Pancrelipase: What It Does and How to Use It

If your pancreas doesn't make enough enzymes, food won’t break down properly. Pancrelipase replaces those enzymes so your body can absorb fats, proteins, and carbs. You’ll see it called Creon, Zenpep, Pancreaze and others. This page gives practical tips on taking it, common doses, safety points, and simple troubleshooting.

How to take pancrelipase the right way

Take pancrelipase with every meal and snack. Aim to swallow the capsules with the first bite and again during the meal if it’s long. Many people split a large meal dose into two swallows: half at the start, half midway. If you can’t swallow capsules, you can open them and sprinkle the beads on a spoonful of cool applesauce or pudding—don’t mix with hot food or liquid and don’t chew the beads. Chewing destroys the coating and reduces effectiveness.

There are different formulations. Some are enteric-coated (they dissolve in the small bowel). One product, Viokace, is not coated and usually needs a proton pump inhibitor (like omeprazole) so it doesn’t break down in the stomach. Follow your pharmacist’s instructions for your specific brand.

Dosing, monitoring and common side effects

Adult doses commonly fall around 25,000–40,000 lipase units per main meal and about half that for snacks. Pediatric dosing is weight-based and must come from your specialist. Don’t increase your dose on your own—high doses, especially in kids, have been linked to rare bowel problems. If you’re unsure, ask your prescriber for a clear target dose.

Watch for greasy, foul-smelling stools, persistent weight loss, or ongoing abdominal pain—these suggest you need a dose adjustment. Side effects are usually mild: nausea, stomach cramps, constipation or loose stools. Allergic reactions are uncommon but get urgent care for hives, swelling, or breathing trouble. In long-term care, your doctor may check weight, stool quality, and blood levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Pancrelipase has few direct drug interactions, but medicines that change stomach acid can affect some formulations. If you take acid reducers (PPIs or H2 blockers), tell your prescriber so they can match the right enzyme product or adjust dose. Also let your provider know about blood thinners or vitamin supplements—absorption changes can alter how those medicines behave.

Store pancrelipase at room temperature in a dry place. Keep capsules in their original bottle and away from humidity. If you miss a dose with a meal, take it as soon as you remember during that meal; don’t double the next dose.

If you keep losing weight, have ongoing greasy stools, develop allergy symptoms, or have new severe stomach pain, contact your healthcare provider. Pancrelipase helps most people feel better fast when used correctly—so get the dose and technique right and check in with your doctor if things don’t improve.