Let's learn about Pancrelipase Tablets: An aid to your digestion

Do you feel uncomfortable after eating a meal, as if your stomach is full and you can't digest it properly? Does your stool look oily or pale in color with stomach pain? One reason for this could be that your pancreas is not working properly. In such a case, the body's production of enzymes needed to digest food decreases. In such a case, Pancrelipase is a very important medicine that your doctor may give you to use. Let's talk about this simply today.

Simply put, what is Pancrelipase?

Think of the pancreas in our body as a little factory. One of the main jobs of this factory is to make special chemicals called enzymes that we need to digest the food we eat. These enzymes are like little workers who break down the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the food we eat into small pieces that our body can absorb.

But in some diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis, this factory cannot produce enough enzymes. This means that the food we eat is not digested properly. This leads to nutritional deficiencies, stomach pain, and bloating. In addition, undigested fat is passed out in the stool, causing fatty stools.

That's when a medicine called Pancrelipase comes to our aid. What this medicine does is to provide the enzymes that the pancreas cannot produce from outside. It's like bringing in outside workers when there are not enough workers in a factory. When you take this medicine, the enzymes in it go into your digestive system and help you digest food. This improves your nutrition and reduces those discomforts to a great extent.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Okay, now before the doctor prescribes this medicine for you, there are some important things you need to know. These are absolutely essential, right? Because they are very important for your safety.

• Allergies: If you are allergic to Pancrelipase or any of the ingredients in it, tell your doctor. This is especially important because these enzymes are often made from pork products, so it is important to tell your doctor if you are allergic to pork or pork proteins. Also, tell your doctor if you are allergic to other medications, foods, preservatives, or colorings.
• Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform the doctor about this as well.

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and if so, how to give it.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.

• Drink with a glass of water: Put this medicine in your mouth and swallow well with a glass of water.
• Take with food: Always take this pill with a main meal or snack . It is best to take it at the start of a meal or during a meal. Do not take this pill on an empty stomach.
• Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the dose exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the right time. Do not increase or decrease the dose at will, or take it more often than prescribed.
• If giving to children: If giving this medicine to small children, special care should be taken. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
• Do not share the medicine with others: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to a friend or family member, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

What if you suddenly take too much medicine?

If you accidentally take more medicine than you should, do not take it lightly. If this happens , immediately go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?

Let's say you forget to take a dose of medicine that you need to take with a meal. Take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Some other medications you take may interact with Pancrelipase, meaning they may interfere with it. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you take.

This list is just a few examples. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Brand Switching: Pancrelipase comes in many different brands. The amount of enzyme in each brand may vary. Therefore, do not switch from one brand to another without first consulting your doctor.
• Food and water: You may need to follow a special diet while taking this medicine. It is also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consult your doctor about this.
• If you open the capsule: Sometimes, if you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can break it open and add the powder to a soft, acidic food, such as applesauce. But do not inhale the powder. This can cause allergic reactions in the lungs. Also, do not hold or chew this medicine in your mouth. Doing so may cause mouth sores.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Pancrelipase can cause side effects in some people, although not everybody gets them.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you store medicine?

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (below 25 degrees Celsius).
• Protect from moisture. So keep the bottle cap tightly closed. Do not store medicine in damp places like the bathroom.
• Throw away expired medicine.

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