Zenpep (Pancreatic Enzyme)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

Top brand choice

Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
40000 Unit
Pack Size
Qty
What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Zenpep is a prescription pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) indicated for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) due to conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, or other pancreatic disorders. Zenpep contains a combination of porcine-derived lipase, amylase, and protease to aid in the digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Delivered in delayed-release capsules, Zenpep is formulated to resist gastric acid and release enzymes in the small intestine, where nutrient absorption occurs. By supplementing deficient digestive enzymes, Zenpep helps improve nutritional status, reduce gastrointestinal symptoms, and support weight gain in patients with EPI.

Fact Table

Formula

Mixture: Amylase, Lipase, Protease (porcine-derived)

License

US FDA

Bioavailability

Site-specific (small intestine); not systemically absorbed

Legal status

Prescription only (Rx)

Chemical Name

Pancrelipase (porcine pancreatic extract)

Elimination half-life

Not systemically absorbed

Dosage (Strength)

3,000 to 40,000 USP units lipase per capsule (various strengths)

Pregnancy

Category C – Use if benefits outweigh risks

Brands

Zenpep, Creon, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Ultresa, Viokace

Protein binding

Not applicable

PubChem CID

24277536

MedlinePlus

a601063

ChEBI

36221

ATC code

A09AA02

DrugBank

DB00085

KEGG

D01714

Routes of administration

Oral (delayed-release capsules)

Directions

Zenpep should be taken during meals and snacks, with dosage tailored to the individual’s weight, age, diet, and clinical symptoms. Capsules must be swallowed whole with sufficient fluid and should not be crushed or chewed to prevent mucosal irritation. For patients who cannot swallow capsules, contents may be sprinkled onto soft, acidic foods (e.g., applesauce) and consumed immediately without chewing. Dosing typically begins with the lowest effective dose and may be adjusted based on symptom control and stool fat content. Enzyme doses should not exceed maximum recommended limits to avoid complications such as fibrosing colonopathy.

Ingredients

Each Zenpep capsule contains a specific amount of pancrelipase (pancreatic enzymes) expressed as lipase, protease, and amylase. The enzymes are derived from porcine pancreatic glands. Inactive ingredients may include methacrylic acid copolymer, triethyl citrate, medium chain triglycerides, and gelatin capsule components. Zenpep does not contain preservatives.

Contraindications

Zenpep is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to porcine proteins, pancrelipase, or any component of the formulation. It should not be used in cases of acute pancreatitis or during an acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis unless clearly indicated and clinically justified.

Cautions

Patients should be monitored for the development of fibrosing colonopathy, particularly when consuming high doses over extended periods. Caution is also advised in patients with a history of gout, renal impairment, or hyperuricemia due to the purine content of porcine-derived enzymes. Zenpep should be used under medical supervision with regular evaluation of nutritional status, gastrointestinal symptoms, and growth in pediatric patients. Adequate hydration should be maintained during enzyme therapy.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Zenpep may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Flatulence
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Cough (particularly in pediatric patients)

Less commonly, allergic reactions and serious gastrointestinal complications such as fibrosing colonopathy may occur, especially at high doses. Immediate medical attention is warranted if signs of hypersensitivity or severe abdominal symptoms develop.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.

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