You should not take Zenpep if you are allergic to pork proteins.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder: severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Zenpep if you are allergic to pork proteins.
To make sure Zenpep is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
gout;
diabetes;
a blockage or scarring in your intestines;
trouble swallowing pills; or
lactose intolerance.
It is not known whether Zenpep will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether pancrelipase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take Zenpep?
Take Zenpep exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Do not switch brands of this medicine without your doctor's advice.
Zenpep should be taken with a meal or snack.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Be especially careful to follow all directions about giving this medicine to a child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Do not crush, chew, or break a Zenpep capsule or tablet. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.
Do not hold the pill in your mouth. Pancrelipase can irritate the inside of your mouth.
You may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save for later use. Do not mix the medicine with infant formula or breast milk.
Do not inhale the powder from a Zenpep capsule, or allow it to touch your skin. It may cause irritation, especially to your nose and lungs.
Zenpep is sometimes given with a stomach acid reducer such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, or Protonix. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking all medicines needed to treat your condition.
Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Pancrelipase doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers), and any changes may affect the dose.
Use Zenpep regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine container tightly closed.
Your medicine bottle may also include a packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative. Keep this packet in the bottle at all times.
Call your doctor if you have any worsening of a long-term pancreas problem.
