
doi: 10.1345/aph.1p770
pmid: 21540403
Objective: To review the pharmacology, dosage regimens, efficacy, and safety of currently marketed pancreatic enzyme products (PEPs). Data Sources: Studies were identified by PubMed (1966-January 2011), clintcaltrials.gov, fda.gov, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Search terms included pancreatic enzyme, lipase, Creon, Zenpep, Pancreaze, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Study Selection and Data Extraction: All human studies evaluating the efficacy of currently approved or potential PEPs were reviewed. Data Synthesis: PEPs are composed of porcine lipase, amylase, and protease and are used in patients with EPI secondary to cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatectomy. In 1938, PEPs were exempted from the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 and never underwent a formal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review process. In response to reports of treatment failures during product interchange, the FDA conducted a review of available PEP products. This review found a large variability of response between the unapproved PEP products, which resulted in the FDA requiring approval of all PEP products by April 2010. The 3 delayed-release, enteric-coated PEPs currently approved by the FDA (Creon, Zenpep, and Pancreaze) have demonstrated efficacy and safety in EPI secondary to cystic fibrosis. Creon has also demonstrated safety and efficacy in EPI secondary to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatectomy. Cost difference between the 3 products is minimal. Treatment-related adverse events in clinical studies for all PEPs were less than or similar to those with placebo. Conclusions: At this time, Creon is an appropriate first-line agent, as it has been approved for chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, and cystic fibrosis.
Gastrointestinal Agents, Pancrelipase, Humans, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, Pancreas
Gastrointestinal Agents, Pancrelipase, Humans, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, Pancreas
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 18 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
