Pankreatan (Pancreas Powder From Porcine)

Pankreatan provides pancreatic enzyme replacement for conditions affecting digestive enzyme production.

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: improves digestion and nutrient absorption by supplying pancreatic enzymes.
• Cystic fibrosis: aids in the breakdown of dietary fats and proteins, reducing steatorrhea.
• Chronic pancreatitis: compensates for reduced endogenous enzyme output, helping maintain caloric intake.
• Post‑pancreatectomy or pancreatic cancer: supplies necessary enzymes after surgical removal of pancreatic tissue.

• Pancreas Powder From Porcine contains a mixture of lipases, proteases and amylases that mimic the natural secretions of the human pancreas. After oral administration, the enzymes become active in the duodenum, where they hydrolyze dietary fats, proteins and carbohydrates, facilitating their absorption across the intestinal mucosa and reducing maldigestion.

Adverse reactions may occur with any pancreatic enzyme preparation.

Common Side Effects

• Abdominal discomfort or cramping
• Flatulence or bloating
• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Nausea or mild vomiting
• Constipation
• Unpleasant taste or oral irritation

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions such as rash, urticaria or angioedema
• Anaphylaxis requiring emergency treatment
• Severe abdominal pain indicating pancreatitis
• Fibrosing colonopathy (rare, associated with high‑dose therapy)
• Respiratory distress due to aspiration of powder
• Persistent vomiting leading to dehydration

Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess pancreatic function: confirm exocrine insufficiency through clinical evaluation.
• Allergy screening: avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to porcine proteins.
• Monitor nutritional status: adjust diet and supplementation as needed.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if clearly indicated and prescribed by a qualified clinician.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications that may affect enzyme activity.
• Store at ambient temperature below 25°C: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Pancreatic enzyme powders can influence the absorption of other oral agents.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide: may bind enzymes and markedly reduce efficacy.
• High‑dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with severe acid suppression: can alter enzyme activation.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Oral contraceptives: may experience reduced absorption; monitor for breakthrough bleeding.
• Warfarin: monitor INR as changes in vitamin K absorption could affect anticoagulation.
• Antibiotics such as tetracycline: potential chelation; assess therapeutic response.