Digipepsin
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Generic Name: pancreatin
(PAN kree a tin)
What is Digipepsin?
Digipepsin is a combination of digestive enzymes (proteins). These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats, proteins, and sugars.
Digipepsin is used to replace digestive enzymes when the pancreas does not produce enough on its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, including cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, pancreatic cancer, or pancreas surgery.
Digipepsin may also be used to treat a condition called steatorrhea (loose, fatty stools).
Digipepsin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Digipepsin?
Digipepsin is usually taken with meals and snacks and a full glass of water. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not hold the Digipepsin tablet in your mouth. The medication may irritate the inside of your mouth.
Do not change brands of Digipepsin without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of pancreatin are interchangeable while others are not. Ask your pharmacist which brands or generic forms can be substituted for another.
Digipepsin may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Do not take Digipepsin with other digestive enzymes that your doctor has not prescribed.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as swollen or painful joints, urinating more than usual, or painful or difficult urination.
If you miss a dose of this medication, skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled dose to take the medicine. Do nottake extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Digipepsin?
You should not take Digipepsin if you are allergic to pork proteins, or if you are also taking any of the following medications:
- amylase
- pancrelipase (Cotazym, Creon, Kutrase, Lipram, Panokase, Ultrase); or
- miglitol (Glyset).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using Digipepsin, tell your doctor if you have:
- a sudden onset of pancreatitis; or
- worsening of chronic pancreatic disease.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Digipepsin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Digipepsin?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Digipepsin is usually taken with meals and snacks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take Digipepsin with a full glass of water.
Do not hold the Digipepsin tablet in your mouth. The medication may irritate the inside of your mouth.
It is important to use Digipepsin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Do not change brands of Digipepsin without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of pancreatin are interchangeable while others are not. Ask your pharmacist which brands or generic forms can be substituted for another.
Digipepsin may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Call your doctor if your condition does not improve, or if it gets worse while you are taking Digipepsin.
Store Digipepsin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled dose to take the medicine. Do nottake extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Always take Digipepsin with food.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include diarrhea or stomach pain.
What should I avoid while taking Digipepsin?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Digipepsin.
What are the possible side effects of Digipepsin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- swollen or painful joints
- urinating more than usual; or
- painful or difficult urination.
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild stomach pain or cramps
- nausea, diarrhea, constipation
- greasy stools
- rectal irritation; or
- bloating or gas.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Digipepsin?
Do not take Digipepsin with other digestive enzymes that your doctor has not prescribed.
There may be other drugs that can interact with Digipepsin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about Digipepsin.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2009 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.02. Revision Date: 4/12/2009.
