pancreaze
Pharmaranks rates Pancreaze 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Pancreaze is a combination medicine containing Pancrelipase (Amylase, Lipase, and Protease).
Pancrelipase (Amylase and Lipase and Protease) · by Vivus LLC
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Pancrelipase (Amylase and Lipase and Protease)
- Form
- Capsule, delayed release
- Strength
- Pancrelipase (AMYLASE 149,900USP Units; Lipase 37,000USP Units; PROTEASE) 97,300USP Units · Pancrelipase (AMYLASE 15,200USP Units; Lipase 2,600USP Units; PROTEASE) 8,800USP Units · Pancrelipase (AMYLASE 24,600USP Units; Lipase 4,200USP Units; PROTEASE) 14,200USP Units · Pancrelipase (AMYLASE 61,500USP Units; Lipase 10,500USP Units; PROTEASE) 35,500USP Units · Pancrelipase (AMYLASE 83,900USP Units; Lipase 21,000USP Units; PROTEASE) 54,700USP Units · Pancrelipase (AMYLASE 98,400USP Units; Lipase 16,800USP Units; PROTEASE) 56,800USP Units
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Vivus LLC
- FDA application
- BLA022523
What is Pancreaze?
From the FDA label: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. The enteric-coated microtablets in PANCREAZE are formulated to release pancreatic enzymes at an approximate pH of 5.5 or greater. PANCREAZE (pancrelipase) delayed-release capsules are for oral administration and include a two-piece shell containing enteric-coated microtablets that are each approximately 2 mm in diameter and are available as follows: 2,600 USP units of lipase ; 8,800 USP units of protease; and 15,200 USP units of amylase; delayed-release capsules have a light orange opaque body and clear cap imprinted with "VIVUS" and "MT 2". The shells contain hypromellose, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, red iron oxide and imprint ink contains black iron oxide, shellac, propylene glycol, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide. 4,200 USP units of lipase ; 14,200 USP units of protease; and 24,600 USP units of amylase; delayed-release capsules have a yellow opaque body and clear cap imprinted with "VIVUS" and "MT 4". The shells contain hypromellose, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, and imprint ink contains black iron oxide, shellac-glaze-45%, ammonium hydroxide, propylene glycol. 10,500 USP units of lipase; 35,500 USP units of protease; and 61,500 USP units of amylase; delayed-release…
How to use
Important Dosing Information ( 2.1 ) PANCREAZE 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 in adult and pediatric patients greater than 12 months of age without further investigation. ( 5.1 ) The total daily dosage in adult and pediatric patients greater than 12 months of age 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 PANCREAZE. When switching from another pancreatic enzyme product to PANCREAZE, monitor patients for clinical symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and titrate the dosage as needed. Recommended Dosage ( 2.2 ): Adult and Pediatric Patients Greater than 12 Months : The recommended initial starting dosage is: 500 lipase units/kg/meal for adult and pediatric patients 4 years and older. 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal for pediatric patients greater than 12 months to less than 4 years. Titrate the dosage to either 2,500 lipase units/kg/meal, 10,000 lipase…
Side effects
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) ] The data described below reflect exposure to PANCREAZE in 57 adult and pediatric patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis in two clinical trials. Study 1 was conducted in 40 patients, aged 8 years to 57 years; Study 2 was conducted in 17 pediatric patients, aged 6 months to 30 months [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . The most common adverse reactions were gastrointestinal, including diarrhea and vomiting. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of PANCREAZE or other pancreatic enzyme products. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, including nausea and vomiting. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact VIVUS LLC at 1-888-998-4887 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch Eye…
Warnings
Important safety information
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 due to loss of protective enteric coating on the capsule contents. ( 2.3 , 5.3 ) 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. ( 5.4 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Monitor patients with known reactions to proteins of porcine origin. If symptoms occur, initiate appropriate medical management; consider the risks and benefits of continued treatment. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Fibrosing Colonopathy Fibrosing colonopathy has been reported following treatment with pancreatic enzyme products. Fibrosing colonopathy is a rare, serious adverse reaction initially described in association with use of high-dose pancreatic enzyme products, usually over a prolonged period of time and most commonly reported in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis. Pancreatic enzyme products exceeding 6,000 lipase units/kg/meal have been associated with colonic strictures, a complication of fibrosing colonopathy, in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age. The underlying mechanism of fibrosing colonopathy remains unknown. If there is a history of fibrosing colonopathy, monitor patients during treatment with PANCREAZE because some patients may be at risk of progressing to colonic stricture formation. It is uncertain whether regression of fibrosing colonopathy occurs. