Zenpep
Zenpep (pancrelipase) is a prescription medication used for children and adults with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas doesn’t make enough enzymes to digest food. It contains pancreatic enzymes that help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins so your body can absorb nutrients. You take the capsule by mouth with every meal and snack, and your dose is based on your weight, age, and diet. Common side effects include cough, headache, and feeling full quickly. Right now, there isn’t a generic version of Zenpep (pancrelipase) available.
What is Zenpep (pancrelipase)?
What is Zenpep (pancrelipase) used for?
How Zenpep (pancrelipase) works
Zenpep (pancrelipase) is an enzyme replacement therapy. It works by giving your body the digestive enzymes that it can't make enough of on its own. Specifically, it replaces three pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease), which help you break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in your food. By improving digestion, Zenpep (pancrelipase) helps your body absorb nutrients better and can reduce stomach problems like bloating and fatty stools.
Drug facts
Side effects of Zenpep (pancrelipase)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Adults and children 7 years and older with cystic fibrosis:
- Headache (15%)
- Bruising (6%)
- Cough (6%)
- Feeling full soon after eating (6%)
Children 1 to 6 years old with cystic fibrosis:
- Stomach pain
- Fatty stools
Less Common Side Effects
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Hives
- Itching
- Muscle pain
- Muscle spasm
- Rash
Zenpep (pancrelipase) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Scarring in the colon: stomach pain, bloating, trouble passing stool, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- High uric acid levels: joint pain, redness, swelling, stiffness
- Severe allergic reactions: trouble breathing, skin rashes, swollen lips, itching
More on Zenpep (pancrelipase) side effects
The following Zenpep (pancrelipase) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Skin rash or hives
With powder dosage form or powder from opened capsules
if breathed in
tightness in the chest
trouble breathing
With tablets
if held in the mouth
Irritation of the mouth
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Blurred vision
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
headache
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
sweating
unexplained weight loss
vomiting
Less common
Abnormal feces
bloated feeling
chills
cold sweats
confusion
cool, pale skin
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
feeling of fullness
frequent bowel movements
loss of consciousness
muscle aches
nightmares
passing gas
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
Incidence not known
Difficulty having a bowel movement
difficulty with moving
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pains or stiffness
swollen joints
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Zenpep (pancrelipase)
Pros
- Capsules can be opened up and mixed with certain soft foods
- Safe for children and infants
- Comes in multiple strengths
- No known interactions with other medications
Cons
- Must be taken with every meal and snack
- Might not be safe to take for people with pork allergy
- Can cause stomach pain and vomiting
- Dose adjustment can take a while
Pharmacist tips for Zenpep (pancrelipase)
- Zenpep (pancrelipase) must be taken with every meal and snack to help you digest food properly. Follow your prescriber's instructions so you know the right amount to take and with which foods.
- Drink water or juice after taking Zenpep (pancrelipase) to help swallow the capsules whole. Don’t crush, chew, or hold the capsules in your mouth because they can cause irritation in your mouth.
- If you miss a dose of Zenpep (pancrelipase), just skip it and take your dose with your next meal or snack. You don't need to make up for missed doses.
- Keep track of your meals and how you feel when taking Zenpep (pancrelipase). This helps your prescriber decide if your dose should be changed.
- Zenpep (pancrelipase) capsules can be opened and sprinkled on acidic soft foods like applesauce, bananas, or pears. You can also sprinkle the contents directly into the mouth and follow it with liquid, formula, or breast milk. Don't mix the contents directly with formula or breast milk.
- High doses of Zenpep (pancrelipase) used for a long time have been linked to a bowel problem called fibrosing colonopathy. Call your prescriber right away if you notice stomach pain, bloating, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Zenpep (pancrelipase) might raise uric acid levels, which can cause joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, especially if you have gout or kidney problems. Contact your prescriber if these symptoms happen.
- Store Zenpep (pancrelipase) in its original container with the lid tightly closed to protect the medication from moisture. Keep the drying packet (desiccant) inside the bottle.
Common questions about Zenpep (pancrelipase)
Zenpep (pancrelipase) doesn't directly cause weight gain, but it can lead to weight gain because it can improve digestion and nutrient absorption. In a small study of people taking Creon (pancrelipase), a similar digestive enzyme, those taking the medication gained some weight. If you're concerned about your weight, speak with your prescriber.
You can take Zenpep (pancrelipase) as long as your prescriber recommends it and you don't have side effects. Since it’s often used for long-term conditions, you might need to take it for a long time or even for life if it continues to help you. Be sure to follow up with your prescriber to talk about how long you should take this medication.
Zenpep (pancrelipase) isn't known to cause hair loss. But hair loss can occur in people with pancreatic insufficiency due to poor nutrient absorption. Tell your prescriber if you notice more hair falling out than usual or your hair looks thinner. They can help find the cause of the hair loss and recommend treatment options.
Zenpep (pancrelipase) isn't really absorbed into your body. It stays in your gut and passes out through your stool. How long this takes can vary from person to person.
Zenpep (pancrelipase) starts working as soon as it reaches your gut, helping break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins when taken with food. You might notice improvements in bloating, gas, or greasy stools soon after starting. But for some people, it can take time and might require dose adjustments. Follow up with your prescriber if you don’t notice improvements.
