows or pigs but can also come from plant sources.
There are many pancreatin products available commercially. The enzyme amount in each kind will vary. It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider about which type of pancreatin is best for you.
How to Take Pancreatic Enzymes
Your provider will tell you how to take pancreatin, but in general, pancreatic enzymes work best when taken at the start of meals.
Here are some other things you should know about taking pancreatic enzymes:
Dosage
Studies have suggested that the minimal dose of pancreatin is 25,000–50,000 units. However, the therapeutic dose can vary depending on a person’s condition, age, symptoms, and other health factors.
For example, your provider may want you to take a specific number of capsules with a meal, and a smaller number with each snack. Or you may have to adjust your dose according to the fat content in a meal or snack.
If you have CF or another health condition that affects normal fat digestion, your provider will consider the amount of lipase in the medication they prescribe because lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fat.
Can You Take Too Much Pancreatin?Studies have found that taking too many pancreatic enzymes can potentially cause damage to the intestines. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking pancreatin or any other type of enzymatic supplement.
Can You Take Too Much Pancreatin?
Studies have found that taking too many pancreatic enzymes can potentially cause damage to the intestines. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking pancreatin or any other type of enzymatic supplement.
To find out how many units of lipase, protease, and amylase there are in a specific brand of enzyme supplements, check the label on the side of the bottle.
Do not change brands without talking to your provider, as how much of the enzymes are in different products can vary.
Storage
It’s best to store pancreatin at room temperature and keep the supplements away from heat (e.g., do not store them near the stove or in a hot car). Heat can destroy the enzymes and make them no longer work.
Today, there are only 6 brand names of pancreatic enzymes that are FDA-approved:
Summary
Your provider may want you to try pancreatic enzymes if you have a health condition that prevents your body from getting all the nutrition you need from the food you eat, particularly fat.
Unlike most supplements, the FDA has approved 6 pancreatic enzyme products. Depending on your needs, your provider will prescribe a dose for you and tell you when to take them, but it will usually be when you have meals and snacks.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSometimes there is no outward change in symptoms after taking digestive enzymes, but your healthcare provider or other healthcare provider may perform blood tests, or take a stool sample, to find out if pancreatin is working. The healthcare provider will use the lab test results to evaluate the dose and duration that the enzymes should be given.Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve, or they get worse while taking pancreatin.A rash, or itchiness that occurs upon contact of pancreatin is common in some people.If this occurs, wearing thin gloves may be needed when handling pancreatin.The packet that comes with your prescription will go over the side effects and other important information you should know about pancreatin. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or provider.
Sometimes there is no outward change in symptoms after taking digestive enzymes, but your healthcare provider or other healthcare provider may perform blood tests, or take a stool sample, to find out if pancreatin is working. The healthcare provider will use the lab test results to evaluate the dose and duration that the enzymes should be given.
Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve, or they get worse while taking pancreatin.
A rash, or itchiness that occurs upon contact of pancreatin is common in some people.If this occurs, wearing thin gloves may be needed when handling pancreatin.
The packet that comes with your prescription will go over the side effects and other important information you should know about pancreatin. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or provider.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Suarez F, Levitt MD, Adshead J, Barkin JS.Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal.Dig Dis Sci. 1999;44(7):1317-1321. doi:10.1023/a:1026675012864Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Pancreatic enzymes clinical care guidelines.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Nutritional basics.Thorat V, Reddy N, Bhatia S, et al.Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of pancreatin enteric-coated minimicrospheres (Creon 40000 MMS) in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis–a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36(5):426-36. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05202.xSeiler CM, Izbicki J, Varga-szabó L, et al.Randomised clinical trial: a 1-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pancreatin 25 000 Ph. Eur. minimicrospheres (Creon 25000 MMS) for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after pancreatic surgery, with a 1-year open-label extension.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013;37(7):691-702. doi:10.1111/apt.12236National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Creon—pancrelipase capsule, delayed release[drug label].Drugs.com.Pancreatin.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Enzymes.Medicines for Children.Pancreatin for pancreatic insufficiency.Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2022;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137Additional ReadingIaniro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-93. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Suarez F, Levitt MD, Adshead J, Barkin JS.Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal.Dig Dis Sci. 1999;44(7):1317-1321. doi:10.1023/a:1026675012864Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Pancreatic enzymes clinical care guidelines.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Nutritional basics.Thorat V, Reddy N, Bhatia S, et al.Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of pancreatin enteric-coated minimicrospheres (Creon 40000 MMS) in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis–a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36(5):426-36. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05202.xSeiler CM, Izbicki J, Varga-szabó L, et al.Randomised clinical trial: a 1-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pancreatin 25 000 Ph. Eur. minimicrospheres (Creon 25000 MMS) for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after pancreatic surgery, with a 1-year open-label extension.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013;37(7):691-702. doi:10.1111/apt.12236National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Creon—pancrelipase capsule, delayed release[drug label].Drugs.com.Pancreatin.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Enzymes.Medicines for Children.Pancreatin for pancreatic insufficiency.Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2022;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137Additional ReadingIaniro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-93. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Suarez F, Levitt MD, Adshead J, Barkin JS.Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal.Dig Dis Sci. 1999;44(7):1317-1321. doi:10.1023/a:1026675012864Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Pancreatic enzymes clinical care guidelines.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Nutritional basics.Thorat V, Reddy N, Bhatia S, et al.Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of pancreatin enteric-coated minimicrospheres (Creon 40000 MMS) in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis–a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36(5):426-36. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05202.xSeiler CM, Izbicki J, Varga-szabó L, et al.Randomised clinical trial: a 1-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pancreatin 25 000 Ph. Eur. minimicrospheres (Creon 25000 MMS) for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after pancreatic surgery, with a 1-year open-label extension.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013;37(7):691-702. doi:10.1111/apt.12236National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Creon—pancrelipase capsule, delayed release[drug label].Drugs.com.Pancreatin.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Enzymes.Medicines for Children.Pancreatin for pancreatic insufficiency.Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2022;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137
Suarez F, Levitt MD, Adshead J, Barkin JS.Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal.Dig Dis Sci. 1999;44(7):1317-1321. doi:10.1023/a:1026675012864
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Pancreatic enzymes clinical care guidelines.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Nutritional basics.
Thorat V, Reddy N, Bhatia S, et al.Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of pancreatin enteric-coated minimicrospheres (Creon 40000 MMS) in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis–a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36(5):426-36. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05202.x
Seiler CM, Izbicki J, Varga-szabó L, et al.Randomised clinical trial: a 1-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pancreatin 25 000 Ph. Eur. minimicrospheres (Creon 25000 MMS) for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after pancreatic surgery, with a 1-year open-label extension.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013;37(7):691-702. doi:10.1111/apt.12236
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Creon—pancrelipase capsule, delayed release[drug label].
Drugs.com.Pancreatin.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Enzymes.
Medicines for Children.Pancreatin for pancreatic insufficiency.
Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2022;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137
Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-93. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137
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