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Overview: Viokace is made up of a mixture of enzymes (pancreatic enzymes). It is used to help digest food in people whose pancreas is not working properly. Common side effects include gallstones and itching around the anus. Viokace should always be taken with a meal or snack.

Uses

What is Viokace used for?

Viokace is commonly used to help break down and digest food in people whose pancreas is not working properly (pancreatic insufficiency). 

Viokace may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Viokace work (mechanism of action)?

Viokace is made up of a mixture of enzymes (pancreatic enzymes), including lipases, proteases, and amylases. These enzymes help break down fats, proteins, and sugars from food in the small intestine. This helps the body digest and absorb important nutrients.

How is Viokace supplied (dosage forms)?

Viokace comes as an oral tablet that is swallowed. 

How should I store Viokace?

Viokace should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture.

Viokace should be kept in the original bottle, which should be tightly closed when not in use. If there is a small paper packet or canister (desiccant) in the bottle, it should be kept inside the bottle. Do not eat the desiccant or throw it away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Viokace?

The most common side effects of Viokace are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Viokace that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Viokace?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Viokace are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Fibrosing Colonopathy. Some people who take high doses of Viokace have developed a rare but serious condition called fibrosing colonopathy. In fibrosing colonopathy, scar tissue builds up in the colon (large intestine), causing narrowing (strictures) or blockages. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Unusual or severe nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, or bloating
  • Severe constipation
  • Severe or bloody diarrhea
  • Weight loss

High Uric Acid Levels (Hyperuricemia). Viokace may increase your uric acid levels, especially if you have a history of high uric acid levels, kidney problems, or gout. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperuricemia.

  • Joint pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Joint swelling or redness

Severe Allergic Reactions. Viokace can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Viokace and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Viokace?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Viokace.

  • Amylase
  • Lipase
  • Pancreatic enzymes
  • Pancrelipase
  • Pork (pig) products
  • Protease
  • Viokace
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed, which may include lactose

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Viokace.

What should I know about Viokace before using it?

Do not take Viokace unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about whether to adjust your dose based on your diet or weight.

Do not share Viokace with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Viokace out of the reach of children.

Viokace should always be taken with a meal or snack. 

Viokace should be swallowed whole. It should be taken with plenty of liquid to make sure it is swallowed completely. Do not allow Viokace to stay in the mouth. If Viokace is chewed, crushed, or left in the mouth, it can cause serious mouth irritation and sores.

Viokace is made from the pancreas of pigs. These are the same pigs that people eat as pork.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Viokace?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Viokace is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Gout
  • High uric acid levels
  • History of blocked or narrowed intestines
  • Kidney problems
  • Lactose intolerant

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Viokace could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Viokace while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Viokace passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Viokace while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does Viokace interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Viokace and foods or drinks. Viokace should always be taken with a meal or snack and plenty of liquid.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Viokace.

Does Viokace interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Viokace may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Viokace?

If you or someone else has used too much Viokace, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Viokace?

If you miss a dose of Viokace, skip the missed dose and take the next dose with your next meal or snack. Do not take double or extra doses.