Pancreatin is a combination of digestive enzymes (proteins). These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important for digesting fats, proteins, and sugars.

Pancreatin is used to replace digestive enzymes when the body does not have enough of its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or pancreas surgery.

Pancreatin may also be used to treat a condition called steatorrhea (loose, fatty stools).

Pancreatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not take pancreatin if you are allergic to pork proteins, or if you have a sudden onset of pancreatitis or worsening of a long-term problem with your pancreas.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Pancreatin should be taken with a meal or snack.

Take pancreatin with a full glass of water.

Do not hold the tablet in your mouth. The medicine may irritate the inside of your mouth.

Do not crush, chew, or break a pancreatin tablet. Swallow it whole.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, you may need frequent blood tests. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but your blood work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with pancreatin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using pancreatin.

Pancreatin may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Get familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Use pancreatin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. You may need to use this medicine for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If your doctor changes your brand, strength, or type of pancreatin, your dosage needs may change. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the new kind of pancreatin you receive at the pharmacy.

You should not take pancreatin if you are allergic to pork proteins, or if you have a sudden onset of pancreatitis or worsening of a long-term problem with your pancreas.

To make sure pancreatin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• gout;

• asthma; or

• any allergies.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pancreatin will harm an unborn baby. Do not use pancreatin without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether pancreatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Always take pancreatin with food.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take any other digestive enzymes unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid taking an antacid within 1 hour before or after you take pancreatin.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pancreatin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• severe stomach pain;

• swollen or painful joints; or

• any changes in your symptoms.

Common side effects of pancreatin may include:

• nausea, mild stomach pain;

• diarrhea; or

• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may interact with pancreatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.