Re: Digestive enzymes? Pancreatic enzymes used?

[Guest guest]

Hi Adam,

I take Creon which are prescribed enzymes. Not sure what you can buy in

healthfood shops here in UK.

I take 4 - 8 of the 40,000 strength, depending on what i am eating. I spread

them out and take some before and some during a meal. I also take Omeprazole

prescribed by my doctor, to reduce the acid in the stomach, and aid the work of

the digestive enzymes.

Sue (UK)

[Guest guest]

Adam wrote:

> I was wondering who is using what for supplements to digest

food? Are you using over the counter digestive enzymes from the

health food store? Are you using prescription enzymes?

Adam,

You'll get many different anwers to your questions regarding

pancreatic enzyme supplements and other digestive aids. It's

important to work with a doctor closely to individualize the best

type of enzyme and the right dosage that will work for you. There

are differences with the many different enzyme preparations, and

some work better than others, so if you are unhappy with your

results, you should ask your doctor to try another type.

The major problem with the OTC digestive supplements that you

can get at the health food stores is that they do not contain the

sufficient amount of lipase that's needed to control the

malabsorption and steatorrhea effects of CP. Medical research

has proven that the patient needs a minimum amount of 30,000

units of lipase with a meal to control malabsorption and

steatorrhea, and many of the OTC preparations don't contain

nearly that amount.

Personally, now I take Viokase 16, 6 tablets before every meal,

which are available by prescription only. For lighter snacks I take

3-4 tablets. If the meal is very long and drawn out (like at

Thanksgiving or a dinner party where everyone is talking and

eating for a long time), then I space out the tablets to cover the

duration of the meal. This type of enzyme, which is not enteric

coated, needs an antiacid to be taken beforehand to reduce

stomach acid. Otherwise the enzyme would be completely

destroyed before it even got to where it needs to be. For this

purpose, my GI has prescribed 40 mgs. of Protonix twice daily.

Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor, and this combination has

been very effective for me. I don't have any upset or pain after

eating and my bowels are in good shape and color.

For two years prior, I was taking 4 capsules of Ultrase or Lipram.

Both of these enzyme supplements are enteric coated and an

antiacid is not necessary prior to their injestion. I did experience

after-meal upset and pain quite often when taking these

enzymes, and was delighted to find that the Viokase helped me

so much better in this regard.

I don't take any other digestive aids such as probotics or bile

tablets. I do take one 1,000 mg. fish oil tablet daily, because

weight maintenance is an issue. When I was 30 pounds

underweight, I would take three of the fish oil tablets each day.

I have experienced an increase in flatulence since changing

enzymes....as if what I had before wasn't enough, LOL! To help

with this, I've just started taking an OTC anti-gas preparation that

contains 180 mgs. Simethicone with very satisfactory results. I'll

take up to 3 of these daily, and so far they've worked very well to

stop all my gas problems.

Since my pancreas burned out I've had to take more enzymes

than before, so the amounts I take may not be suitable for other

CPer's. Dosage and quantity should be worked out with your

doctor, keeping in mind the minimum of 30,000 units of lipase to

offset malabsorption and steatorrhea.

I hope this information helps.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience

or opinion only, and should not be substituted for consultation

with a medical professional.

[Guest guest]

Adam,

I am using prescription enzymes: Viokase 8

Yes, I have tried different brands. Unfortunately, most of my previous

ones have been discontinued, which is why I had to switch the

medication. Not because anything was wrong with the medication, just

that the company felt they weren't getting enough people using the

product to continue providing it. So far, all of the ones I used have

worked fne and when I had a switch, my doctors have always found me one

that is as close to the one I was previously taking.

I take mine with each meal and snacks. I take 8 tablets with meals and 4

tablets with snacks. Usually I take them just before I start eating,

but if I'm out at a restaurant and I'm getting my food in courses, I

split them up to take some with each course. I have never split my

pills in half.

I also take Ranitidine (generic for Zantac) in prescription strength,

not over the counter. with each meal as well. This is to cut down on

the acid so that there is enough of the enzymes left to go into the

intestintes. This is because I take a non-enteric coated version of the

enzymes. Some people take a enteric-coated version and I don't think

they have to take the Ranitidine (or some other type of similar med like

Pepcid, Prylosec, Tagamet, etc.).

Hope this is of some help to you.

Kimber

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed

physician or health care professional.