What is Zenpep?
Zenpep includes a mix of three different enzymes (proteins), including lipase, protease, and amylase. These enzymes are created by the pancreas and are essential in the digestion of proteins, fats, and sugars.
Zenpep is used to replenish these enzymes in cases where the body is not able to produce enough of them. Certain medical conditions can trigger the absence of enzymes, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic irritation of the pancreas or blockage of the pancreatic ducts.Zenpep is also a possibility in conjunction with the surgical removal of the pancreas.
Warnings
It is best not to take Zenpep if you have an allergy to pork protein.
Contact your physician immediately if you experience symptoms of a rare but serious intestinal disorder: extreme or unusual stomach discomfort or diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or constipation.
Before you take this drug
Zenpep is not recommended. If you have an allergy to proteins from pork.
To be sure Zenpep is suitable for you, inform your doctor if it has ever been:
- Kidney disease;
- Gout;
- Diabetes;
- A scar or blockage in your intestines
- Problems swallowing pills
- Lactose intolerance.
It isn't known if Zenpep could harm a newborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
It isn't known if pancrelipase can be found in breast milk or the risk to the nursing infant. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding a child.
Don't give the medication to a child unless you have medical guidance.
Similar or related drugs
azithromycin, Zithromax, gentamicin, Creon, tobramycin, pancrelipase, and pancreaze
How to take Zenpep?
You should take Zenpep exactly as recommended by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Do not change the brand of this medicine without your doctor's approval.Zenpep is best taken in conjunction with food or a snack.
Check all information about the patient, including medication guides and instruction sheets given to you. Make sure to follow all instructions when using this medication with children. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for any additional questions.
Do not chew, crush, or break the Zenpep tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole by drinking a glass full of water.Do not place the tablet in the mouth. Pancrelipase can irritate the mouth's interior.If you can't take a capsule in its entirety, open it and mix the capsule with applesauce. Take the mixture in a single swallow without chewing. Don't mix this medication with infant formula or breast milk.
Don't inhale the powder in the Zenpep capsule or let it be a part of your skin. It could cause irritation, particularly to your lungs and nose.Zenpep can be given in conjunction with a stomach acid reducer like Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, or Protonix. Follow the instructions of your physician about using all the medications required to treat your problem.
Inform your doctor if you notice any weight changes. The dosages for pancrelipase depend on weight (especially for teenagers and children), and any changes could affect the dosage.
Utilize ZenPep frequently to reap maximum benefits. Refill your prescription prior to the time that you are out of medication completely.Contact your physician if you suffer from any serious or chronic pancreas issues.
Original container:
Avoid excessive heat. Keep the temperature at the room temperature (68–77 °F, 20–25 °C). Short excursions are permitted between 15–40 °C (59–104 °F). Keep dry.
Repackaged container:
Avoid excessive heat. Keep the temperature at 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) until 6 months. Short excursions are permitted up to 15–40 degC (59–104 degF) in up to 30 days. Be sure to protect yourself from moisture.
After opening, keep the bottle tightly sealed between uses to shield it from humidity. The medicine bottle could include a container or packet of a preservative that absorbs moisture. Keep the packet in the bottle.
Details on dosage
Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction:
Initial: Lipase 500 units per kg of protein orally per meal.
Maintenance: Lipase from 400 to 2500 units/kg daily at mealtime. Dose one-half of the normal dose for each snack.
Maximum: The daily dose is not to exceed 10,000 units of lipase per kg of body weight per day.
Cystic Fibrosis:
Initial: Lipase 500 units/kg, orally, per meal.
Maintenance: Lipase from 400 to 2500 units/kg daily at mealtime. Dose one-half of the normal dose at each meal.
Maximum: The daily dose must not exceed 10,000 units of lipase per kilogramme of body weight per day.
Chronic Pancreatitis:
Up to 36,000 lipase USPs are taken orally during every meal.
In patients who undergo pancreatectomy or obstruction of the pancreatic ducts, patients should take lipase from 8000 to 16,000 USP, which is administered orally at 2-hour intervals or when instructed by their physician.
Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction:
One year or less:
2000–4000 units per 120 mL of formula, breastmilk, or for breastfeeding
From 1 to not less than four years old:
Initial dose: 1000 units/kg/meal
Dosage varies from 1000 to 2500 units/kg/meal.
More than, or equivalent to
The phrase "adult dosing" refers to the usage of a substance.
In cystic fibrosis, the powder is taken in the form of a one-fourth teaspoonful (0.7 grammes) in conjunction with meals.
Cystic Fibrosis:
One year or less:
2000–4000 units per 120 mL of formula milk, breastfeeding, or per breastfeeding
From 1 to under 4 years old:
Initial dose: 1000 units/kg/meal
Dosage varies from 1000 to 2500 units/kg/meal.
More than, or equivalent to
The expression "adult dosing" refers to the consumption of drugs.
In cystic fibrosis, the powder is administered in the form of a one-fourth teaspoonful (0.7 grammes) during meals.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Do not miss the dose at the next meal or drink. Do not take additional medication to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the doctor's advice regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activity.
Side effects of Zenpep
Get immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Zenpep, symptoms of hives: breathing difficulties and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
See your doctor right away. If you are suffering from:
- Joint pain, swelling, or pain joint pain or swelling
- Indications of a rare but serious intestinal disorder with unusual or severe nausea, stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
Inform your doctor if your child's growth isn't at a regular rate when using zenpep.
Common zenpep side effects can include:
- Stomach pain, gas, vomiting;
- Irregular or frequent diarrhea; frequent or abnormal bowel movements;
- Rectal itching
- Headache, dizziness;
- A stuffy or runny nose or throat, cough, sore throat,
- Changes in blood sugar levels.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications can be incompatible with pancrelipase, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all of your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.
