Information for people who are unable to swallow their pancreatic enzyme capsules whole

This leaflet is intended to supplement the leaflet entitled ‘Information for people taking pancreatic enzymes for pancreatic insufficiency’ and should be read in conjunction with it.

You have been prescribed one of the following pancreatic enzyme replacement medications; Creon, Nutrizym or Pancrex.

Pancreatic enzyme capsules are usually swallowed whole, the capsules help the enzymes get to the right place in the gut to do their work. However, if you are unable to swallow the capsules you may open them and put the contents on a teaspoon of cold, soft, acidic foods such as;

• ketchup
• jam
• fruit puree
• apple sauce
• yoghurt

This spoon of food should then be eaten immediately and washed down with a cool or room temperature drink. This is important as it washes down any enzymes that are still in your mouth. If they are left in your mouth they can cause ulcers. Avoid taking the contents of the enzyme capsule mixed with liquids rather than the above foods as with a liquid, some of the enzymes can stay in the bottom of the cup or stay stuck in the mouth rather than being swallowed.

• Do not chew the granules as you swallow them with the spoonful of food.
• Do not mix them with hot foods or drinks as this will stop them from working.
• Do not open the capsules and sprinkle them on your plate/bowl of food. They will not work well this way and may affect the taste of your food.
• Do not prepare enzyme-food mixture in advance. It should be prepared and then consumed within a few minutes.
• Do take your enzymes at the same time as your meals, snacks and milky drinks.

Please be aware that you may need a higher dose of enzymes when you open the capsules than if you were swallowing them whole. Your doses will be reviewed by your dietitian or doctor.

Dietitian: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contact number: 01223 216655