Drug Facts

Type of Drug

Digestive enzymes.

How The Drug Works

Pancreatic enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) help digest and absorb the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates (starches and sugars) from food. Lipase accelerates the breakdown of fat, protease accelerates the breakdown of protein, and amylase accelerates the breakdown of starch.

Uses

To replace pancreatic enzymes in patients who do not produce normal amounts (eg, patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, removal of the pancreas, obstruction of the pancreatic duct, and pancreatic insufficiency).

To treat excess fat in a bowel movement due to malabsorption syndrome or stomach bypass surgery.

To test pancreatic function.

Powder: Do not inhale or spill powder on skin because it may irritate skin or mucous membranes. Inhalation can precipitate an allergic reaction, coughing spell, bronchospasm, nasal irritation, watery eyes, or asthma attack. If it is necessary to open the capsules, wear a mask and gloves.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if these drugs are excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Lab tests may be required during treatment. Tests include stool fat content monitoring, blood albumin levels, and blood-clotting tests.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over ­ the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with these drugs. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with these drugs:

1. Calcium carbonate (eg, Tums) folic acid
2. Iron supplements (eg, Feosol)
3. Magnesium hydroxide (eg, Milk of Magnesia)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; stomach cramps; diarrhea; constipation; vomiting; stomach pain or burning; belching; gas; intestinal obstruction; anal irritation; stool abnormalities (eg, greasy stool); bloating; loose stools; diarrhea.

Other: Skin irritation.

Guidelines for Use

• Consult your doctor and product labeling for individual dosing instructions. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Take with meals and snacks. Do not take on an empty stomach.
• Do not inhale or spill powder on skin. Inhaling may cause an allergic reaction, coughing spell, bronchospasm, nasal irritation, or asthma attack.
• Do not crush or chew coated tablets or capsules. If an intact capsule cannot be swallowed whole, it may be opened and the contents taken with a small amount of food that does not require Chewing and has a pH less than 5.5 (eg, applesauce, apricot, banana, and sweet potato baby foods, gelatin snacks). Do not mix with dairy products. Consume immediately after mixing. Wear a mask and gloves while handling.open capsules containing powder.
• Drink a full glass of water or juice with medicine to insure swallwing.
• Avoid using antacids or supplements containing calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide while taking digestive enzymes. Antacids may negate the beneficial effect of the enzymes.
• Maintain an adequate fluid intake (at least 64 oz per day) while taking this medicine.
• May interfere with the absorption of folic acid. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment with this medicine should take folic acid supplements.
• Do not change brands without consulting with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Stop taking and notify your doctor if you experience allergy symptoms (eg, rash, wheezing, shortness of breath), bloody diarrhea, or stomach pain with ongoing diarrhea and poor weight gain.
• Vegetarians or patients with allergies to pork can use Hi-Vegi-Lip tablets, which are of vegetable origin.
• Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at room temperature below 77⁰F in a cool, dry place.

Type of Drug:

Combination hormone products.

Uses of Estrogen Combination:

Estrogen and androgen combinations: To treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause (feeling of warmth in the face, neck, or chest or sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating throughout the body) in patients who have not improved with treatment of estrogens alone. To treat vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause.

Precautions:

Estrogen and progestin combinations: To treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause (feeling of warmth in the face, neck, or chest or sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating throughout the body) in patients who have not improved with treatment of estrogens alone.

To treat vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause (fuehrer excluded).

To prevent osteoporosis (Comb-Patch excluded).

To treat low estrogen conditions caused by diseases such as hypochondrias or primary ovarian failure.

Unlabeled Uses: There is no adequate evidence that estrogens are effective for nervous symptoms or depression that might occur during menopause; they should not be used to treat these conditions.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless directed by your doctor.
• Carefully read the patient package insert available with your medicine.
• Fluid retention may aggravate asthma, epilepsy, migraine, heart disease or kidney disease. Use with caution in these conditions.
• Brand interchange - Do not change from one brand of these drugs to another without consulting your pharmacist or doctor. Products manufactured by different companies may not be equally effective.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Store as directed by package labeling.