With EPI and Zenpep side effects

[Epiguy]

Have you experienced frequent urination while on Zenpep?

And does having EPI (and also taking Zenpep) produce excessive flatulence?

I’m so gassy especially in the evening and at bedtime.

Curious if others have these symptoms/side effects.

[simpleguy999]

Hello, I'm sorry you're having those side effects. I have EPI and have been taking Creon, which is similar to Zenpep, I understand, and is also manufactured from pigs. I have also experienced frequent urination (sometimes going 3 times an hour) and gas as well as an inability to hold back a bowel movement when I feel the need to go. I want to get off the meds. I want to find if there's a cause for my EPI which I can address. My cortisol levels are high, which indicates I might not be handling stress well, and this may have an effect on my digestive enzymes. I also may have low stomach acid. I'm going to a gastroenterologist to see what he or she can advise. I'm also going to a functional medicine practitioner, paying for the services with my own money since my insurance doesn't cover this, to see if he has some ideas. Best wishes.

[Epiguy in reply to simpleguy999]

Yeah, looks like our symptoms are similar. thanks for the reply.

[simpleguy999 in reply to Epiguy]

You're welcome. I was diagnosed with EPI because my fecal pancreatic elastase test came back with a a reading of 83, and any reading less than 100 is classified as severe pancreatic insufficiency. If this test was what your doctor used, you might request a retest to ensure you have EPI. This test gives false positive readings about 20% of the time. ( I got re-tested but still got the same results.) If you have only moderate pancreatic insufficiency (readings of 100-200), perhaps you can ask your doctor what are the consequences of not taking Zenpep.

[Epiguy in reply to simpleguy999]

Great idea! Although my reading was 72 (☹️), I’d still like a second analysis. I was surprised by how casual my gastro doctor was as he simply said just take the creon pills (later switched to Zenpep) whenever you eat. I said “for life?” And he replied nonchalantly “yes.” My whole life now revolves around those overpriced enzymes.

[Beekepper in reply to simpleguy999]

Hi Simpleguy. Can I ask how long you have had EPI for? I just had a reading of 75.

[Epiguy in reply to Beekepper]

Diagnosed in March, 2024. Probably had symptoms of gastro distress a lot longer. But March 5 is when the Steatorrhea started. Since taking Zenpep feel much better.