Pertzye (pancrelipase) is a prescription drug that’s prescribed to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). The drug comes as a delayed-release capsule you swallow. It’s taken daily with each meal.
Pertzye is prescribed for adults and children to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
With EPI, your body doesn’t have enough pancreatic enzymes to break down and absorb the nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) from your diet. EPI may be caused by conditions such as cystic fibrosis or certain other conditions that affect your pancreas.
Pertzye has three active ingredients (what makes a drug work in the body) called pancrealipase. They are all enzymes (proteins) that help digest foods. They are:
- lipases (help break down fats)
- amylases (help breakdown carbohydrates and starch)
- proteases (help break down proteins)
This article describes the dosages of Pertzye, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Pertzye, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Pertzye. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Pertzye’s form?
Pertzye is available as an oral delayed-release capsule you swallow.
What strengths does Pertzye come in?
Pertzye comes in several strengths containing different amounts of the three active ingredients:
| Pertzye strengths | Lipase units | Protease units | Amylase units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pertzye 4,000 | 4,000 | 14,375 | 15,125 |
| Pertzye 8,000 | 8,000 | 28,750 | 30,250 |
| Pertzye 16,000 | 16,000 | 57,500 | 60,500 |
| Pertzye 24,000 | 24,000 | 86,250 | 90,750 |
What are the usual dosages of Pertzye?
Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
Pertzye’s dosage depends on factors such as:
- your body weight
- your age
- the severity of your symptoms
- side effects you may have
- your diet, including the amount of fat you eat daily
The information below describes dosages that are commonly taken or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for EPI
The typical starting dosage of Pertzye for adults with EPI is 500 lipase units per kilogram (kg) of body weight with each full meal. For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
Your doctor will calculate your Pertzye dosage according to the amount of lipase units needed. Your total daily dosage is based on eating three full meals and two or three snacks per day. The dosage of Pertzye for snacks is half the dosage of full meals.
Your doctor may increase your dosage of Pertzye based on how you respond to treatment.
The total daily dosage is not more than one of the following:
- 2,500 lipase units per kg of body weight with each full meal
- 10,000 lipase units per kg per day
- 4,000 lipase units per gram of fat you eat daily
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about your dosage for Pertzye.
What’s the dosage of Pertzye for children?
Pertzye is used to help treat EPI in children. Your child’s dosage is based on their age, body weight, diet, and severity of symptoms.
Dosage in children from birth to age 12 months:
The dosage for infants and children from birth to age 12 months is 4,000 lipase units per breastfeeding session or per every 120 milliliters (mL) of formula consumed.
Dosage in children greater than age 12 months to less than age 4 years:
The dosage for children who are older than 12 months and younger than 4 years is 1,000 lipase units per kg of body weight per meal. Your child’s doctor may increase their dosage based on how they respond to treatment. For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.
The total daily dosage is not more than one of the following:
- 2,500 lipase units per kg of body weight with each full meal
- 10,000 lipase units per kg per day
- 4,000 lipase units per gram of fat you eat daily
Dosage in children age 4 years and older:
The dosage used in children age 4 years and older is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Pertzye?” section above.
For more information about Pertzye’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take Pertzye
Pertzye comes as a delayed-release capsule you swallow. Delayed-release medications release the active ingredients in the small intestine so that they’re not destroyed by stomach acid. Always take Pertzye with a meal or snack.
For infants and children birth to age 12 months:
Give Pertzye just before breastfeeding or formula feeding. Do not mix Pertzye directly into breast milk or formula.
You can either place Pertzye capsule contents into a small amount of acidic food, such as applesauce, or place Pertzye capsule contents directly into your child’s mouth.
Then, immediately give your child their formula or breast milk feeding. Check their mouth to make sure they’ve swallowed the entire contents of the Pertzye capsule.
For adults and children older than age 12 months:
Take Pertzye with a meal or snack. Swallow the capsules whole with enough liquid to wash it down. Do not crush or chew Pertzye capsules. This can affect how the medication works.
Do not keep Pertzye in your mouth too long because this can irritate your mouth or tongue.
For children and adults who cannot swallow capsules whole, mix the entire contents of Pertzye in a small amount of acidic food, such as applesauce, and immediately consume the entire contents. Then drink water or another liquid to swallow the whole capsule contents. Do not save contents of Pertzye you’ve mixed with food to eat later.
For more information on how to take Pertzye, you can see these instructions from the manufacturer or talk with your doctor or pharmacist on how to take Pertzye.
Is Pertzye taken long term?
Yes, Pertzye is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Do not take more Pertzye than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- fibrosing colonopathy (narrowing or scarring that happens in your colon)
- too much uric acid in your blood
- colonic stricture (narrowing of your large intestine)
What to do in case you take too much Pertzye
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Pertzye. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.