Frequently Asked Questions

EPI is a condition that occurs when the pancreas in the body cannot make enough enzymes. The enzymes help break down the food you eat, so it can be absorbed into your body. If your body is not making enough pancreatic enzymes, this can result in not being able to digest food properly, or maldigestion. This can be uncomfortable.

Signs and symptoms of EPI include:

Treatment for EPI includes pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), which can help your body digest food. People with EPI may also need to consider lifestyle and dietary modifications and/or vitamin or nutrient supplements.

ZENPEP (pancrelipase) is a prescription medicine for people who cannot digest food normally because their pancreas does not make enough enzymes. ZENPEP may help your body use fats, proteins, and sugars from food.

Goals of EPI management include improving nutrient absorption and relieving symptoms. Management includes lifestyle and dietary modifications, supplements, and medication like ZENPEP.

Experts estimate that most adults with EPI can start PERT at 40K to 50K lipase units per meal. Depending on the response, some people may need more lipase units to help relieve symptoms.

Only ZENPEP allows most adults to start PERT with just one 40K or 60K capsule taken with each meal.

Give ZENPEP right before each feeding of formula or breast milk, but do not mix the capsule contents directly into formula or breast milk. If your infant feeds a lot throughout the day, be careful not to go over the total daily dose.

Until your infant is old enough to swallow capsules whole, open the ZENPEP capsule and sprinkle the contents directly into your infant’s mouth or onto food. If you’re sprinkling ZENPEP contents into your infant’s mouth, always give enough breast milk or formula to completely swallow the ZENPEP contents.

Use a small amount of acidic food, such as applesauce, or other food recommended by your doctor. Do not mix ZENPEP directly into formula or breast milk. Liquid is needed whether you are sprinkling ZENPEP onto food or directly into your infant’s mouth.

After giving ZENPEP to your infant, make sure that all of the medicine has been swallowed.

• If you have trouble swallowing capsules, open the capsules and sprinkle the beads on a small amount of acidic food such as applesauce. Ask your doctor about other foods you can mix with ZENPEP
• If you sprinkle ZENPEP on food, swallow it right after you mix it. Do not store ZENPEP that is mixed with food
• Swallow the ZENPEP and food mixture right away followed with water or juice. Make sure the medicine is swallowed completely
• If you forget to take ZENPEP, call your doctor or wait until your next meal and take your usual number of capsules. Do not make up for missed doses. Take your next dose at the usual time

Your infant's doctor will prescribe the exact dose they need. Do not give your infant more ZENPEP in a day than what your doctor tells you. This is your infant’s total daily dose, which your doctor has calculated for you.

• Swallow ZENPEP capsules whole and take them with enough liquid to swallow them right away
• If you have trouble swallowing capsules, open the capsules and sprinkle their contents on a small amount of acidic food such as applesauce. Ask your doctor about other foods you can mix with ZENPEP
• If you sprinkle ZENPEP on food, swallow it right after you mix it. Do not store ZENPEP that is mixed with food
• Swallow the ZENPEP and food mixture right away followed with water or juice. Make sure the medicine is swallowed completely

If you forget to take ZENPEP, call your doctor or wait until your next meal and take your usual number of capsules. Do not make up for missed doses. Take your next dose at the usual time.

• Store ZENPEP at room temperature (68 °F to 77 °F; 20 °C to 25 °C). Avoid heat
• After opening the bottle, keep it closed tightly between doses
• DO NOT eat or throw away the packet (desiccant) in your medicine bottle, if present. Keep it in the bottle. This packet will protect your medicine from moisture
• Store ZENPEP in a dry place

Keep ZENPEP and all medicines out of the reach of children.