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Ku-Zyme Side Effects

Generic name: pancrelipase

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 19, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Ku-Zyme Side Effects associated with pancrelipase. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Ku-Zyme.

Applies to pancrelipase: oral capsule, oral capsule delayed release, oral tablet, oral tablet enteric coated.

Other dosage forms:

Common side effects of Ku-Zyme

Some side effects of pancrelipase may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • blurred vision
  • dry mouth
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • headache
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • sweating
  • unexplained weight loss
  • vomiting

Less common

  • abnormal feces
  • anxiety
  • bloated feeling
  • chills
  • cold sweats
  • confusion
  • cool, pale skin
  • depression
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  • feeling of fullness
  • fever
  • frequent bowel movements
  • loss of consciousness
  • muscle aches
  • nightmares
  • passing gas
  • runny nose
  • seizures
  • shakiness
  • slurred speech
  • sore throat

Incidence not known

  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • difficulty with moving
  • muscle aching or cramping
  • muscle pains or stiffness
  • muscle spasm
  • swollen joints

Serious side effects of Ku-Zyme

Along with its needed effects, pancrelipase (the active ingredient contained in Ku-Zyme) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pancrelipase:

Rare

  • skin rash or hives

With high doses

With very high doses

With powder dosage form or powder from opened capsules

- if breathed in

With tablets

- if held in the mouth

Incidence not known

  • cough
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness
  • fast heartbeat
  • itching
  • noisy breathing
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • redness of the skin
  • severe stomach pain
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pancrelipase: oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral delayed release capsule, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included gastrointestinal complaints, abdominal pain, and headaches.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Bowel stricture formation occasionally occurred in children with cystic fibrosis who received high doses.

Moderate duodenitis and gastritis occurred in a patient with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis 16 days after completing treatment with 4000 lipase units/gram fat ingested per day for 5 to 6 days, followed by placebo for an additional 5 to 6 days.[Ref]

Nervous system

A dull headache was reported by a patient receiving treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid concomitantly. The event resolved without sequelae after discontinuation of this drug.[Ref]

Metabolic

Hepatic

Hematologic

Respiratory

Other

Dermatologic

Musculoskeletal

Cardiovascular

Oncologic

Psychiatric

Renal

Immunologic

Hypersensitivity

A patient with a known history of allergy to another pancrelipase (the active ingredient contained in Ku-Zyme) product developed a mild allergic reaction, including red, blotchy facial rash and itching. The event resolved without sequelae after discontinuation of this drug.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Ocular

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Viokase (pancrelipase)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories

2. (2022) "Product Information. Ku-Zyme (pancrelipase)." Schwarz Pharma

3. (2001) "Product Information. Zymase (pancrelipase)." Organon

4. (2001) "Product Information. Cotazym (pancrelipase)." Organon

5. (2001) "Product Information. Cotazym-S (pancrelipase)." Organon

6. (2001) "Product Information. Pancrease (pancrelipase)." McNeil Pharmaceutical

7. (2022) "Product Information. Pancrease (pancrelipase)." Apothecon Inc

8. (2001) "Product Information. Ultrase (pancrelipase)." Scandipharm Inc

9. "Product Information. Ultrase MT 12 (pancrelipase)." Scandipharm Inc

10. (2001) "Product Information. Creon 5 (pancrelipase)." Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc

11. (2001) "Product Information. Creon 10 (pancrelipase)." Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc

12. (2001) "Product Information. Creon 20 (pancrelipase)." Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc

13. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Ku-Zyme side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.