No. Both Zenpep (pancrelipase) and Creon (pancrelipase) contain the same digestive enzymes, but they have different brand names and are made by different manufacturers. The main differences are the capsule strengths and the inactive ingredients. In one study both medications worked about the same and had similar side effects in teens and adults with cystic fibrosis. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about comparing the two.
No, there isn't a generic version of Zenpep (pancrelipase) available right now.
Yes, Zenpep (pancrelipase) is generally safe when you take it as prescribed. It has been used for many years to help people with pancreatic insufficiency digest food. But like most medications, it can cause side effects. Common side effects include headache, bruising, cough, and feeling full sooner after eating. Rare but more serious risks include high uric acid levels, allergic reactions, and scarring in the colon. To stay safe, follow your prescriber’s directions and let them know if you notice any unusual symptoms.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Zenpep (pancrelipase)
Zenpep (pancrelipase) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Scarring in the colon (fibrosing colonopathy)
- Risk factors: High dose of Zenpep (pancrelipase) | Long-term use of Zenpep (pancrelipase) | Children with cystic fibrosis
Though rare, Zenpep (pancrelipase) can sometimes cause serious scarring in the colon, called fibrosing colonopathy, especially if you take high doses or use it for a long time. This problem has been reported most often in children with cystic fibrosis.
To lower your risk, take Zenpep (pancrelipase)] only as directed by your prescriber and never more than recommended. Watch for symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, and let your prescriber know right away if they happen.
Mouth irritation
- Risk factors: Crushing or chewing Zenpep (pancrelipase) capsules | Mixing Zenpep (pancrelipase) capsule contents in non-acidic foods
It's important that you swallow Zenpep (pancrelipase) capsules whole. Crushing or chewing the capsules, or mixing them with non-acidic foods, can break down their protective coating. This can cause the enzymes to release too early, which can irritate your mouth and make the medication work less well.
If you have trouble swallowing Zenpep (pancrelipase) capsules, you can open them and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of acidic soft food, like applesauce, bananas, or pears.
After taking Zenpep (pancrelipase), drink plenty of liquid such as juice or water to make sure no medication stays in your mouth. Babies should drink breast milk or formula after taking it. For babies under 12 months or anyone unable to swallow whole capsules, check the mouth to make sure no medication is left behind and that there’s no irritation.
High uric acid levels
- Risk factors: Gout | Kidney problems | High uric acid levels | High dose of Zenpep (pancrelipase)
Zenpep (pancrelipase) can raise the uric acid levels in your blood, which can increase your risk for gout. If you already have gout, kidney problems, or high uric acid levels, your prescriber might check your blood during treatment to keep you safe. Watch for symptoms such as sudden joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or stiffness, especially in the big toe, ankle, or knee, and let your prescriber know if they occur.
Possible risk of infection
Though very rare, Zenpep (pancrelipase) might carry a small risk of viral infection because it’s made from pig pancreas tissue. The chance of this happening is extremely low since the medication goes through strict manufacturing processes to remove or kill viruses. No cases of infection from Zenpep (pancrelipase)] have ever been reported. If you’re concerned about this risk, talk with your care team.
Severe allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Allergy to pork products
Severe allergic reactions have been reported with Zenpep (pancrelipase), including anaphylaxis, asthma, hives, and itching. Because this medication is made from pig pancreas tissue, let your prescriber know if you have an allergy to pork products. Your care team will then decide if the benefits of taking Zenpep (pancrelipase)] outweigh the risks for your health.
Zenpep (pancrelipase) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20000 units | 100 capsules | $794.42 | $7.94 |
| 10000 units | 100 capsules | $426.26 | $4.26 |
| 15000 units | 100 capsules | $587.13 | $5.87 |
| 25000 units | 100 capsules | $1,025.37 | $10.25 |
| 3000 units | 100 capsules | $222.40 | $2.22 |
| 5000 units | 100 capsules | $211.44 | $2.11 |
| 40000 units | 100 capsules | $1,563.82 | $15.64 |
| 60000 units | 100 capsules | $2,444.79 | $24.45 |
Typical dosage for Zenpep (pancrelipase)
Your prescriber will help determine your dose of Zenpep (pancrelipase) depending on things like your symptoms, your weight, and how much fat you eat at each meal.
The dose is based on units of the digestive enzymes and is taken by mouth. The maximum dose is no more than 2500 units/kg of body weight per meal or 10,000 units/kg of body weight per day. This daily total is based on 3 meals and 2 or 3 snacks.
-
Adults:
- The typical starting dose is 500 units/kg of body weight per meal.
-
Children:
- 4 years and older: The typical starting dose is 500 units/kg of body weight per meal.
- 12 months to less than 4 years: The typical starting dose is 1000 units/kg of body weight per meal.
- Birth to 12 months: The typical dose is 3000 units for every 120 mL of formula or with each breastfeeding.
Interactions between Zenpep (pancrelipase) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Zenpep (pancrelipase) cost?
$211.44
What are alternatives to Zenpep (pancrelipase)?
News about Zenpep (pancrelipase)
Zenpep (pancrelipase) images
