What is Epizyme?

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. Epizyme requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Cats and Dogs

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.

Brand Name:

Epizyme (Vet Brands International)

Generic Name:

Pancreatic Enzymes

What is the most important information I should know about Epizyme:

Epizyme is a prescription medication FDA approved for veterinary use in dogs and cats. Epizyme is available as a powder. Each 1 teaspoonful of powder (2.8 Gm) contains Lipase (71,400 USP Units), Protease (388,000 USP Units) and Amylase (460,000 USP Units). The usual dose of Epizyme powder in dogs is 3/4-1 teaspoonful mixed with each meal. After mixing, allow the mixture to stand for 15-20 minutes before feeding it to your pet. For cats, the usual dose of Epizyme powder is 1/4-3/4 teaspoonful of the powder mixed with each meal. After mixing, allow the mixture to stand for 15-20 minutes before feeding it to your pet.  

What is Epizyme:

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 and Pancreatic Insufficiency Disorder (PID)). Epizyme is a generic equivalent to Pancrezyme. It has the same active ingredients in the same strengths.  

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Epizyme to my pet:

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to pork. 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. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.  

How should this medication be given:

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.  

What happens if I 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.  

What happens if I 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 to my pet:

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 are the possible side effects of Epizyme:

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Epizyme and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Continue giving Epizyme and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences diarrhea or loose stools. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.  

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.  

Where can I get more information:

Your pharmacist has additional information about Epizyme written for health professionals that you may read.