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Where is the pancreas located?2
The pancreas is connected to the small intestine, located behind the stomach.What do pancreatic enzymes look like? How do they work?2
Enteric-coated pancreatic enzymes come in capsule form. There are many small "beads" in each pill. These beads contain digestive pancreatic enzymes. Each bead has a special coating (called an enteric coating) that allows the bead to dissolve in the small intestine. Once dissolved, the pancreatic enzymes are released in the small intestine to help digest food.
Pancreatic enzymes have 3 main purposes2:
- To digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (3 components of food that supply calories)
- To help absorb nutrients
- To help with weight gain
When and how do I take my enteric-coated pancreatic enzymes?2
- Take pancreatic enzymes with all meals and snacks and as directed by your healthcare provider
- Take pancreatic enzymes with a liquid and swallow pills whole
-
If you can't swallow pills whole, follow these steps:
- Open the pill up.
- Pour out the beads from inside the pill.
- As recommended by Vanessa Carr MS RDN LDN, mix beads with a small amount of applesauce or acidic baby food. Mixing the enzymes with acidic baby food helps to preserve and protect the beads.
- Swallow the bead and food mixture.
This section includes general guidance on the administration of enteric-coated pancreatic enzymes. Always take your pancreatic enzymes as directed by your healthcare provider. Refer to the prescribing information that came with your prescription for additional details.
The Dos and Don'ts of enteric-coated pancreatic enzymes2
| DOs | DON'Ts |
|---|---|
| Take pancreatic enzymes with all meals and as directed by your healthcare provider | Don't skip taking pancreatic enzymes. If you're eating on the go, keep a supply of pancreatic enzymes with you |
| Be sure to take the right dose of pancreatic enzymes | Don't change the dose of pancreatic enzymes without talking to your CF physician/dietitian first |
| Tell your CF dietitian if higher-fat foods cause problems. Your dose may need to be adjusted | Don't crush or chew the pancreatic enzyme beads. They won't work |
| Keep pancreatic enzymes at room temperature (59⁰F to 86⁰F) | Don't mix pancreatic enzymes into foods ahead of time |
| Check the expiration date on each bottle to make sure the pancreatic enzymes have not expired | Don't store pancreatic enzymes in hot places or near heat, such as next to a toaster oven or in a hot car |
| Keep the lid tightly sealed on the pancreatic enzyme bottle | Don't refrigerate pancreatic enzymes |
Some foods DO NOT need pancreatic enzymes2
There are some foods and drinks that generally do not require you to take pancreatic enzymes with them. These are often simple carbohydrates (such as sugar) that are easy for the body to digest. Some examples are:
- Fruits
- Juice and juice drinks
- Soft drinks or sports drinks
- Infant rehydrating formulas (such as Pedialyte®)
- Tea
- Hard candy (such as lollipops)
- Fruit snacks
- Jelly beans
- Gum
- Popsicles®, freezer pops, flavored ice
The information in this section is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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