Safely Buy Viokace ( Pancrealipase ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

This medication is used along with a proton pump inhibitor medicine to treat people who cannot digest food normally. The pancreas is an organ in your body that normally produces enzymes to help you digest food.

Certain conditions, such as surgical removal of some or all of the pancreas, or chronic pancreatitis, can decrease the production or release of these enzymes into the bowel (intestine).

Pancrelipase contains a mixture of digestive enzymes (from the pig pancreas) to help break down and digest fats, starches, and proteins in food.

Use and Dosage

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking pancrelipase and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually with every meal and snack as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets or keep them in your mouth. Doing so can irritate the mouth/throat and change the way the medication works. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, diet, weight, and response to treatment. Do not take more tablets per day than prescribed by your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Your doctor should also prescribe another medicine (proton pump inhibitor such as lansoprazole, or omeprazole) to decrease stomach acid. This helps pancrelipase work well by preventing it from breaking down in your stomach.

Use this medication regularly and follow any diet recommendations from your doctor or nutritionist to get the most benefit.

Side Effects

Viokace may cause serious side effects, including:

• Irritation of the inside of your mouth. This can happen if Viokace is not swallowed completely.
• Increase in blood uric acid levels. This may cause worsening of swollen, painful joints (gout) caused by an increase in your blood uric levels.
• Allergic reactions include trouble with breathing, skin rashes, or swollen lips.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

The most common side effects of Viokace include:

• You can develop stones that form in your gallbladder and the tubes that carry bile to your small intestines.
• Anal itching

Other possible side effects:

Viokace and other pancreatic enzyme products are made from the pancreas of pigs, the same pigs people eat as pork. These pigs may carry viruses. Although it has never been reported, it may be possible for a person to get a viral infection from taking pancreatic enzyme products that come from pigs.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the side effects of Viokace.

Cautions

• Before taking pancrelipase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: gout, kidney disease, high uric acid level in the blood (hyperuricemia), and intestinal problems (such as blockage).
• If you have diabetes, pancrelipase may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Forms and Strengths

Viokace is available in the following forms and strengths:

Viokace Tablet:

• 10400/56400/57100 units
• 20880/113400/112500 units

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose with your next meal or snack. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

What should I avoid while taking pancrelipase?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-161930/viokace-oral/details
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/022542s000lbl.pdf
3. https://www.drugs.com/viokace.html#side-effects
4. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=58bdb8de-582d-44e6-9b72-8d5a42fdf501