Pancrex is used to compensate for reduced intestinal enzyme activity in pancreatic deficiency states.

It is indicated for the treatment of fibrocystic disease of the pancreas (cystic fibrosis), chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic steatorrhoea following pancreatectomy. It may also be indicated following gastrectomy as an aid to digestion.

Posology

Dosage should be adjusted according to the needs of the individual patient and the amount and type of food consumed. The dosing may also require to be adjusted, as necessary, on the basis of the clinical outcome. The following dosage ranges provide a suitable basis for adjustment.

Adults, the Elderly, and Paediatric population

0.5- 2 grams swallowed dry or mixed with a little water or milk before each snack or meal.

New-born infants

0.25 - 0.5 grams with each feed.

1 gram of Pancrex V Powder corresponds approximately to the volume of a 1.25 ml spoonful.

2 grams of Pancrex V Powder correspond approximately to the volume of a 2.5 ml spoonful.

Method of administration

(1) Oral use

(2) Pancrex V Powder may be administered via a nasogastric tube or a gastrostomy tube. Refer to relevant local and national official guidelines (see section 4.4).

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Strictures of the ileo-caecum and large bowel (fibrosing colonopathy) have been reported in patients with cystic fibrosis taking high doses of pancreatin preparations. As a precaution, unusual abdominal symptoms or changes in abdominal symptoms should be medically assessed to exclude the possibility of fibrosing colonopathy, especially if the patient is taking in excess of 10,000 units of lipase/kg/day.

It is possible that some irritation of the skin of the mouth may occur if the powder is retained in the mouth. Irritation of the anus may also occur. A barrier cream may prevent this local irritation.

Allergic/asthmatic reactions have occasionally occurred on handling the powder.

If the powder is mixed with liquids or feeds the resulting mixture should not be allowed to stand for more than one hour prior to use.

When Pancrex V Powder is administered via a nasogastric tube or a gastrostomy tube then the internal diameter of the tube must be adequate and patency of the tube must be ensured. Refer to relevant local and national official guidelines.

Excipients

This medicine contains lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems of, galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

No interaction studies have been performed.

Pregnancy

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of pancreatic enzymes in pregnant women. Animal studies show no evidence for any absorption of porcine pancreatic enzymes. Therefore, no reproductive or developmental toxicity is to be expected.

Pancrex V Powder should be used with caution in pregnancy.

Lactation

No effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated since animal studies suggest no systemic exposure of the breast-feeding woman to pancreatic enzymes.

If use during pregnancy and lactation is considered necessary, Pancrex V Powder should be used in doses sufficient to provide adequate nutritional status.

Pancrex V Powder has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Rare cases of hyperuricosuria and hyperuricaemia have been reported when extremely high doses of pancreatin have been taken.

The following adverse reactions have been observed during clinical trials with the below indicated frequencies:

*Gastrointestinal disorders are mainly associated with the underlying disease. Similar or lower incidences compared to placebo were reported for abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Strictures of the ileo-caecum and large bowel, and colitis, have been reported in children with cystic fibrosis taking high doses of pancreatic enzyme supplements. To date Pancrex and Pancrex V presentations have not been implicated in the development of colonic damage. However unusual abdominal symptoms or changes in abdominal symptoms should be reviewed to exclude the possibility of colonic damage especially if the patient is taking in excess of 10,000 units/kg/day of lipase.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

None stated.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Digestives, incl. enzymes, enzyme preparations

ATC code: A09AA02

Pancreatin is derived from porcine pancreas and contains the enzymes, amylase, protease and lipase. The enzymes have the same actions as pancreatic juice and when administered to patients with pancreatic insufficiency improve the ability to metabolise starches, proteins and fats.

Pancreatin hydrolyses fats to glycerol and fatty acids, changes proteins into proteases and derived substances, and converts starch into dextrins and sugars.

No relevant pre-clinical safety data has been generated.

Lactose monohydrate.

Not applicable.

3 years.

Do not store above 25° C.

100 g, 250 g and 300 g white polypropylene securitainer with a white polyethylene cap and a patient information label-leaflet attached.

A 5 ml graduated measuring spoon (PP resin) is included inside the container. The 5 ml measuring spoon is graduated as 1.25 ml, 2.5 ml and 5 ml, it can be used to measure the doses of 1.25 ml and 2.5 ml.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

No special requirements for disposal.