Pancrex

Overdose

None stated.

Shelf life

2 years.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient (porcine pancreatin) or any of the excipients.

Incompatibilities

None known.

List of excipients

Lactose, acacia (E414), Opaseal P17-0200 containing IMS, polyvinyl acetate phthalate and stearic acid (E570).

This medicinal product contains approximately 70g of lactose per 100g. When taken according to the dosage recommendations each dose supplies up to 7g of lactose.

Pharmaceutical form

Granules.

Undesirable effects

Rare cases of hyperuricosuria and hyperuricaemia have been reported when extremely high doses of pancreatin have been taken.

Strictures of the ileo-caecum and large bowel, and colitis, have been reported in children with cystic fibrosis taking high doses of pancreatic enzyme supplements.

To date Pancrex and Pancrex V presentations have not been implicated in the development of colonic damage. However unusual abdominal symptoms or changes in abdominal symptoms should be reviewed to exclude the possibility of colonic damage especially if the patient is taking in excess of 10,000 units/kg/day of lipase.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Preclinical safety data

No relevant pre-clinical safety data has been generated.

Therapeutic indications

Pancrex is used to compensate for reduced intestinal enzyme activity in pancreatic deficiency states.

It is indicated for the treatment of fibrocystic disease of the pancreas (cystic fibrosis), chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic steatorrhoea following pancreatectomy. It may also be indicated following gastrectomy as an aid to digestion.

Pharmacodynamic properties

Pancreatin is derived from porcine pancreas and contains the enzymes, amylase, protease and lipase. The enzymes have the same actions as pancreatic juice and when administered to patients with pancreatic insufficiency improve the ability to metabolise starches, proteins and fats.

Pharmacokinetic properties

Pancreatin hydrolyses fats to glycerol and fatty acids, changes proteins into proteases and derived substances, and converts starch into dextrins and sugars.

Date of revision of the text

08/09/2015

Marketing authorisation holder

Essential Pharmaceuticals Limited

Unit 7, Egham Business Village

Crabtree Road

Egham

Surrey TW20 8RB,

UK.

Special precautions for storage

Store at a temperature not exceeding 15°C.

Nature and contents of container

Securitainer; 100, 300 and 500 g.

Marketing authorisation number(s)

PL 41094/0003

Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pancrex should not be used in pregnancy and lactation unless clearly necessary but if required should be used in doses sufficient to provide adequate nutritional status.

Special warnings and precautions for use

Unsuitable for people with lactase insufficiency, galactosaemia or glucose/galactose malabsorption syndrome.

It is possible that some irritation of the skin of the mouth may occur if the granules are chewed or retained in the mouth. Irritation of the anus may also occur. A barrier cream may prevent this local irritation.

If the granules are mixed with liquids the resulting mixture should not be allowed to stand for more than one hour prior to use.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

None.

Dosage (Posology) and method of administration

Dosage should be adjusted according to the needs of the individual patient and the amount and type of food consumed.

The following dosage ranges provide a suitable basis for adjustment.

Adults, the Elderly, and Children

5 g - 10 g swallowed dry or mixed with a little water or milk just before meals

Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Not applicable.

Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

01/05/1987 / 28/11/2003

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

None known.