Viokase (Oral)

Generic name:pancrelipase (oral route) [ AM-i-lase, LYE-pase, PROE-tee-ase ]
Drug class:Digestive enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Creon
• Palcaps
• Pancreaze
• Pancrelipase
• Pangestyme EC
• Panocaps
• Pertzye
• Ultracaps
• Ultresa
• Viokace
• Zenpep

In Canada

• Viokase

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet
• Capsule, Delayed Release
• Capsule

Therapeutic Class: Enzyme Replacement

Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme

Uses for Viokase

Pancrelipase is used to help improve food digestion in certain conditions (eg, cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis) where the pancreas is not working properly. Pancrelipase contains the enzymes (including lipases, proteases, and amylases) needed for the digestion of proteins, starches, and fats.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Viokase

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Creon®, Pancreaze®, Pertzye®, and Zenpep® in children.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Ultresa™ in children younger than 12 months of age, and Viokace™ in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established in these age groups.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of Creon®, Pancreaze®, and Pertzye® in geriatric patients.

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Ultresa™, Viokace™, and Zenpep® in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving these medicines.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain med...