EPIZYME Pancreatin Powder (Manufacturer may vary)

Epizyme is a mixture of pancreatic enzymes that is FDA-approved for use in cats and dogs to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (also known as maldigestion syndrome). It is prescribed for pets whose pancreas has stopped producing digestive enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes are necessary for digestion, so animals who don't make enough of these enzymes get very sick and can lose a lot of weight because they cannot properly digest and absorb the fat, protein, and sugar in their food.

For: Dogs & Cats

Benefits

Effective treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (also known as maldigestion syndrome)

Begins working immediately after the first dose

Can reduce the symptoms and help your pet live a healthier life

Helps your pet regain weight lost due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

How it works

Epizyme replaces the pancreatic enzymes that the pancreas fails to produce when your pet suffers from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. It is made up of three types of enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) that aid in digestion of fat, protein, and carbohydrates (sugar). It works because these natural enzymes, made from whole pig pancreas, mimic the pancreatic enzymes your pet is lacking. When the enzyme powder mixes with your pet's food, the enzymes begin to break down and work. Although exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is not yet curable, treating with pancreatic enzymes, such as Epizyme, can reduce the symptoms that occur with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and can help your pet live a healthier life. Epizyme will begin working immediately to improve digestion after the first dose, but it will take a while before you'll see significant improvement in your pet's weight, stools, and coat. Once your pet needs Epizyme, he or she will likely have to continue taking Epizyme for the rest of his or her life.

Cautions

Do not give Epizyme to any pets who are allergic or hypersensitive to pork products, as it is derived from whole pig (pork) pancreas. Although allergic reactions are rare, they are possible. See below for more information. Do not give Epizyme powder to your pet if he or she is taking any other medications without first talking with your veterinarian.

Dosage & Administration

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. You should avoid inhaling the powder as it might irritate the mouth. Epizyme should be given with food. Mix the powder with your pet's food and let stand for 15-20 minutes before feeding your pet. Store Epizyme powder at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

Directions

Add a single dose of Epizyme to your pet's moistened food. If you use wet food, simply stir the powder into the wet food mixture. If you use dry food, wet the food with plenty of warm water first, then stir in the powder, making sure to thoroughly mix the food with the enzyme powder.

Let the food/enzyme mixture sit for 15 - 20 minutes before giving it to your pet, to give the enzymes adequate time to begin working and to decrease the chance of irritating your pet's mouth.

Tip

Even though cefpodoxime proxetil can be given without food, some pets do experience some digestive upset. Administer with food to lessen gastrointestinal side effects.

Dosage Pet Weight Dosage Dogs/Cats: All weights The usual dose for dogs is ¾ - 1 teaspoon of the powder with each meal, and for cats is ¼ to ¾ teaspoon of the powder with each meal, but always follow your veterinarian's instructions. Make sure you thoroughly mix the powder with moistened food (either wet food or food moistened with plenty of warm water). After mixing, allow the food and enzyme mixture to stand for 15 - 20 minutes before giving it to your pet. Horses: X X Storage Store this product at room temperature in a tight, light resistant container in a dry, cool place. Keep product in a child-proof container, and keep out of reach of children.

Possible side effects of Epizyme: Stop administering and seek emergency veterinary medical care in the event of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; rash; or fainting), severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, and unusual bleeding or bruising. Other, less serious side effects such as mild nausea, diarrhea, or yeast infection may be more likely to occur. Continue to give cefpodoxime proxetil and notify your veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

If you miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

If you overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Epizyme overdose may include diarrhea, excess fat in the feces, increased appetite, and weight loss.

What should I avoid while giving Epizyme: Epizyme should not be given to pets allergic to it, or to pets allergic to pork. You should avoid inhaling the powder as it might irritate the mouth.

What other drugs will affect Epizyme: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given antacids such as Maalox, H2 blockers such as cimetidine or proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Epizyme. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.