Re: Viokase to Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Dear Cheryl,

While 8 tablets may seem excessive, apparently your

gastroenterologist feels that this is what is necessary for you to

maintain proper digestive absorption. Were you having a lot of

diarrhea, or did a fecal fat test indicate poor absorption? Some

of us do take large quantities of enzymes. I am on 4-5 capsules

of UltraseMT-20's (that means 20,000 units lipase in each

capsule, plus 35,000 units amylase and 35,000 protease.

Multiply that times 5, and you'll see that it's a lot. If I remember

correctly, Viokase-16's have a lower amount of amylase and

protease, and of course, 16,000 units of lipase. My GI originally

started me on less, but as my pancreatic insufficiency worsened,

the amount of enzymes that I need to take increased. It may be

that tests have shown the same for you. I have heard of other

physicians that recommend that the enzymes also be taken at

night, mine doesn't, but understandably, doctors do vary in their

treatment.

Rantidine is Zantac, and although research has shown that it

can cause pancreatitis, apparently this is a low percentage,

because I know many of us have been prescribed it by our GI's.

Go figure! The reason that an antiacid is necessary with any

non-enteric coated enzymes is that the antiacid prevents the

acid in the stomach from breaking up the Viokase before it can

reach the small intestine to do its work. It is usually

recommended that the antiacid be taken 15 minutes-1/2 hour

before taking the Viokase. If you are taking an enteric coated

enzyme like Ultrase, an antiacid isn't necessary, but I have heard

that Viokase helps relieve the pain more than the enteric coated

enzymes do. I've taken both, and truly didn't see any difference,

but my GI's prefer the Ultrase because of their higher quantities

of enzymes.

Side effects would be beneficial, at best. The enzymes are

supposed to stop the diarrhea and loose stools many of us with

CP have, and aid the body to absorb the nutrients, vitamins and

minerals we lose by having a poorly functioning pancreas that no

longer manufactures these essential digestive enzymes. A

drawback for some while taking enzymes is some weight gain,

but this actually is a physical benefit, because it means that

those essential nutrients are being absorbed. For people like

me that suffer from severe malabsorption and are underweight,

the enzymes are the only thing that help me to gain or keep any

weight on. While I can see this would be a drawback for an

overweight person, you need to realize that for the health of your

body, they are good for you.

If you have any other questions, please write again.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep

PAI, Intl.

Note: Comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

[Guest guest]

Dear Cheryl,

While 8 tablets may seem excessive, apparently your

gastroenterologist feels that this is what is necessary for you to

maintain proper digestive absorption. Were you having a lot of

diarrhea, or did a fecal fat test indicate poor absorption? Some

of us do take large quantities of enzymes. I am on 4-5 capsules

of UltraseMT-20's (that means 20,000 units lipase in each

capsule, plus 35,000 units amylase and 35,000 protease.

Multiply that times 5, and you'll see that it's a lot. If I remember

correctly, Viokase-16's have a lower amount of amylase and

protease, and of course, 16,000 units of lipase. My GI originally

started me on less, but as my pancreatic insufficiency worsened,

the amount of enzymes that I need to take increased. It may be

that tests have shown the same for you. I have heard of other

physicians that recommend that the enzymes also be taken at

night, mine doesn't, but understandably, doctors do vary in their

treatment.

Rantidine is Zantac, and although research has shown that it

can cause pancreatitis, apparently this is a low percentage,

because I know many of us have been prescribed it by our GI's.

Go figure! The reason that an antiacid is necessary with any

non-enteric coated enzymes is that the antiacid prevents the

acid in the stomach from breaking up the Viokase before it can

reach the small intestine to do its work. It is usually

recommended that the antiacid be taken 15 minutes-1/2 hour

before taking the Viokase. If you are taking an enteric coated

enzyme like Ultrase, an antiacid isn't necessary, but I have heard

that Viokase helps relieve the pain more than the enteric coated

enzymes do. I've taken both, and truly didn't see any difference,

but my GI's prefer the Ultrase because of their higher quantities

of enzymes.

Side effects would be beneficial, at best. The enzymes are

supposed to stop the diarrhea and loose stools many of us with

CP have, and aid the body to absorb the nutrients, vitamins and

minerals we lose by having a poorly functioning pancreas that no

longer manufactures these essential digestive enzymes. A

drawback for some while taking enzymes is some weight gain,

but this actually is a physical benefit, because it means that

those essential nutrients are being absorbed. For people like

me that suffer from severe malabsorption and are underweight,

the enzymes are the only thing that help me to gain or keep any

weight on. While I can see this would be a drawback for an

overweight person, you need to realize that for the health of your

body, they are good for you.

If you have any other questions, please write again.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep

PAI, Intl.

Note: Comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.