Pancreatitis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Pancreatitis is inflammation of your pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that makes insulin. It also makes enzymes (digestive juices) that help your body digest food. Pancreatitis may be an acute (short-term) problem that happens only once. It may become a chronic (long-term) problem that comes and goes over time.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your doctor if:

• You have severe pain in your abdomen and you are vomiting.
• You have a fever.
• You continue to lose weight without trying.
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• pancreatin
• Albutein
• Flexbumin
• Pancreatin 4X
• Alburx

View more treatment options

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Antibiotics may be given to treat a bacterial infection.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your usual activities as directed.
• Do not drink any alcohol. If you need help to stop drinking, contact the following organization:
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
    Web Address: http://www.aa.org
    
• Ask your healthcare provider or dietitian about the best foods to eat. You may need to eat foods that are low in fat if you have chronic pancreatitis.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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