User:Mr. Ibrahem/Pancreatic enzymes (medication)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pancreatic enzymes, also known as pancrelipase and pancreatin, are commercial mixtures of amylase, lipase, and protease.[1][2] They are used to treat malabsorption syndrome due to certain pancreatic problems.[1] These pancreatic problems may be due to cystic fibrosis, surgical removal of the pancreas, long term pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer, among others.[1][3] The preparation is taken by mouth.[1]
Clinical data | |
---|---|
Trade names | Creon, Pancreaze, Pancrex, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a604035 |
Pregnancy category |
|
Routes of administration | By mouth |
Common side effects include vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.[1] Other side effects include perianal irritation and high blood uric acid.[3] The enzymes are from pigs.[3] Use is believed to be safe during pregnancy.[3] The components are digestive enzymes similar to those normally produced by the human pancreas.[4] They help the person digest fats, starches, and proteins.[3]
Pancreatic enzymes have been used as medications since at least the 1800s.[5] They are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[6] In the United Kingdom a typical month's supply costs the NHS about £12.93 to £47.55 as of 2019.[7] In the United States the wholesale cost of this amount is about US$300 to US$900.[8] In 2017, it was the 275th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than one million prescriptions.[9][10]