re the difference in pancreatic enzymes

[Guest guest]

I have not been on for a few months since I have been very busy with

putting my Mother in a nursing home, auctioning everything in the

house, selling

her house & becoming power of attorney, both financially & medically,

getting hospice involved, etc. etc.... you get the picture! ( oh

yeah, and all long-distance, she lives in St. Louis) But I

also have had an increase in severe epigastriun pain, dull not sharp,

and weakness & well..... bowel movements that needed assisting going

down

the commode!!! So after a MRI/MRCP with secretin, convinced I had

adenoma carcinoma (& I believe my doctors did as well)....I am

pleased to report all was negative & I'm pretty sure I know what was

causing the pain & all. About 5 months ago I was on Creon, and then

due to changing insurance I went on Ultrase 2 tabs. with every meal.

And then due to Ultrase buying their patent back (how weird is

that?) I went on Lipram 4500 u caps 2 with every meal & also after

my meal, not before or during. It seems strange that there can be

so much difference in pills that are supposed to be the same

strength, but I am convinced that this is what happened. So thank

the powers that be in that company buying their patent back

(therefore becoming a name brand, not a generic) & consequently I

ended up feeling better!!! So this is what I wanted to tell all of

you

.....I have been on pancreatic enzymes for over 25 years now, as

that is how long I've had this disease, but still I find this

remarkable! So if you are having increased pain shop around on

enzymes, cause obviously they are not all the same, nor or any of

us. Thanks for listening, if this helps just one of you, I will be

happy! Cheers!! in ton, S.C.

[Guest guest]

If you check the cystic fibrosis support groups they have numerous

articles on the current problems with pancreatic enzyme suppliments.

None of them are FDA approved (they were grandfathered in)at this

time, strength varies wildly

http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldformat.asp?

url=newlook/files/Feat/Pancreatic.htm&pub_id=8&article_id=824

also go here and click FDA Enzyme requirement (PDF file)

http://www.cff.org/living_with_cf/nutrition_and_cf/

Margaret

About 5 months ago I was on Creon, and then

> due to changing insurance I went on Ultrase 2 tabs. with every

meal.

> And then due to Ultrase buying their patent back (how weird is

> that?) I went on Lipram 4500 u caps 2 with every meal & also after

> my meal, not before or during. It seems strange that there can be

> so much difference in pills that are supposed to be the same

> strength, but I am convinced that this is what happened.

[Guest guest]

Sorry, link problem with the pancreatic enzymes article. Hopefully

this will work

http://tinyurl.com/8uunu

" Pharmacists should become aware of the production variances, the

allowable limits in product content, and the inequivalence of generic

pancrelipase products.

Pharmacists should not substitute a generic for a brand-name

pancreatic enzyme until FDA-approved bioequivalent generic products

become available. "

Margaret

[Guest guest]

,

I'm so sorry to hear about all of your difficulties with your mother -

enough to stress anyone to the limit - and then your motility problems

because of the enzymes. I remember that you were very concerned about

your mother when I spoke to you before and hope that she is well

settled into her new surroundings. I'm sure it was a huge adjustment

for her and that you've been working hard to make everything right for

her. It's such an emotional and mental struggle for people to have to

go through a situation like that. I'm facing a very similar quandry

right now with my father, and would like your suggestions about it if

I could write to you about it offline? It sounds like your recent

experience would provide much insight to my siblings and my questions

concerning our dad.

It's a very interesting problem that you've proved about the enzymes.

I've always understood that some work differently than others, i.e.,

(enteric coated vs. non-enteric coated), but didn't realize that there

would be differences in the different enteric coated types, too! So

are you saying that it is the Ultrase brand enteric coated enzymes

that finally brought you relief from your motility dilemma? I took

those for the first two years of CP.

That's wonderful news that you don't have adenoma carcinoma, and that

it was just a change in enzymes that solved your pain problems. Wow!

It's good to hear from you again, and your comments about the enzymes

should be helpful to many.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

SC State & SC Regional Rep

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or

opinion, and should not be substituted for consultation with youre

medical professional.