Viokace ® (pancrelipase)

 

●      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

●      Dose:

●      Initial: Lipase 500 units/kg/meal

●      Dosage range: Lipase 500-2500 units/kg/meal

●      Maximum: Lipase < 2500 units/kg/meal or < 10,000 units/kg/day or < 4000 units/g of fat daily

○    *take with a proton pump inhibitor (i.e. Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid)*

○    *Different brands of pancrelipase are not interchangeable with each other*

●      Package Insert: http://www.aptalispharma.com/pdf/viokace_info.pdf

●      References:

     Micromedex Web site. http://www.thomsonhc.com.proxy.pba.edu/. Accessed September 28, 

     2012.

     FDA resources page. Food and Drug Administration Web site. Available at:      

     http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/. Accessed September 28, 2012.

     Clinical Pharmacology Web site. Available at: http://clinicalpharmacology-ip.com   

     /default.aspx. Accessed September 28, 2012.

     Lexicomp online Web site. Availablet at: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.pba.edu/lco/action 

     /home/switch. Accessed September 28, 2012.