Does anyone have EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency)?

Posted by slkanowitz @slkanowitz, Oct 15, 2023

The prescription enzyme I take is 368.00 a month copay. Without insurance it is over 2000.00 a month! I’m looking for an affordable over the counter pancreatic enzyme with comparable lipase dosage of 40,000 units. I would appreciate any suggestions, as the diarrhea caused by this condition is intolerable.

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debra54 | @debra54 | Oct 15, 2023

Maybe a different brand, like creon but I would ask my pharmacist bout options

myrrh739 | @myrrh739 | Oct 15, 2023

I have EPI and is very painful, I take 36000 units x 3 daily
I know that you can get help from “ National Pancreas Foundation “
From MyAbbieAsist, 1(800)222-6885, or maybe Mayo Clinic’s Moderators and Mentors can give you and advise. Hopefully everything will be fine.

slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Oct 16, 2023

Thank you so much! I will follow up on this. I so appreciate your feedback and a couple of new resources to contact.

dgx01 | @dgx01 | Oct 16, 2023

In reply to @slkanowitz "Thank you so much! I will follow up on this. I so appreciate your feedback and..." + (show)

Did you try GoodRx? They may have coupons.

khayes23 | @khayes23 | Oct 17, 2023

Also try Singlcare or Blink health discount for med discount.

Garygirl | @taftst1 | Oct 17, 2023

Have you tried an interventional doc for low cortisol. She directed me to an enzyme site. She believes in natural. May or May not work. But it’s worth a try. That’s unreal on the price.

khayes23 | @khayes23 | Oct 18, 2023

In reply to @taftst1 "Have you tried an interventional doc for low cortisol. She directed me to an enzyme site...." + (show)

i picked up Otho Molecular Digestzyme-V. It contains the same things as Creon and Zenpap.
Amalase, Protease, Lipase plus many other benefits, according to my compound pharmacist.
I have not started taking yet.

Garygirl | @taftst1 | Oct 18, 2023

Yes I have. So I ordered DHEA as a spray. Got sick on it and some pill. Same issue. She had me try ashwagandha, it raised it,, and was it from that I don’t know. Used Goli brand. After I told her the recommendation she gave did not work, she just advised Ashwagandha. Round and round we go. But she did the saliva test which Mayo states is the best. Everyone else disagrees. Upset!!

Garygirl | @taftst1 | Oct 18, 2023

In reply to @khayes23 "i picked up Otho Molecular Digestzyme-V. It contains the same things as Creon and Zenpap. Amalase,..." + (show)

Zenpep? Had that years ago. It’s to bulk up stools. You must have gastro problems. Had Creon too I think, years ago. Zenpep helps you digest and get nutrients out of food.

geegeebabe | @geegeebabe | Mar 24 12:27am

I’m on ZENPEP. Medicare doesn’t cover Creon. Worked great for the first 3-4 months, now I’m back where I started. Hard to get hold of my doc and he seems indifferent to helping me. From what I have seen, most Gastroenterologists seem to lack any empathy for their patients. I had a great one years ago, he was the top world wide doc in the field. He treated my sister for severe Crohns issues. He called her his miracle child. I also saw him for GI issues. He had a great bedside manner, was patient, informative, and gentle. Unfortunately, he’s retired now. I wish I could find someone like him. The guy my sister goes to now is different than my doc, but she says the same thing I do, he’s not very good. I have seen so many complaints about doctors not being empathetic at all. I don’t know if it’s because they have too many patients with issues, or if they just don’t give a damn. I wish you the b3st of luck.