The U.S. FDA approved Pancreatin for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency on April 30, 2009 which has a high-strength pancreatic enzyme supplement. This medicine has natural enzymes taken from pig pancreas glands.

Pancreatin treats pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. It is a condition when the pancreas gland does not make enough enzymes to digest food. This medication is typically used by individuals with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, partial or total pancreatectomy (part or all of the pancreas removed), or pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatin capsule/tablet

Take Pancreatin capsule/tablet as your physician advises. Swallow the capsule whole and intact. Do not crush, break, or chew the medicine. Take medicine during or immediately after eating a meal or snack so that the enzymes mix well with your food and aid digestion as it passes through your gut. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Stop the medicine only if your doctor advises.

Pancreatin Granules 

Take Pancreatin as your physician advises. Avoid non-acidic mixtures, crushing, chewing, or storing the mixture. Do not hold in your mouth. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Stop the medicine only if your doctor advises.

The most common side effects of Pancreatin are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, sickness, and bloating. 

Do not consume Pancreatin if you are allergic to Pancreatin, pork, pig-related products, or any of its ingredients. Report to your doctor if you notice any unusual abdominal symptoms or changes in abdominal symptoms. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. 

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Limited information is available on the use of Pancreatin in patients with liver disease. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor before considering its usage to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your condition. Contact your doctor for more information.

If you have severe allergic reactions like itching, hives, or rash, stop treatment and seek medical attention. Mouth irritation may occur if these capsules are chewed or kept in the mouth for too long; avoid this by sprinkling Pancreatin on specific food items. If you have cystic fibrosis and are taking this medicine at high doses, you should be cautious, as there have been reports of a rare bowel condition called fibrosing colonopathy. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.  Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 25°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. Mylan; Pancreatin; [Accessed on 21st July 2023], https://file.wuxuwang.com/hma/DE_H_5183_002_FinalPL_2of2.pdf
2. Mylan, Electronic medicine compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2022], [Accessed on 21st July 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/EMC/files/pil.1168.pdf
3. K.D Tripathi, Antiemetic, Prokinetic and Digestant Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 709-720.
4. Kenneth R. McQuaid, Drugs Used in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 1087-1119.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.