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of either 2,500 lipase units/kg/meal, 10,000 lipase units/kg/day, or 4,000 lipase units/g fat ingested/day in adult and pediatric patients greater than 12 months of age without further investigation . Higher dosages may be administered if they are documented to be effective by fecal fat measures or an improvement in signs and symptoms of malabsorption including measures of nutritional status . Patients receiving dosages higher than 6,000 lipase units/kg/meal should be frequently monitored for symptoms of fibrosing colonopathy and the dosage decreased or titrated downward to a lower range if clinically appropriate [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 5.2 Irritation of the Oral Mucosa Crushing or chewing PANCREAZE capsules or mixing the capsule contents in foods having a pH greater than 4.5 can disrupt the protective enteric coating on the capsule contents and result in early release of enzymes, irritation of the oral mucosa, and/or loss of enzyme activity. Instruct the patient or caregiver of the following: Swallow capsules whole. For patients who cannot swallow the capsules whole, the capsules can be opened, and the contents sprinkled on a small amount of acidic soft food with a pH of 4.5 or less (e.g., applesauce). Do not crush or chew PANCREAZE capsules or capsule contents. Consume sufficient liquids (juice, water, breast milk, or formula) immediately following administration of PANCREAZE to ensure complete swallowing. Visually inspect the mouth of pediatric patients less than 12 months of age and of patients who are unable to swallow intact capsules to ensure that no drug is retained in the mouth and irritation of the oral mucosa has not occurred [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.3 Hyperuricemia Pancreatic enzyme products contain purines that may increase blood uric acid levels. High dosages have been associated with hyperuricosuria and hyperuricemia [see Overdosage (10) ]. Consider monitoring blood uric acid levels in patients with gout, renal impairment, or hyperuricemia during treatment with PANCREAZE. 5.4 Risk of Viral Transmission PANCREAZE is sourced from pancreatic tissue from swine used for food consumption. Although the risk that PANCREAZE will transmit an infectious agent to humans has been reduced by testing for certain viruses during manufacturing and by inactivating certain viruses during manufacturing, there is a theoretical risk for transmission of viral disease, including diseases caused by novel or unidentified viruses. Thus, the presence of porcine viruses that might infect humans cannot be definitely excluded. However, no cases of transmission of an infectious illness associated with the use of porcine pancreatic extracts have been reported. 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, asthma, hives, and pruritus have been reported with pancreatic enzyme products [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . If symptoms occur, initiate appropriate medical management. Monitor patients with a known hypersensitivity reaction to proteins of porcine origin for hypersensitivity reactions during treatment with PANCREAZE. The risks and benefits of continued PANCREAZE treatment in patients with serious hypersensitivity reactions should be taken into consideration with the overall clinical needs of the patient.
Who should not take Pancreaze
None. None.
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
In Study 1, a 10 year-old patient was administered a PANCREAZE dose of 12,399 lipase units/kg/day for the duration of the open-label and randomized withdrawal periods (21 days). The patient experienced mild abdominal pain throughout both study periods. Abnormal chemistry data at the end of the study included mild elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and serum phosphate. Abnormal hematology data at the end of the study included mild elevations of hematocrit. No abnormalities from analyses of urinalysis or uric acid were noted. Chronic high dosages of pancreatic enzyme products have been associated with fibrosing colonopathy and colonic strictures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . High dosages of pancreatic enzyme products have been associated with hyperuricosuria and hyperuricemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Dosage forms
Capsule, delayed release
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- How is Pancreaze rated?
- pharmaranks gives Pancreaze a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Pancreaze?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Pancreaze. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Pancreaze?
- Pancreaze is marketed by Vivus LLC. You can see Vivus LLC's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Pancreaze a brand-name or generic drug?
- Pancreaze is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Pancrelipase (Amylase and Lipase and Protease).
- Is Pancreaze available over the counter?
- No. Pancreaze is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Pancreaze come in?
- Pancreaze is currently marketed as capsule, delayed release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Pancreaze FDA-registered?
- Pancreaze is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA022523. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Pancreaze been recalled by the FDA?
- Yes. Pancreaze has 1 recorded FDA recall event in the openFDA enforcement database. A recall removes specific lots from the market — usually for manufacturing, contamination, potency, or labeling issues — and does not mean the drug is unsafe to take; your specific lot was almost certainly never affected. This recall history is factored into its safety score above. Always check the FDA recall database or your pharmacist for current alerts.
- Is Pancreaze safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Pancreaze a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (1 recorded recall event) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Pancreaze?
- Pancreaze's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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 Tr… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
People also viewed
creon
Pancrelipase (Amylase and Lipase and Protease)
pertzye
Pancrelipase (Amylase and Lipase and Protease)
viokace
Pancrelipase (Amylase and Lipase and Protease)
zenpep
Pancrelipase (Amylase and Lipase and Protease)
Compare Pancreaze head-to-head
Browse medications A–Z
Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.
pancreaze
70/100