This medication contains digestive enzymes, which are
natural substances needed by the body to help break down and digest food.
It is used when the pancreas cannot make or does not release enough
digestive enzymes into the gut to digest the food. Depending on the amount
of enzymes in your product, it may be used for indigestion, as a
supplement, or as replacement therapy (such as in chronic pancreatitis,
cystic fibrosis, cancer of the pancreas, after surgery on the pancreas or
gut).
Some supplement products have been found to contain
possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more
details about the brand you use.
The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or
effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
Take this medication by mouth with meals and snacks as
directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, diet, and
response to treatment.
If you are using the tablet form of the medication, make
sure not to keep it in the mouth because doing so can cause irritation to
the gums and cheeks. Swallow the medication with water. For the chewable
tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing.
If you are using the capsule form of the medication and
swallowing is difficult, the capsule may be opened and the powder mixed
with food or liquid.
Be careful not to inhale any of the powder because doing
so can irritate the inside of the nose or cause an asthma
attack.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it.
If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special
diet, it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from
this medication.
Do not change brands or dosage forms of this product
without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Different products may
contain different amounts of the digestive enzymes.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramps, or nausea may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- severe abdominal discomfort
- frequent/painful urination
- joint pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this digestive enzyme, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork protein; or if you have
any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- sudden/severe swelling of the pancreas (acute
pancreatitis)
- sudden worsening of long-term disease of the pancreas
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this product with others.
If you miss a dose, take the next dose with your next
meal or snack as directed. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.