Pancrelipase

Generic Name: pancrelipase

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Viokace

11. DESCRIPTION Pancrelipase is a pancreatic enzyme product consisting of a mixture of enzymes including lipases, proteases, and amylases, and is an extract derived from porcine pancreatic glands. VIOKACE (pancrelipase) tablets are for oral administration and available as follows: 10,440 USP units of lipase; 39,150 USP units of protease; and 39,150 USP units of amylase as a tan, round biconvex tablet and have VIO9111 engraved on one side and 9111 on the other side.

Overview

11. DESCRIPTION Pancrelipase is a pancreatic enzyme product consisting of a mixture of enzymes including lipases, proteases, and amylases, and is an extract derived from porcine pancreatic glands. VIOKACE (pancrelipase) tablets are for oral administration and available as follows: 10,440 USP units of lipase; 39,150 USP units of protease; and 39,150 USP units of amylase as a tan, round biconvex tablet and have VIO9111 engraved on one side and 9111 on the other side.

Uses

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE VIOKACE, in combination with a proton pump inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy in adults. VIOKACE, in combination with a proton pump inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy in adults. ( 1 )

Dosage

2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Dosing Information ( 2.1 ) VIOKACE is a mixture of enzymes including lipases, proteases, and amylases and dosing is based on lipase units. Dosing scheme based on actual body weight or fat ingestion. Individualize the dosage based on clinical symptoms, the degree of steatorrhea present, and the fat content of the diet. Do not exceed 2,500 lipase units/kg/meal, 10,000 lipase units/kg/day, or 4,000 lipase units/g fat ingested/day without further investigation. ( 5.1 ) The total daily dosage should reflect approximately three meals plus two or three snacks per day. With each snack, administer approximately half the prescribed dose for a meal. Do not substitute other pancreatic enzyme products for VIOKACE.

Side Effects

6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious or otherwise important adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Fibrosing Colonopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Irritation of the Oral Mucosa [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hyperuricemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Risk of Viral Transmission [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Potential for Exacerbation of Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥7%) are: anal pruritus and biliary tract stones. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc at 1-833-AIM2KNO (1-833-246-2566) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1.

Warnings

5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Fibrosing Colonopathy : Associated with high doses, usually over prolonged use and in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis. Colonic stricture reported in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age with dosages exceeding 6,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Monitor during treatment for progression of preexisting disease. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, unless clinically indicated. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Irritation of the Oral Mucosa : May occur if tablets are crushed or chewed. ( 5.2 ) Hyperuricemia : Reported with high dosages, consider monitoring blood uric acid levels in patients with gout, renal impairment, or hyperuricemia. ( 5.3 ) Risk of Viral Transmission : The presence of porcine viruses that might infect humans cannot be definitely excluded. 4. CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1. Pregnancy Risk Summary Published data from case reports with pancrelipase use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Pancrelipase is minimally absorbed systematically; therefore, maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with pancrelipase. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.

Storage

Storage and Handling Store VIOKACE at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and protect from moisture. Brief excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F) for 24 hours. After opening, keep the container tightly closed between uses to protect from moisture . Store and dispense VIOKACE in the original container. VIOKACE is dispensed in bottles containing a desiccant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pancrelipase used for?

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE VIOKACE, in combination with a proton pump inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy in adults. VIOKACE, in combination with a proton pump inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy in adults. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Pancrelipase?

6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious or otherwise important adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Fibrosing Colonopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Irritation of the Oral Mucosa [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hyperuricemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Risk of Viral Transmission [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Potential for Exacerbation of Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥7%) are: anal pruritus and biliary tract stones. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc at 1-833-AIM2KNO (1-833-246-2566) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1.

Can I take Pancrelipase during pregnancy?

8.1. Pregnancy Risk Summary Published data from case reports with pancrelipase use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Pancrelipase is minimally absorbed systematically; therefore, maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with pancrelipase. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.

What are the important warnings for Pancrelipase?

5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Fibrosing Colonopathy : Associated with high doses, usually over prolonged use and in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis. Colonic stricture reported in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age with dosages exceeding 6,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Monitor during treatment for progression of preexisting disease. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, unless clinically indicated. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Irritation of the Oral Mucosa : May occur if tablets are crushed or chewed. ( 5.2 ) Hyperuricemia : Reported with high dosages, consider monitoring blood uric acid levels in patients with gout, renal impairment, or hyperuricemia. ( 5.3 ) Risk of Viral Transmission : The presence of porcine viruses that might infect humans cannot be definitely excluded. 4. CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.