What Are Some of the Side Effects of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Medications?
Pancreatic enzyme replacement medications are prescribed to treat patients with low levels of important digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. Several conditions can cause low levels of pancreatic enzymes, including pancreatitis–which is inflammation of the pancreas–and pancreatic cancer. The primary pancreatic enzymes important for digestion are amylase, which digests carbohydrates; proteases, which digest proteins; and lipase, which digests fats. Pancreatic enzymes are usually taken as capsules or pills and are generally safe, although some side effects may occur.
