Pancrelipase Brands: What They Are, How They Work, and Which Ones Are Best

When your pancreas can’t make enough digestive enzymes, pancrelipase, a mix of lipase, protease, and amylase enzymes used to replace what your body can’t produce. Also known as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, it helps you break down fats, proteins, and carbs so your body can absorb nutrients properly. Without it, people with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or after pancreatic surgery often suffer from bloating, oily stools, weight loss, and malnutrition.

Pancrelipase isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different brands—like Creon, a leading prescription enzyme product with delayed-release capsules designed to survive stomach acid, Zenpep, an enteric-coated capsule that releases enzymes in the small intestine, and Pertzye, a capsule with microspheres that mix easily with food for better absorption—have unique coatings, dosing forms, and release patterns. Some are taken with meals, others need to be opened and mixed with soft foods. The right one depends on your condition, diet, and how your body responds.

Doctors don’t just pick a brand at random. They look at enzyme strength (measured in lipase units), how well it works with your meals, and whether you can swallow capsules or need something you can sprinkle. Cost and insurance coverage also play a big role—some brands are cheaper than others, even if they do the same job. And while they all replace missing enzymes, not all are equally effective for everyone. That’s why switching brands under medical supervision can sometimes make a huge difference in symptoms.

What you’ll find below is a collection of real-world comparisons and guides that dive into how these brands stack up against each other, what side effects to watch for, how to take them right, and what to do if one isn’t working. Whether you’re new to enzyme therapy or have been using it for years, these posts give you the clear, no-fluff facts you need to make smarter choices about your treatment.