Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Pancreaze. It helps people with cystic fibrosis and other conditions absorb and use fats, proteins and sugars from food. It contains a mixture of digestive enzymes.  

You should take Pancreaze exactly as your doctor tells you to.  Always take it with a meal or a snack.  You should swallow the capsule whole, do not crush or chew it.  If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, it can be opened and sprinkled on food, like applesauce, pureed bananas or pears. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist about other foods it can be mixed with. After sprinkling it on food, swallow it right away. It should only be mixed when you are ready to take a dose. Do not store Pancreaze that is mixed with food.  

Most people tolerate this medicine well.  Common side effects include pain in your stomach or gas.  These are normal if they are mild and should go away.  If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medication, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur.  With Pancreaze, this can include, allergic reactions, and worsening of swollen, painful joints caused by increased uric acid levels. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report them.  If you have unusual or severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea let your doctor know right away.  It could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Women should talk to their doctor before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results with Pancreaze, store it in a cool dry place.  Also make sure the bottle is sealed tightly between doses.