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Viokace vs. Creon

Viokace (pancrelipase) is a prescription medication used to treat adults with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by chronic pancreatitis or surgery to remove the pancreas. Unlike other pancreatic enzyme products, it doesn't have a special coating to protect the enzymes from stomach acid, so it must be taken with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The medication comes as a tablet you take by mouth with meals and snacks, and your prescriber will help decide the right dose for you. Common side effects include anal itching and gallstones. Right now, no generic version is available.

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by chronic pancreatitis or surgery to remove the pancreas

• Anal itching (7%)
• Gallstones (7%)

• Scarring in the colon (fibrosing colonopathy)
• Mouth irritation
• High uric acid levels
• Possible risk of infection
• Severe allergic reaction
• Worsening of lactose intolerance problems

Creon (pancrelipase) is a prescription medication that contains pancreatic enzymes to help you digest food if your body doesn't make enough of them. It's used in both children and adults to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). The medication comes as a pill that you take by mouth with every meal and snack to help break down food. The dose depends on your weight, age, and how much fat you eat, and it might be adjusted over time. Common side effects include cough, stomach pain, and vomiting.

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Adults and children 7 years and older with cystic fibrosis:

• Vomiting (6%)
• Dizziness (4%)
• Cough (4%)

Children ages 4 months to 6 years old with cystic fibrosis:

• Vomiting (6%)
• Irritability (6%)
• Reduced appetite (6%)

Adults with chronic pancreatitis or pancreas removal surgery:

• High blood sugar (8%)
• Low blood sugar (4%)
• Stomach pain (4%)
• Abnormal stool (4%)
• Passing gas (4%)
• Frequent bowel movements (4%)
• Common cold symptoms (4%)

• Scarring in the colon (fibrosing colonopathy)
• Mouth irritation
• High uric acid levels
• Possible risk of infection
• Severe allergic reactions