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Pancreatic
Enzymes
(Pancrelipase,
Pancrezyme, Viokase-V, Epizyme, Turbozyme)
Common
Drug Name:
Pancreatic enzymes, pancrelipase
Common
Brand Names:
Pancrezyme, Viokase-V, Epizyme, Turbozyme No generic products are available.
Storage:
Store in
a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry location.
Uses:
Pancreatic enzymes are a collection of secretions from the pancreas that are
given to animals whose pancreas has stopped functioning. They are necessary to
digest fat, protein, and sugars. The product is generally made from pig
pancreas. Dogs and Cats: Pancreatic enzymes are used as a digestive aid for the
treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (maldigestion syndrome).
Pancreatic enzymes must be supplemented in cases of pancreatic enzyme
deficiency. Rabbits: Pancreatic enzymes may be used to aid in the treatment of
gastric trichobezoars (hairballs) and GI stasis. Birds: Pancreatic enzymes are
used for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and maldigestion.
Dose and
Administration:
Always
follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have
difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. In most cases, your
veterinarian’s recommendations will be to mix the powdered form of the enzymes
with the food. If feeding dry food, moisten the food with warm water and then
add the enzymes. Be sure to allow the enzymes time to work; usually the food and
enzyme mixture is allowed to stand 15-20 minutes before feeding. If using the
tablet form, administer the tablet before the meal. Feeding several small meals
a day is usually recommended. If you have any questions regarding how to use
this medication, contact your veterinarian. If you miss a dose, skip the one you
missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once. This
medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.
Possible
Side Effects:
High
doses may cause diarrhea, cramping, or vomiting. If you observe any of these
reactions, contact your veterinarian immediately. May cause mouth irritation if
not mixed well with moistened food and allowed to stand. If your pet experiences
an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling,
hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale
gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your
veterinarian immediately.
Precautions:
Do not
use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to pork products. Consult with your
veterinarian regarding physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary
prior to and during treatment with pancreatic enzymes.
Human
Precautions:
In
humans, inhaling the powder may cause an asthma attack or irritation to the
lungs. The powder may irritate or burn the skin on contact. Wash immediately if
you get any on your skin or your pet’s skin. Wash hands after handling this
medication.
Drug,
Food and Test Interactions:
Consult
your veterinarian before using pancreatic enzymes with any other medications,
including vitamins and supplements, antacids, cimetidine, and other histamine H2
receptor antagonists (medications used to decrease stomach acid), since
interactions may occur. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of pancreatic
enzymes.
Signs of
Toxicity/Overdose:
An
overdose may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or cramping. The effects should be
temporary. If you know or suspect your pet had had an overdose, or if you
observe any unusual signs, symptoms, or behaviors, contact your veterinarian
immediately.
Keep this
and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.
** This information may not cover all possible uses,
directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or
withdrawal times. Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice
concerning the treatment of your pet.
If you have questions about this
medication, please call our Pharmacy at (877) 815-6337 for a consultation
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