This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Creon; Pancreaze; Pancrelipase (Lip-Prot-Amyl); Pertzye; Viokace; Zenpep
Brand Names: Canada
Cotazym; Creon; Pancrease MT; Ultrase; Ultrase MT; Viokase
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to help break down food when the pancreas is not working the right way.
Tablets:
- If your child has been given this form of this drug, talk with the doctor for information about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about giving this drug to your child.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Have your child follow the diet plan your child’s doctor told you about.
- If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your child’s blood sugar closely.
- Watch for gout attacks.
- This drug is made from pork (pig) pancreas tissue. There is a very small risk of getting a viral disease from this drug. No cases have happened. Talk with the doctor.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of gallstones like sudden pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills.
- Joint pain or swelling.
- Mouth or tongue irritation.
- Swollen gland.
- This drug may raise the chance of a rare bowel problem called fibrosing colonopathy. This bowel problem can be severe and may lead to the need for surgery. Call the doctor right away if your child has any abnormal or severe stomach pain, bloating, trouble passing stools, upset stomach, throwing up, or diarrhea.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Dizziness or headache.
- Stomach pain or heartburn.
- Gas.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Upset stomach.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Neck pain.
- Stuffy nose.
- Ear pain.
- Nosebleed.
- Anal irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Give this drug with meals and snacks.
- Have your child swallow whole. Do not let your child chew, crush, or hold this product in the mouth. If your child does so, your child may get mouth irritation or it may change the way this drug works. Talk with the doctor.
- Give each dose with lots of fluids to make sure your child swallows all of the contents.
- Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.
- You may sprinkle contents of capsule on applesauce. Have your child swallow right away without chewing and follow with water or juice.
- Give the mixture right away. Do not store for use at a later time.
- Some products may be sprinkled on foods other than applesauce. Be sure you know what foods you can mix this drug with.
- Some brands of this drug may be given down a certain type of feeding tube. Other brands must not be given down a feeding tube. Check with your pharmacist to see if you can give this drug down a feeding tube.
Capsules (infants up to 12 months old):
- Give this drug every time you feed your child.
- Sprinkle the contents into the infant’s mouth or over a small amount of applesauce. Some products may also be mixed with other foods found in baby food jars like bananas or pears. Be sure you know what foods you can mix this drug with.
- Do not mix with baby formula or breast milk.
- Give the mixture right away. Do not store for use at a later time.
- Have your child drink baby formula or breast milk right after giving.
- Check inside your child’s mouth after feeding to make sure your child swallowed the drug.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- Skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
- Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store at room temperature with the lid tightly closed.
- Store in the original container. Do not take out the antimoisture cube or packet.
- Protect from heat.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2023-11-22
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