● Brandname:
Viokace ®
● Generic:
pancrelipase
● Uses: Low levels of hormone production by the pancreas caused by
inflammation
or removal
of the pancreas
● How
it works: Acts as a replacement for digestive enzymes secreted by the
pancreas
and
helps in the digestion of proteins, starches, and fats in the intestines
● Common
side effects: diarrhea, upset stomach, neck pain, cough, nasal congestion
● Serious
side effects: blockage in the intestines, fibrosing colonopathy (disease
associated with cystic fibrosis in which
patients experience abdominal pain, vomiting,
and constipation), narrowing of the colon,
allergic reaction, swollen/enlarged
lymph nodes
● Who
cannot use this medication: not yet determined