Key facts about Pancrelipase
What dosages is Pancrelipase available in?
Pancrelipase is available as a delayed-release oral capsule that contains:
3,000 USP units of lipase; 9,500 USP units of protease; and 15,000 USP units of amylase or 6,000 USP units of lipase; 19,000 USP units of protease; and 30,000 USP units of amylase or 12,000 USP units of lipase; 38,000 USP units of protease; and 60,000 USP units of amylase or
24,000 USP units of lipase; 76,000 USP units of protease; and 120,000 USP units of amylase or 36,000 USP units of lipase; 114,000 USP units of protease; and 180,000 USP units of amylase.
What is Pancrelipase used for?
- Pancrelipase is an enzyme and is used to treat pancreatic insufficiency (not enough digestive enzymes)
How does Pancrelipase work?
Pancrelipase replaces three important digestive or pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) that are normally made in the pancreas and help to break down food.
How do I take Pancrelipase?
- Your provider will help determine your dose of Pancrelipase based on different factors such as your symptoms, your weight, and the fat content of your meals
- The dose of Pancrelipase is based on units of the digestive enzymes. The typical dosing range is 500 lipase units/kg of body weight to 2,500 lipase units/kg of body weight by mouth with each meal. Your provider might ask you to take a smaller dose of Pancrelipase when you eat snacks in between meals
- The maximum total daily dose is less than or equal to 10,000 lipase units/kg of body weight. The daily dose assumes you eat 3 meals per day and have 2 to 3 snacks per day
Is it safe for me to take Pancrelipase?
Pancrelipase is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Pancrelipase Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Pancrelipase:
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Changes in your blood sugar (it can go up or down)
- Stomach pain
- Passing gas
- Changes in your stool or bowel movement
Pancrelipase Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Pancrelipase. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: feeling lightheaded, confused, trouble breathing, skin rash, swollen lips, nausea, vomiting
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Pancrelipase
- There are no major drug interactions listed for Pancrelipase. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking
Who makes Pancrelipase?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Pancrelipase safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Pancrelipase will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while receiving Pancrelipase, talk to your healthcare provider.













