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.

Constipation

The most common side effect resulting from pancreatic enzyme replacement medications is constipation, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. In rare cases, severe side effects involving bowel movements may occur, including persistent, loose stools or diarrhea, reports Drugs.com. Excessive flatulence is another potential side effect, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

Nausea

Nausea and upset stomach are also rare potential side effects of pancreatic enzyme replacement medications, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network says. In some cases, nausea may be severe or unusual and may be accompanied by vomiting, Drugs.com reports. Pancreatic enzymes may also cause pain in the stomach or abdomen, sometimes with cramping.

Allergic Reaction

Pancreatic enzymes are often prepared from pig or cow organs, or from pineapple or papaya. People with allergies to these foods should inform their doctor or pharmacists in order to select the enzymes that won't cause an allergic reaction, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network says. Severe allergic reactions are rare, but may cause symptoms of itching, rash, hives, swelling of the mouth or face, and difficulty breathing, Drugs.com says. Anyone experiencing allergic reactions should immediately seek medical attention.

Heachache

Certain people who take pancreatic enzyme replacement medications may develop a headache after ingesting the drugs. In some cases, dizziness may also occur, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports.

Fibrosing Colonopathy

An extremely rare potential side effect of pancreatic enzyme replacement medications is fibrosing colonopathy, a condition that causes serious damage to the large intestines. This rare side effect has been observed in children with cystic fibrosis who take high doses of pancreatic enzymes, reports the University of Michigan Health System. Follow-up research suggested the fibrosing colonopathy might have been caused by interactions between the enzymes and the substances used to coat the enzymes, although the exact cause of the fibrosing colonopathy is not fully understood.