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Zenpep
So after 2.5 years of taking every test known to humans. Go to a great GI doctor in Dallas and told her the same thing I told all the other drs. And boom she puts me on zenpep. Yes I have lost 12 lbs, yes I feel like my muscles are now getting proteins. But I have other side affects. I am not sure from MEC or type off food. Like I just ate a sandwich and my whole body is on fire. Some times I get rashes. My body still aches but not as bad before meds. And tramadol does nothing to help. Anyone with ideas. I haven’t taken hydros in 3-4 years but seems like it would help. But it’s not worth the effort to get a dr to write?????
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I have been on Zenpep for a year. I haven't experienced any of the side effects you mentioned. One thing I've noticed is I must eat immediately when I take them or my bellies on fire and I feel bad.Hope things get better soon. Tramadol is the equivalent of baby aspirin.
Thanks I think. Did here ever tell you why you needd.
According to the website https://www.zenpep.com/ you should tell your doctor of the side effects you are having.
Wishing you better days,
ZeeGee
Can't afford prescription. any over counter alternative to Zenpep
@artperdiem - Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your post here to this existing discussion about pancrelipase (Zenpep) so you could chat with others who've also had experience with this medication and its cost:
- Zenpep https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/zenpep/
If you are replying by email, click on VIEW & REPLY so that you will be brought to the new discussion. I suggest reading previous posts and posting yourself, as you feel comfortable.
Fellow members such as @habook @fourof5zs @mutter3 and others may have ideas about what to do if the cost of the pancrelipase (Zenpep) is prohibitive. @jlharsh also may have some thoughts.
What has your doctor who wanted you to take this medication say about potential alternatives?
Did you get an Elastase(poop)test and did results prove you have EPI? What is your elastase number? It took 2 months for me to get an EPI diagnosis because all my Dr were clueless. ZENPEP and CREON are delayed release. Meaning capsule dissolves after your stomach. This is required because your stomach acid will kill the enzymes. A healthy person w/o EPI has the healthy pancreas releasing enzymes to your small intestine. W/O the enzymes you cannot get nutrients from your food….thus weight loss and more issues…
Read up on EPI and pancreatic enzyme replacement theropy(PERT). You should take your pills with food. Typically immediately after your first bite. Plus you have only 20 minutes to eat. At restaurants I wait till all my food arrives, salad, soup and entree…. Then I start. I do not know of any delayed release over the counter enzymes. Creon or Zenpep are what is typically prescribed. No OTC choices
Hi @artperdiem, and thanks, @lisalucier, for tagging me into the conversation.
I do know seeing the cost of a medication can feel overwhelming. If cost is the only thing standing between you and taking the medication, I’d encourage you to let your doctor or pharmacist know before giving up on it. Sometimes there are other prescription options, your insurance may prefer a different pancreatic enzyme, or there may be manufacturer assistance programs or other resources that can help.
Unfortunately, I understand from @venture there isn’t an over-the-counter equivalent to Zenpep, so it’s important to check with your healthcare team before trying something else.
I hope other members who have faced this same challenge will share what worked for them. Has your doctor or pharmacist suggested any lower-cost options yet?