Pertzye (pancrelipase) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for a lack of pancreatic enzymes due to cystic fibrosis and other conditions in adults and children. Pertzye comes as a delayed-release oral capsule that’s typically taken with each meal or snack.
Pertzye is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) due to cystic fibrosis and other conditions.
Pertzye comes as a delayed-release (DR) oral capsule that you swallow. A DR capsule is designed to release medication once it reaches the small intestine.
Pertzye is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called pancreatic enzyme replacements. Pertzye is not available in a biosimilar version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Pertzye, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Pertzye, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Pertzye provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Pertzye, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Pertzye’s forms, strengths, and dosages.
Pertzye form
Pertzye comes as a delayed-release (DR) oral capsule. With DR medications, the drug is released in the small intestine after it passes through the stomach.
Pertzye strengths
Pertzye contains three types of pancreatic enzymes:
- lipase to help digest fats
- protease to help digest proteins
- amylase to help digest carbohydrates
Pertzye comes in four strengths of these pancreatic enzymes:
- 4,000 units of lipase; 14,375 units of protease; 15,125 units of amylase
- 8,000 units of lipase; 28,750 units of protease; 30,250 units of amylase
- 16,000 units of lipase; 57,500 units of protease; 60,500 units of amylase
- 24,000 units of lipase; 86,250 units of protease; 90,750 units of amylase
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
Doctors may prescribe Pertzye to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
If your doctor prescribes Pertzye for your EPI, your starting dose will likely be 500 units of lipase per kilogram of body weight. (One kilogram [kg] equals approximately 2.2 pounds [lb].) Typically, you’ll take this with each full meal. Half of this dosage (250 units of lipase per kg of body weight) is typically prescribed for 2 to 3 snacks per day.
If necessary, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 2,500 units of lipase per kg per meal. If this dose isn’t working for you, your doctor may recommend another dose increase, up to 10,000 units of lipase per kg per day. This is the maximum dose of Pertzye that’s recommended.
The table below summarizes the typical dosage schedule, including the starting dosage and maintenance dosage. Your doctor will choose a maintenance dose that suits your needs.
| Starting dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|
| 500 units of lipase per kg per meal | 2,500 units of lipase per kg per meal (up to 10,000 units per kg per day) |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Pertzye is approved to treat EPI in children.
The dosage is based on the child’s age and body weight in kilograms. (One kilogram [kg] equals about 2.2 pounds [lb].) The dosage per kg is calculated by your child’s doctor.
The table below lists the typical dosing schedule for children taking Pertzye.
| Age | Starting dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| up to 12 months | 4,000 units of lipase per 120 milliliters (mL) of formula or breast milk | 4,000 units of lipase per 120 mL of formula or breast milk |
| 12 months to 3 years | 1,000 units of lipase per kg per meal | 2,500 units of lipase per kg per meal (up to 10,000 units per kg per day) |
| 4 years and older | 500 units of lipase per kg per meal | 2,500 units of lipase per kg per meal (up to 10,000 units per kg per day) |
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
How to take Pertzye
Pertzye comes as a delayed-release oral capsule that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the capsule in water. Be sure to take your dose with a meal or snack and then drink a glass of water.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
With your doctor’s approval, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the pellets on applesauce. Mix the pellets, but be sure not to crush them while mixing. Swallow the applesauce right away without chewing the pellets. Then, drink a glass of water to make sure you’ve swallowed all the pellets.
For infants up to 12 months old, give the contents of a Pertzye capsule right before a feeding of formula or breast milk. Do not mix the contents in the formula or milk. You can empty the capsule contents into your infant’s mouth or mix the contents in applesauce. (Be sure not to crush the pellets while mixing.) Then, give formula or breastfeed right away. Check your infant’s mouth for pellets afterward and make sure there are no pellets remaining.
If you have questions about how to use Pertzye, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Pertzye is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Pertzye is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Pertzye, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Pertzye in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
It’s important that you do not take more Pertzye than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Pertzye
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Pertzye. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.