Pancrelipase

What is this medication for?

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) — enzyme replacement; diagnostic-therapeutic trial for insufficiency secondary to chronic pancreatitis

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

• ~15% of dogs with EPI never respond to therapy (guarded prognosis).
• Enzymes + small frequent meals + possible B12 (cobalamin) supplementation is the full EPI package — cobalamin deficiency is a common co-morbid cause of poor response.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• stomach/intestinal distress at high doses (Possible)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Oral bleeding (Dose-related — resolves with dose reduction; moistening the food/enzyme mix decreases it)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Pork-protein hypersensitivity
• has or has had: Guard owners on powder handling (inhalation/asthma)

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Antacids/H2/PPI may be co-used
  • No significant systemic interactions

Storage and handling

Room temperature, dry. Avoid inhaling powder (mucosal irritation/asthma trigger); wash off skin (irritation); keep away from eyes.

Good to know

• EPI non-responders think three causes: ineffective enzyme product, too-fatty diet, or concurrent antibiotic-responsive enteropathy — before calling it refractory.
• ~15% of dogs with EPI never respond to therapy (guarded prognosis).
• Enzymes + small frequent meals + possible B12 (cobalamin) supplementation is the full EPI package — cobalamin deficiency is a common co-morbid cause of poor response.
• Treatment is lifelong; doses are titrated to the lowest effective (varies between patients AND batches of supplement).