Zenpep (Pancrelipase)

Do’s

• Take Zenpep by mouth with meals and snacks as directed by your healthcare provider. Swallow the capsules whole.
• If swallowing is difficult, the capsule may be opened and the contents mixed in a small amount of liquid or soft food that does not require chewing, such as room-temperature applesauce.
• The dosage of Zenpep is based on your medical condition, diet, weight, and response to treatment.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking Zenpep unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
• Use Zenpep regularly to obtain the most benefit from it.  If your healthcare provider has recommended a special diet, follow it to obtain the most benefit from Zenpep.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition lasts or worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the capsule, as this can irritate the mouth and alter the medication's effectiveness.
• The capsule’s contents should not be mixed with alkaline food or liquid (e.g., milk, ice cream, tea). Consult your healthcare provider for more information about what foods or liquids to avoid when mixing.
• Do not take more capsules in a day than prescribed by your healthcare provider, as doing so will not improve your condition any faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Do not change brands or dosage forms of pancrelipase without consulting your healthcare provider, as different products may contain different amounts of the digestive enzymes.

Common Side Effect

• Stomach pain
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Frequent or abnormal bowel movements
• Rectal itching 
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Changes in blood sugar levels

Serious Side Effects

• Allergic Reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Joint Pain and Swelling
• Bowel Disorder, with symptoms such as severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or constipatio

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects above.

Not all individuals will experience these side effects, and there may be other side effects not listed here. If you have concerns about the side effects of Zenpep or experience any adverse reactions, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and appropriate management.

Before taking Zenpep, consult a healthcare provider This includes discussing any potential drug interactions, changes in diet, or the commencement or discontinuation of any course of treatment.

Zenpep should be stored in a dry place and kept out of the reach of children.

Zenpep should only be used as prescribed and directed by a healthcare provider. Do not use Zenpep for a condition for which it was not prescribed, and it should not be given to other individuals, even if they have similar symptoms.

Patients and caregivers should be advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately if allergic reactions to Zenpep develop.

High doses of Zenpep have been associated with colonic strictures, indicative of fibrosing colonopathy, especially in children with cystic fibrosis less than 12 years of age. Adhere to the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare provider if there are any concerns about the dosage. 

Caution should be exercised when Zenpep is prescribed to patients with gout, renal impairment, or hyperuricemia.

The information provided here is a summary of the warnings and precautions associated with Zenpep. For more detailed information, consult a healthcare provider.