Pancreas extract is usually obtained from the pancreas of pigs or cows. The pancreas is an organ in animals and people that makes chemicals — amylase, lipase, and protease — that are needed for proper digestion. Pancreas extract is used as medicine.
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Uses
Pancreas extract is used to treat digestion problems that result when the pancreas has been removed or is not working well. Cystic fibrosis or ongoing swelling (chronic pancreatitis) are two of the conditions that can cause the pancreas to function poorly.
Pancreas extract is also used for intestinal gas (flatulence) or as a digestive aid.
Benefits
Pancreas extract is a combination of digestive enzymes (proteins). These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important for digesting fats, proteins, and sugars.
Pancreas extract is used to replace digestive enzymes when the body does not have enough of its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or pancreas surgery.
Pancreas extract may also be used to treat a condition called steatorrhea (loose, fatty stools).
Cautions
Pancreatin is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth by people with pancreas problems who cannot digest food properly. However, some pancreatin products contaminated by Salmonella bacteria have caused illness. Be sure to get pancreatin from a trusted source.
Pancreatin can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. High doses can cause problems such as high blood levels of a substance called uric acid, as well as colon damage.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough information about the safety of using pancreatin during pregnancy and breast-feeding. It’s best to avoid use unless you have been diagnosed with pancreas problems that make use of pancreatin essential.
Interactions
Acarbose (Precose, Prandase) interacts with Pancreas extract
Acarbose (Precose, Prandase) is used to help treat type 2 diabetes. Acarbose (Precose, Prandase) works by decreasing how quickly foods are broken down. Pancreatin seems to help the body break down some foods. By helping the body break down foods pancreatin might decrease the effectiveness of Acarbose (Precose, Prandase).
Other names
Enzyme Therapy, Fungal Pancreatin, Pancreatina, Pancréatine, Pancréatine Fongique, Pancreatinum, Pancreatis Pulvis, Thérapie Enzymatique
Reference
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-254-pancreatin.aspx?activeingredientid=254&activeingredientname=pancreatin
EverydayHealth, http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/pancreatin