Viokace Oral: Side Effects, Uses, Warnings

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, or anal itching may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe stomach/abdominal pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?

The effects of Viokace begin with the ingestion of food, as the enzymes mix with the ingested material in the stomach and continue to exert their effect in the small intestine, where most nutrient absorption occurs. The onset of action coincides with meal consumption, as the enzymes facilitate the digestion of nutrients that would otherwise be malabsorbed due to EPI.

How long do the effects of this medicine last?

The duration of the effects of Viokace is limited to the digestive period of each meal with which the medication is taken. Enzymatic activity peaks during the postprandial period and diminishes as the food is digested and nutrients are absorbed. Thus, Viokace needs to be administered with all meals and snacks to maintain its therapeutic effect.

Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?

While there is no direct interaction between alcohol consumption and the efficacy of pancreatic enzymes, alcohol can exacerbate pancreatic conditions, potentially worsening EPI. Patients with pancreatic insufficiency are often advised to limit or avoid alcohol to manage their condition effectively.

Is this a habit forming medicine?

Viokace is not associated with habit formation or addiction. It is a therapeutic medication addressing a specific deficiency (EPI) and does not have psychoactive properties or induce dependency.

Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?

There are no well-controlled studies of Viokace in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Given its non-systemic nature, the risk is presumed to be low, but caution is advised.

Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?

It is not known whether Viokace is excreted in human milk. However, considering that Viokace is comprised of digestive enzymes similar to those naturally occurring within the body and it acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract, the risk to the breastfed infant is considered to be low. Nonetheless, healthcare providers should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and the use of Viokace against any potential risks to the infant.

Uses

This medication is used along with a proton pump inhibitor medicine to treat people who cannot digest food normally. The pancreas is an organ in your body that normally produces enzymes to help you digest food. Certain conditions, such as surgical removal of some or all of the pancreas, or chronic pancreatitis, can decrease the production or release of these enzymes into the bowel (intestine). Pancrelipase contains a mixture of digestive enzymes (from pig pancreas) to help breakdown and digest fats, starches, and proteins in food.

How to use Viokace

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking pancrelipase and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually with every meal and snack as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets or keep them in your mouth. Doing so can irritate the mouth/throat and change the way the medication works. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, diet, weight, and response to treatment. Do not take more tablets in a day than prescribed by your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Your doctor should also prescribe another medicine (proton pump inhibitor such as lansoprazole, omeprazole) to decrease stomach acid. This helps pancrelipase work better by preventing it from breaking down in your stomach.

Use this medication regularly and follow any diet recommendations from your doctor or nutritionist to get the most benefit.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Precautions

Before taking pancrelipase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: gout, kidney disease, high uric acid level in the blood (hyperuricemia), intestinal problems (such as blockage).

If you have diabetes, pancrelipase may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this product with others.

Do not change brands or dosage forms of pancrelipase without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Different products may contain different amounts of digestive enzymes.

If you miss a dose, take the next dose with your next meal or snack as directed. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: acarbose, miglitol.

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