What is pancrelipase used for?
Pancrelipase is an oral digestive enzyme medicine used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency—when the pancreas does not make enough digestive enzymes to properly break down food [1].
It’s commonly prescribed for conditions such as:
- Cystic fibrosis, which can cause pancreatic enzyme deficiency [1]
- Chronic pancreatitis and related damage to the pancreas [1]
- Other pancreatic disorders that lead to poor digestion due to low enzyme output [1]
How does pancrelipase work?
Pancrelipase contains digestive enzymes (including lipase, protease, and amylase) that help the body digest:
- Fats
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
By replacing missing enzymes, it improves digestion and helps reduce symptoms linked to malabsorption, such as greasy stools (steatorrhea) and weight loss [1].
When do doctors usually prescribe it?
Doctors typically use pancrelipase when a patient has symptoms and/or test results consistent with pancreatic insufficiency, often to address:
- Malabsorption
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Difficulty gaining or maintaining weight [1]
What does it treat that patients can notice?
Patients may use pancrelipase to help with digestion-related symptoms driven by enzyme deficiency, such as:
- Fatty/greasy stools
- Bloating or discomfort after meals
- Poor weight gain or unintended weight loss [1]
Are there different forms, and does that change the use?
There are multiple pancrelipase products, but the medical use is the same: enzyme replacement for pancreatic insufficiency. The exact dosing and product strength vary by prescription and patient needs [1].